Frozen Pond Technique Frozen Pond glazing Technique Want to create a cool, icy look on your pottery that looks like frozen water or glowing puddles? The Frozen Pond Technique, inspired by Kathy McGuire’s atmospheric glazing style creating soft, icy effects that glow and flow across the surface. While Spectrum’s Running Hot Chowder is a favorite, similar effects can be achieved using other fluid, light-toned glazes layered over dark bases Frozen Pond Technique with Running Hot Chowder Glaze This method uses a special glaze called Running Hot Chowder that melts and flows in the kiln, creating beautiful glowing spots and soft, dreamy textures. Here you can find some beautiful samples of the technique What You’ll Need: A clean bisque-fired pottery piece (Cone 5 or 6 clay) A dark or bold base glaze (like deep blue, black, or earthy brown) Running Hot Chowder glaze A top glaze (clear or something with cool effects, like Iron Lustre or Autumn Spice) Sponge, small brush, or squeeze bottle for glazing Optional: kiln stilts or a plate to catch drips How to Do It: 1. Start with a Clean Piece Make sure your pottery is clean and dry. Wipe it with a damp sponge to remove dust so the glaze sticks properly. 2. Add Your Base Glaze Pick a glaze that’s dark or bold – it helps the light colors pop.Brush, dip, or pour it on evenly, and let it dry completely. 3. Add the “Frozen Pond” Spots Here’s where the magic happens. Using a sponge, brush, or squeeze bottle, dab on small dots or lines of Running Hot Chowder.Focus on the top half of your piece or areas you want to stand out.Don’t glob it on – just a light touch will do. Let it dry. 4. Finish with a Top Glaze Once the dots are dry, cover the whole piece with a clear or fun reactive glaze. This layer helps melt everything together and gives it a shiny, smooth finish. Let it dry fully before firing. 5. Fire Your Piece Fire your piece to Cone 5 or 6 (depending on your clay and glaze instructions).Because Running Hot Chowder moves a lot when it melts, make sure to put something underneath if the glaze is near the bottom—just in case it drips. Let the kiln cool all the way down before opening it. Helpful Tips: Go easy on the Running Hot Chowder—it really runs in the kiln. Try it on a test tile first to see how it behaves with your glazes and clay. You can even try layering it under your base glaze for a softer, buried look. Play around with different top glazes—each one gives a slightly different effect. It looks great on textured pottery where the glaze can pool and flow.