Alchemy

Description

All she can do is whisper her ancient words in pursuit of alchemy.

From a beautiful poem by Chris about motherhood. Michaela chose to do imagery that reflected earth and seas, symbolising Gaia.

We love these biscuit plates – at fairs, they are very popular but also bring about debate – just how biscuits could this plate hold..?

If you would like to choose three plates to go together, use code biscuit3 and you can have three plates for £55 instead of £60.

We wanted to make something that sits easily alongside your favourite mug. Of course, there are no rules – maybe you would like one just as decoration or maybe it will hold your jewellery on your bedside cabinet. But if it is for biscuits, which are your favourite? Here, it’s jammy dodgers (Michaela) and hobnobs (Chris)..

The biscuit plates are 9cm diameter, made from stoneware clay that was first rolled out and dried a little. It was then smoothed out using a pottery tool called a kidney and then cut into circles, using the spaces in-between to make ‘words to see you through the week’ hearts. The edges are then smoothed using a fine sponge.

The circle then becomes a space for the words and sketch. The words are chosen, either one word or a line, from Chris’s poetry. The words are allowed to bring something to mind for Michaela, who then etches in a drawing, a line, textures or marks and adds in words around the edge or more centrally, sometimes a straight line, sometimes bending to the image.

The plate is then shaped on a wooden mould and left to firm up, until it is dry enough to be fired. Once fired, it is then given colour, with underglaze used to pick out the letters and lines and then to add depth of colour to the image. The plate then gets a coat of clear glaze over the top surface and it is then refired, ready for you to enjoy…