Yesterday I enjoyed myself painting the last two jugbirds with whatever colours of slip that I fancied. So they’re totally imaginary birds. As soon as they dry in the current summery weather I’ll terra sig the bases with the nice new batch of terra sigillata I made up the other day. 
The photo shows how much water I simmered off – the pan was filled with the decanted Redart clay mix before I cooked it! Now I have an ice cream bucket full which should last me about a year. Let me know if I should post my recipe for terra sig.
I’m really looking forward to getting the two Loons jugs fired. They’ll look so crisp in black and white when they’re glazed.
The first 7 jugbirds have already arrived safely in England. My sister Mary and brother-in-law John were able to take them in their hand luggage when they left for home in July. So now I just need to choose which ones I shall take to complete my display for Primavera in Cambridge, and take them when I go over there in September.
Alan’s not going with me as the main reason for my little holiday in England is to attend a school reunion! OK, the truth will out. Most of the group left St. Brandon’s Clergy Daughters’ School 51 years ago! I haven’t seen any of them since.
Dear Gillian !
I live in Hungary .nera town Eger in a village,and I began make pottery 3 years ago.So i find your page.
I like your painted ceramics,they are really fantastic!
I have a request to you . Please post me your recipe for terra sigillata if it possible /I hope,here in Hungary I ‘ll get all necessary compositions need./
And one question : you painted the colours using engobe , and when dried ,terra sig ?
The whole surface in and out? Or only the terracotta colours ?
After it fired when dried ? That was the process ?
Many thanks you in advance:
Gréti
/Mrs . Miklósné Rácz/
Hello Greti,
If you go to this link you’ll see my instructions for making terra sigillata.
https://www.gillianmcmillan.com/2012/08/12/terra-sigillata-recipes/
To your other questions..
I paint the outside of my jugbirds with coloured slips (yes, engobes) when the pots are leather hard. The terra sig goes on bone dry bases and any other areas I want .. not inside. After bisque firing I wax the terra sig areas and dip the piece in my clear glaze, so the terra sig remains satiny and smooth in contrast to the glazed coloured areas.
I hope that helps. Gillian