Frozen Pond Platter By Leigh-Ann Naus

Frozen Pond Technique with River Birch and Textured Amber Brown

The Frozen Pond technique has become one of the most recognizable glaze layering methods in contemporary Cone 6 pottery, and this platter by Leigh-Ann Naus demonstrates why potters continue to explore its possibilities. Made from Plainsman M370 white stoneware, the piece transforms a simple round form into a landscape of radiating crystalline patterns. Each circular bloom spreads across the surface like frost forming on a winter pond, creating a composition that feels both structured and spontaneous.

River Birch, Running Hot Chowder, and Textured Amber Brown

This version of the Frozen Pond technique begins with three coats of AMACO River Birch, which provides a warm, stable foundation. Over that base, dots of Spectrum Running Hot Chowder (RHC) are applied in a repeating pattern to create the centers of the blooms. The surface is then covered with two coats of AMACO Textured Amber Brown, a glaze that melts and interacts with the underlying layers during firing. As the glazes soften and move together, the characteristic Frozen Pond pattern emerges, producing delicate radial formations with remarkable detail and depth.

Cone 6 Results on Plainsman M370

Fired to Cone 6, the glaze combination develops a glossy surface with subtle variations of cream, amber, blue-gray, and deep brown. The smooth texture of Plainsman M370 allows the glaze chemistry to remain the focus, while the layered application encourages each bloom to develop its own personality. In this platter, Leigh-Ann Naus uses the Frozen Pond method not simply as decoration but as a way to capture natural patterns found in ice, water, and weathered stone. The result is a ceramic surface that rewards close observation, revealing new details across every section of the piece.

Alt Text:
Frozen Pond platter by Leigh-Ann Naus featuring AMACO River Birch, Spectrum Running Hot Chowder, and AMACO Textured Amber Brown on Plainsman M370 clay, fired to Cone 6.

SEO Title:
Leigh-Ann Naus Frozen Pond Platter – River Birch and Textured Amber Brown Cone 6

Meta Description:
Explore the Frozen Pond technique by Leigh-Ann Naus using AMACO River Birch, Spectrum Running Hot Chowder, and AMACO Textured Amber Brown on Plainsman M370 clay fired to Cone 6.

Credits: Leigh-Ann Naus