Chris Donnelly Ceramics

30/05/2026

I wanted to share a couple of ceramic things I've worked on getting better. An underglaze pencil recipe, and a linseed oil based ceramic printing ink.

Underglaze Chalk_Pencil + Linseed Ink (2)Download

29/05/2026

Watching and listening.

26/05/2026

The back end of my process of reversing my pinhole camera photographs. I develop the negative, bleach it in hydrogen peroxide, fog the paper with the angle poise light, and develop again. Stop, fix, and rinse. Not my innovation, but through practice, I'm slowly getting better and more consistent results.

26/05/2026

I went for a cut aboot yesterday and walked from Broxburn to East Calder through Almondell wood. I did see quite a few 'trees of significance' and took a couple of pinhole photographs.

In what was maybe Scotland’s most underwhelming waterfall. East Calder Waterfall... it was on the map, so I went there... a photo taken to remind me of the regret. 😅

23/05/2026

and I have given the plinth and shop front a bit of a once over. We'll be here 11-4 if you need some fresh pots in your life, or are just up for my bad chat.

21/05/2026

After a recent visit from my niece, I've become involved with the .bird.id app. When she came, I asked her what she wanted to do and see, she said Art and Birds. I knew birds were around, but never paid much attention. I don't think I'll ever become a hardcore twitcher or anything, but the slowed down observation reminds me of drawing plein air, or taking my weird pinhole photographs.

The app can use the microphone on your phone to help identify birdsong. Cooooool.

20/05/2026

A couple of weeks to go before our spring sale at the studio. There will be some brand new work, older pieces, bargains, and a couple of seconds needing new homes.

All of our new work will be 15% off on the Saturday, and the code above is live for a discount on our courses.

18/05/2026

Blue by demand... This glaze has attracted some attention, so I thought I’d finish these last 3 flower frogs with it.

15/05/2026

An impromptu serving suggestion from last night as one of our students in our Thursday night class brought some Gordal olives to share on her last class.

Able to serve with the thumb through the centre, this idea started as a joke to mysel, but seemed to go down a treat.

14/05/2026

Some more flower frogs out of the kiln this morning. They are made by throwing a closed form, applying sprigs and slip, then piercing two different sizes of holes. Finished in opal, blue and green glazes, available in the shoppe from tomorrow.