For potters, mold making is invaluable because it allows them to slip-cast identical multiples of their work-and this newly revised, now in color edition of Andrew Martin's classic is the definitive guide to the craft. No other volume has shown the processes in such how-to detail. It's overflowing with hundreds of photos, key techniques, projects, master artist profiles, and troubleshooting tips. A thorough introduction addresses materials and tools, and presents Martin's simple, unique template method for making clay prototypes. Create easy one-piece molds to make tiles, bowls, and platters, or multi-piece molds for more complex forms. An extensive overview covers slip formulation, while offering highly desired slip recipes for low-, mid-, and high-fire clay bodies. This will be the standard reference in every ceramist's library.
The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook &break;&break;This is the first book to contain, in one comprehensive volume, every molding and casting procedure of use to the theater props builder (no matter what his or her level or proficiency). The author demonstrates the techniques involved in using more than thirty different materials ranging from papier-mache to breakaway glass. &break;&break;While the use of some materials–plaster and polyester resins, for example–is covered to some extent in other publications, information on the selection and use of rubber materials (latex, neoprene, silicone, and the urethanes) and the procedure for making breakaway windows and bottles is available only in The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook. &break;&break;Written in an easy, conversational style, the book will be useful to anyone involved with theater properties, puppetry, and costuming (as professionals or amateurs). It will also serve admirably the needs of students taking classes in those subjects. &break;&break;Completing the book is a special section on designing and building a vacuum forming machine suitable for use in constructing theater props. More than 450 photographs illustrate the step-by-step procedures explained throughout the entire text.
Nearly all glass makers (unless they are blowing glass) need moulds which can go in the kiln, as part of the process of creating their work. Currently glass students and makers get their expertise and recipes from lots of different sources, picking out the relevant bits and pieces which they need from other glass and ceramic books. This book aims to introduce all the mould-making techniques for casting glass, with detailed information on materials, recipes for mould mixes, methods and applications. It helps the student to learn which methods are appropriate for different types of work, and covers all the basics of how to make your mould. It also includes practical information on sourcing, storing, using and recycling materials, and how to develop your own recipes and methods for particular projects. It also covers where to start with writing programmes for kiln firings including annealing and cooling. It also contains images from well-known artists working in cast glass throughout.
Since A Nation at Risk was published in 1983, there has been widespread recognition that public education is failing in the U.S. Numerous expensive reforms have been attempted to no avail, and costs have increased dramatically. Furthermore, economic austerity requires educational systems to do more with less. This book presents convincing evidence that paradigm change – such as the change of lighting systems from the candle to the light bulb – is the only way to significantly improve student learning and simultaneously lower costs. The authors provide a thought-provoking vision of the new paradigm, including a new brain-based pedagogy, a new professional role for teachers, a new central role for technology, and even a new more empowered role for students and parents. The authors also describe three examples – a school, a school district, and a school model – that have implemented many features of the new paradigm, along with evidence of their effectiveness. Finally, this book describes ways we can transform our Industrial-Age school systems to the new paradigm, including ways our state and federal governments can help.
Cook colorful, whimsical, eye-catching soaps right in your microwave! It’s easy and fun with C. Kaila Westerman’s guide to creative soap making. Westerman’s recipes are free of harsh chemicals and she encourages you to play with colors, scents, and shapes that the whole family will enjoy — from rubber duckies to sailboats, stars, and gemstones. With an inexpensive soap base, some food coloring, and a bit of imagination, you can quickly create handy bars for kid-friendly cleaning and hours of bath time fun.
The international ceramics scene is enjoying the highest profile it has had for many years. Breaking the Mould looks at ceramic artists working within this versatile medium. Drawing on the rich history of pottery these artists are pushing the techniques, objectives and perceptions of the medium into new, exciting territory. The book profiles the work of over 70 ceramicists, including Suzanne King, Simon Fell, Grayson Perry, Barnaby Barford, Carina Ciscato and Amy Houghton. Their work ranges from interpretations of utilitarian pots, to abstract sculpture and a revisioning of kitch porcelain ornaments, all of which are brought to life in beautiful colour reproductions. Essays by prolific makers and academics look at the history and inspirations behind the medium today. Following in the footsteps of New Directions in Jewellery, Fashioning Fabrics and The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper, Breaking the Mould is a definitive overview of a craft scene that is simultaneously building upon and breaking with its roots, and in doing so creating a brave new future for itself.
