Exploring Crystalline Glazes
Published on 14. May 2026
192 pages
978-1-78994-391-7 (ISBN)
Description
Prepare to be dazzled by this contemporary guide to the art of crystalline glazing.
Crystalline glazes are known for producing exciting works reminiscent of floating galaxies, frosty windows, rare gemstones and delicate flowers. Until recently, however, few potters worked with this elusive medium. Now, with new advancements in materials and digital processors, the method has become simplified and amazing results can be achieved without the problems usually associated with these glazes, such as excessive glaze run-off and unpredictable crystal growth.
In this book, Diane Creber explores the history of this process, beginning with the most suitable clays, the different types of crystalline glazes, how they can be grown under controlled conditions, and how different ingredients react with each other. Through a survey of several well-known crystalline glaze potters, she reveals their secrets and shows examples of their unique work.
From clay and glaze recipes to an in-depth look at firing aids and types of kilns, Exploring Crystalline Glazes has everything a potter needs to make their own glazes and create their own stunning works of art.
Crystalline glazes are known for producing exciting works reminiscent of floating galaxies, frosty windows, rare gemstones and delicate flowers. Until recently, however, few potters worked with this elusive medium. Now, with new advancements in materials and digital processors, the method has become simplified and amazing results can be achieved without the problems usually associated with these glazes, such as excessive glaze run-off and unpredictable crystal growth.
In this book, Diane Creber explores the history of this process, beginning with the most suitable clays, the different types of crystalline glazes, how they can be grown under controlled conditions, and how different ingredients react with each other. Through a survey of several well-known crystalline glaze potters, she reveals their secrets and shows examples of their unique work.
From clay and glaze recipes to an in-depth look at firing aids and types of kilns, Exploring Crystalline Glazes has everything a potter needs to make their own glazes and create their own stunning works of art.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
Over 150 colour illustrations throughout
File size
296,49 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-78994-391-7 (9781789943917)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Diane Creber
Exploring Crystalline Glazes
Book
05/2026
Herbert Press Ltd
€31.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Person
Diane Creber's award-winning pottery has been displayed internationally and at galleries throughout Canada, where she is based. Creber operated Wilton Pottery for 45 years, making one-of-a-kind and functional ceramics. Once she discovered crystalline glazes, there was no turning back. At the time, there was little to no written information on this process, so she contacted over a hundred potters working in this medium. The material became Crystalline Glazes, the first book written on the process, first published by A&C Black Visual Arts in 1997 and later with University of Pennsylvania Press in 2005. The book is now available from Herbert Press where it remains part of the Ceramics Handbook series.
Content
Introduction
Natural crystals
The history of crystalline glazes
Growing crystals in a glaze
Types of crystalline glaze
Suitable clay for crystalline glazes
Forms, catch basins and test tiles
Ingredients in a crystalline glaze
Glazes
Aventurine glazes
Glazing
Kilns
Firing aids
Firing crystalline glazes in oxidation
Reduction-fired crystalline glazes
After the firing
Special effects
Attitudes and aesthetics
Photographing crystalline glazes
Marketing crystalline glazes
Featured potters
Acknowledgements
Natural crystals
The history of crystalline glazes
Growing crystals in a glaze
Types of crystalline glaze
Suitable clay for crystalline glazes
Forms, catch basins and test tiles
Ingredients in a crystalline glaze
Glazes
Aventurine glazes
Glazing
Kilns
Firing aids
Firing crystalline glazes in oxidation
Reduction-fired crystalline glazes
After the firing
Special effects
Attitudes and aesthetics
Photographing crystalline glazes
Marketing crystalline glazes
Featured potters
Acknowledgements
