
The raw clay is pounded out and rolled flat

Next it is cut out into a shape, using a template

The shapes are then textured with stamps

Poppy

The textures can be simple

… or elaborate.

The pieces were then set out, to dry overnight.

Next day, the glazing begins

Painting on the glaze

Get all those nooks and crannies

Thank goodness, we saved our yogurt containers!

Plenty of space to work outside

Many houses, and fields of poppies to paint

Sometimes this can be messy work!

Dear, old friends

some of the glazed pieces were also incised, providing more detail

Glazed trimmings from the incision work

Literal designs,

… as well as abstract…

… and fanciful work, were all encouraged.

The pastel shades of the unfired glaze would turn vibrant after the kiln.

The unglazed version of this piece is seen in the 2nd row above, on the right. Color changes things!

Many houses

This can be delicate work

All done with love, of course

More trimmings

Many of the hands became the feathers of the Phoenix

The others, leaves of the tree

There were 38 houses in all, one for each home destroyed in the fire.

Each one, a very special place.

Poppies cover our hillsides in the Spring

And we welcome them in our mural, as well

May they be a blessing to all who visit the finished memorial.