Palm tree on a starfish. Likely title Kirabati coast  A reference to climate change and rising see levels in the Pacific

White earthenware with clear glaze  Dolls are a reference to the past when life was simpler

Excellent firing  Glaze super smooth  I like the irish china Belleek  it is often all white

today i worked on a doll in 11 pieces.  it is a challenge

Hi Sophie, the pump is self priming when it is immersed in the slip in the rubbish bin. When we were mixing slip we had a separate slip mixer which was in essence a small propeller on the end of a shaft in a large 44gal plastic drum. We have not mixed slip for many years as quality control with the clay was a problem. Over the last few years we purchased premixed slip in buckets (from walker ceramics) which we simply emptied into the slip pump bin. Slip is very abrasive and corrosive (and sets) if left in open containers so while the slip is in the (green bin) it needs to be protected from evaporation by covering. a piece of bubble wrap resting on the surface of the clay works well but can be a little messy. To clean the pump simply pump the slip out into a bucket. lift the pump out of the green bin (2 allan screws at the back of the motor mount). Tip remaining slip out of the green bin into bucket then half fill green bin with water, replace the pump and simply hold the hose open back into the green bin, It is important before pouring to recirculate the slip back into the green bin (nozzle slot on motor mount can be used) to make sure the slip is evenly fluid throughout the mix. Pump nozzles are a problem as they block up and corrode as you can see from the spare nozzles I sent. Hope this helps, from Robyn who did all the pouring etc and she may be able to help further with tips
Regards ron 

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When we were mixing slip we had a separate slip mixer which was in essence a small propeller on the end of a shaft in a large 44gal plastic drum. We have not mixed slip for many years as quality control with the clay was a problem. Over the last few years we purchased premixed slip in buckets (from walker ceramics) which we simply emptied into the slip pump bin. Slip is very abrasive and corrosive (and sets) if left in open containers so while the slip is in the (green bin) it needs to be protected from evaporation by covering. a piece of bubble wrap resting on the surface of the clay works well but can be a little messy. To clean the pump simply pump the slip out into a bucket. lift the pump out of the green bin (2 allen screws at the back of the motor mount). Tip remaining slip out of the green bin into bucket then half fill green bin with water, replace the pump and simply hold the hose open back into the green bin, It is important before pouring to recirculate the slip back into the green bin (nozzle slot on motor mount can be used) to make sure the slip is evenly fluid throughout the mix. Pump nozzles are a problem as they block up and corrode as you can see from the spare nozzles I sent. Hope this helps, if you would like you can ring Robyn on who did all the pouring etc and she may be able to help further with tips

Hi
Some information about the slip pump from she who used it.
be sure the slip (or water when cleaning) covers the top of the round grey metal at the bottom of the bin. As you empty you will know how far you can go you will hear the splashing start, be near the switch to stop the splashing getting to high.
When emptying the last bit needs to be removed by hand or remove pump and tip out.
Be sure to stir slip about twice a week, including flushing through the hose and the gun. I think there is a hole at the top of the frame that the gun fits in (Pointing down) and there may be a way of holding the gun open. If not a piece of wood or sponge can do the same job. This can introduce air bubbles in to the slip so be aware. To avoid air bubbles hold gun close to the surface I used a round stick to move the slip if I had left it a bit too long.
The hose is rather long as after a time a leak will develop where it bends near the gun and you need to cut that part off. However that hose has never split as it seems stronger than I have had before.
When the slip has sat long enough for the top to "set" a bit a thin layer of water on top will stop it from drying out, apply gently close enough to the surface not to break through. Better than bubble wrap as Ron suggested, I have never tried that.
I hope this makes sense and is useful Robyn

The second hand clay pump arrives.  It seems to have a bonus clay pump with it  New batch of slip for make up next week when my friend Victa is here  I hope to mix in one container and pump straight to the storage barrel  I am hoping a lot less work

Wave mold arrived from US.  Two piece mold arrived in three pieces.  Pieces falling off interior and each corner.  I have tried to rebuild but mold has to be plugged to stop clay running out.  Item when poured is very marked  Hours of work to clean up

This beautiful frog was found by Nikki on her car door window.  She brought it inside before going to get some late night milk.  It was a great jumper jumping all over her and the lounge room.  It is a clever frog as he got past the roller door

Nikki put him outside with a bowl of water under a Daphne bush near a compost bin that has flies from time to time.  Come morning he had moved on.

​A neighbour recently commented on the number of birds we have in our trees.  We must be doing something right because we have lots of butterflies of all sizes particularly big ones 

​My garden heaven