In this tale of ancient China, Persimmon, daughter of a Jewish mold-maker and a Chinese woman, becomes a famous panda painter. Living in the forest of Chengdu Province, she adopts Bampo an orphaned panda bear, but what she has done is illegal, as only members of the royal family can own panda bears. But she has treated Prince Ting Ling with a secret potion when he was gored by a wild boar in the forest of Chengdu. The prince recovered in his palace. His soldiers are sent far and wide to find the girl who saved his life but to no avail. The poacher Che Tu Wa knows that she is living in a little cottage in the forest with her amah and alerts the authorities that the girl has a pet panda bear. Persimmon is arrested and her sentence is to be beheaded. Just then Prince Ting Ling arrives at the court house. He recognizes Persimmon as the young lady who saved his life with the secret potion. He requests a reprieve for the forest girl and offers to marry her. She agrees, providing she can keep Bampo and the story ends happily. A charming fairy tale set in ancient China with a Jewish twist. Gathered amid other children, Ping Ling listens as her grandmother tells the story of their famous ancestor Persimmon. It’s a genuinely charming opening, and as Ping Ling’s grandmother narrates, the authors make the reader aware of the importance of the very act of storytelling. Persimmon was the daughter of a Jewish mold-maker and a Han Chinese woman in the third century B.C. She inherits her father’s aesthetic prowess and becomes an excellent panda portraitist. She lives in the forest for inspiration and takes care of a panda named Bampo—a pet reserved only for royalty. Persimmon, no royal herself, happens to save Prince Tin Ling’s life one day in the forest, and after he recovers in his palace he searches for the girl that came to his rescue. Meanwhile, Persimmon is in dire legal straits for having taken a panda as her pet and must stand trial for her crime, facing a possible death sentence. The resolution is fairy tale perfect, and Ping Ling and her playmates are gratified by the tale; the reader will be too, as the prose and Kanowick’s simple, black-and-white illustrations are equally charming. But for readers unaware of Judaism’s surprisingly long (if limited) history in China, some integrated background or a simple preface would have enhanced the book’s broader appeal. A brief sketch of a famous example such as the Kaifeng community or a relevant history of the Silk Road would’ve sufficed. There is a playful historical reference when Persimmon’s father is commissioned by the emperor to build his terra cotta army, and these touches enhance the historical reality while still engaging in the story’s allegorical elements that promote love and loyalty. There’s not a word too many in this slim, enjoyable volume, which is great for children not afraid of a little history. A pleasing children’s story featuring characters with a unique, intriguing cultural background. - Kirkus Discoveries Review
For the first time, both the art and the science of designing runners and gates are presented in a concise format. Tried and true runner and gating design techniques successfully used with various materials and molding applications are described together with cutting edge new technologies. The book will help readers determine when to use what type of runner system and how to isolate molding problems generated by the gate and runner vs. other molding issues. Much emphasis is placed on the critical features in a hot runner design and how to determine what type of design is best for a specific application. Finally, readers will be able to separate the sales hype from reality when dealing with hot runner suppliers.
In this colorful, complete guide to creating and using plaster molds, you'll discover how easy it is to reproduce your favorite pieces, from pressed clay tiles to slipcast sculptures. Beginning clayworkers especially will appreciate Clayton's comfortable, let's-do-this-together text. With plenty of how-to photos to lead you through the processes, step-by-step...and plenty of encouragement and inspiration by example from fine contemporary fellow moldmakers.
This is a unique publication designed for the amateur sculptor. The comprehensive areas covered include plaster waste molds, for single casts; latex rubber molds, for multiple casting; polyurethane molds for wax casting in bronze; & moulage molds, for casts of life subjects. The text also includes extensive guidance in the repair of casts, as well as mounting for display, & the art of patina, or coloring. The format is designed to make the text easy to read with step by step instruction on all phases of the mold making, casting, & patina process. There are more than 75 line drawings & over 200 black & white photographs showing clearly everything needed to make exacting casts of the original piece of sculpture. The text & illustrations have been designed as a guide to show & describe exactly what the user will be seeing & experiencing as it occurs in front of them. The author, Mr. Barrie, is a member of The National Sculpture Society, in New York City & The International Sculpture Center in Washington, D.C. Mr. Barrie has worked in stone, clay, wood, wax, plaster & plastilina. He has more than twenty years of experience with mold making & casting. To order: FAX 609-466-2450, PHONE 609-466-2986.
