This afternoon I unloaded my electric kiln full of terra cotta – and some new stamps!
So my first kiln of the New Year is finally done. And everything turned out great!
I especially love the rustic orange color of the terra cotta and the “antiqued” quality
that the black underglaze gives it.
So here’s my dilemma… In my head these were intended to be planters for outside
on your deck or patio. And I know that I don’t like my outdoor plants to have trays
as they collect water and sit in puddles after it rains. So I didn’t make water trays to match.
Should I have made matching trays?! A couple people at the studio have asked
about the trays – and now I’m kind of second-guessing myself. Keep in mind, that not
everyone would need the tray. But if I were to make trays to match, it not only means
I need to make trays to the correct sizes and keep them together as pairs, but it also
increases the price point by nearly double! Is it worth it?!
Those are freaking awesome Gary!
Too nice to be put outside, make some trays.
They are beautiful! Do you once fire them?
SCOTT – I have a feeling that is going to be the consensus.
I’m afraid I need to take some measurements, account for shrinkage and then go back and start making some trays! Wish I would have considered that when I first made the planter boxes! Sheesh. Well, maybe next time?!
LAURIE – Yes. I let the terra cotta go to bone dry after construction. Then I did the black underglaze staining and let that dry overnight as well. The next day I glazed the interiors and let them dry for a couple hours before putting them into the kiln. I set the kiln for a “slow” cone 04 firing with a five hour preheat with a 15 minute “hold” at the end. And luckily for me, everything turned out great!
You might be able to design them so that they have a “tray” but still are one piece. Just extend the base and create a raised edge around the outside. Then drill holes just above the base so the excess water can exit to the little groove that’s created. I did this with some small thrown planters recently.
ANN – Thanks for the suggestion. I make my regular flower pots with the attached water tray. But for some reason, in my mind these planters were going to be outdoors and I don’t like my plants to sit in water-filled trays. I personally remove all of the water trays from my outdoor plants. So I’m torn… and leaning towards making some simple trays that will fit under the planters… that can be used if the “buyer” wants to?! Unfortunately it will also raise the price point for everyone!
I would make a new batch with trays for inside and leave these as they are for outside. They are gorgeous! Maybe the “inside” planters could be smaller to cut down their price point. But really, if someone loves them it won’t matter.
AMY – Great minds think alike. That was kind of my plan as well. And I was thinking about making the next batch a little “longer & narrower” for indoor windowsill gardens. I think they’re pretty fun… and my Mom is already in love with the “prototype” I gave her last year filled with cactus & succulents.
I’m with Amy. I would just do some new ones with trays for inside and keep the planters you’ve already done for outdoor use without the trays. I’m like you, Gary… for outside planters there’s no reason to have the tray. I love these – I can see people buying them for outdoors AND spending a little extra to have one for inside the home.
JULIE – Looks like we’re all on the same page! So it’s more textured terra cotta fun for me… coming soon!!!
hi gary,
love the containers as is and i second everyone’s thoughts on not going in for trays for this lot.
but what i love are the textures that you get on your surfaces.
Thanks. I’m kind of a fan of texture… if you can’t tell already!
And yes, “the plan” has been formulated. The “next batch” will have water trays to go with them… but not this one!