NEW GLAZES

Okay, fellow potters, I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement after my recent trip to KY Mudwork's gambler's sale! I managed to snag some fantastic new Amaco glazes, and I can't wait to dive into some serious experimenting. Specifically, I picked up Chai Matte, Acai Matte, Rainforest Celadon, and Emerald Potter's Choice. These colors are just stunning on their own, but my mind is already racing with all the layering possibilities! Let's talk about Chai Matte first. The name itself conjures up cozy, warm tones, and the sample I saw was this beautiful, soft, earthy neutral. I'm picturing it as an incredible base for so many pieces. Have any of you had success layering bright, contrasting colors over a matte base like this? I'm wondering if a thin coat of something vibrant, perhaps a bright blue or green, could really pop on top, creating a lovely depth without overwhelming the subtle beauty of the Chai. Or maybe keeping it simple with a clear gloss on top to just enhance its natural hue? I've heard some amazing things about layering matte glazes for a more textured, sophisticated look, and Chai Matte seems perfect for exploring that. Then there's Acai Matte – oh my goodness, the richness! It's such a deep, intriguing purple, almost like a dark berry. I can already imagine this on some organic, hand-built forms. With Acai, I'm thinking about combinations that either highlight its depth or offer a beautiful contrast. What about a lighter, ethereal celadon, like the Rainforest Celadon I also picked up, dabbed or brushed over it? Or, on the flip side, maybe a metallic-looking glaze to give it some shimmer? I'm curious if anyone has tried combining Acai Matte with a darker, glossy black or deep blue for a really dramatic effect. I know many of you are pros at getting those unique combinations to sing. When it comes to Amaco glazes, I always feel like there's a bit of magic involved. Their Potter's Choice series, including the Emerald I got, is known for its beautiful movement and often breaking colors. I've found that layering a stable, opaque glaze under a more fluid, translucent one can create stunning effects. For instance, using the Chai Matte as a solid, earthy foundation, and then applying a flowing celadon or a speckled glaze on top might lead to some unexpected, delightful results. And don't forget the power of testing! I always try to do small test tiles, noting down my glaze order and thickness. It saves so much heartache later on. Thinking about my new haul, Rainforest Celadon is another one that has me excited. I can see it working beautifully with both the Chai and Acai. Perhaps a thin layer of Rainforest over Chai Matte could give a subtle, mossy effect, or over Acai for a deep, mystical forest vibe. And the Emerald Potter's Choice? That deep green could be fantastic as an accent over either of the matte glazes, adding a jewel-toned highlight. I remember seeing a piece once where someone layered a matte white over a dark glaze, letting the base color peek through, and it created such a sophisticated textural contrast. I'm eager to try something similar with the Chai or Acai. Ultimately, the beauty of pottery is in the experimentation, isn't it? I'm really looking for those tried-and-true combinations that you've discovered, especially with these Amaco matte glazes. Are there any particular techniques you use for layering to prevent running or to achieve specific effects? Share your wisdom! I'm all ears for your favorite Amaco glaze combinations, especially if you've worked with Chai Matte or Acai Matte. Let's inspire each other with our pottery journeys!