Honey Flux over Tourmaline by Tori Brooke McBride

Honey Flux over Tourmaline Tumbler by Tori Brooke McBride

This stoneware tumbler by Tori Brooke McBride features the Honey Flux over Tourmaline glaze combination. Applied in three coats of AMACO Tourmaline followed by three coats of AMACO Honey Flux, the layered surface develops a muted blend of gray, green, pink, and lavender tones. The interaction between the two glazes produces subtle variation rather than dramatic runs, creating a surface that changes as light moves across the form.

The combination demonstrates how Honey Flux can modify the character of another glaze without overwhelming it. Instead of creating large flowing effects, Honey Flux softens the appearance of Tourmaline and encourages gentle transitions between color areas. The result is a layered surface with visible depth and a slightly weathered appearance.

How Honey Flux over Tourmaline Behaves

One of the most interesting aspects of Honey Flux over Tourmaline is the restrained nature of the interaction. Tourmaline already contains a complex mix of cool and warm tones, and the addition of Honey Flux appears to encourage subtle color shifts rather than strong movement. Areas of soft green emerge alongside muted pink and gray, while lighter sections reveal hints of lavender and blue-gray.

The glaze surface appears relatively stable, with only limited running. This makes the combination suitable for forms where controlled glaze movement is preferred. On vertical surfaces such as tumblers, the layered glazes maintain clear color variation while preserving the shape and edges of the piece.

Surface Character and Layering Effects

The tumbler shows how Honey Flux over Tourmaline can create visual depth through color development rather than heavy pooling. The surface changes gradually from one area to another, producing a finish that rewards closer inspection. Small shifts in tone appear throughout the piece, giving the glaze a natural sense of variation without becoming overly active.

For potters interested in exploring softer glaze interactions, this combination offers an example of how Honey Flux can influence color and texture while allowing the underlying glaze to remain the dominant visual element.

Glaze Details

• Artist: Tori Brooke McBride
• Clay Body: Stoneware
• Base Glaze: AMACO Tourmaline ×3
• Top Glaze: AMACO Honey Flux ×3
• Firing: Not specified

The Honey Flux over Tourmaline combination demonstrates a quieter approach to glaze layering. Rather than producing dramatic runs, it develops subtle tonal variation and surface depth, making it a useful combination for potters seeking controlled glaze interaction on functional stoneware.

Credit: Tori Brooke McBride