Vol. VIII. No. 4 
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 
August, J 906 
EVERAL have written asking 
for information in regard to the 
"Christmas Rose" subject of the 
Christmas competition. We have 
no very clear study, but pub- 
lish in this number the only 
one we could find. The Christ- 
mas Rose is not a rose at all; 
it is a sort of Anemone which 
comes up through the snow and 
blooms about Christmas time, it is white with sometimes 
a tinge of pink and a yellow center. We will try to pub- 
lish another study next month. 
There seems to be a general exodus of craftsmen 
and china decorators in Europe this summer. Among 
our well known workers are Miss Emily Peacock, Mr. 
Marshal Fry, The Misses Mason, Miss Stewart. 
We may look for some newly inspired work in the 
fall and trust that the readers of Keramic Studio may 
reap the benefit. 
* 
Do not forget to gather material for the winter work 
and to gather new material, find for yourselves subjects 
that have not been overworked and color harmonies in 
nature that will lend a new charm to your interpretation 
of her offerings. There is a large and fertile field hardly 
touched both in wild and garden flowers, in insects and 
other forms of life, in landscape and in sky. 
LEAGUE NOTES 
The greatest opportunity of the members of the 
League confronts us now, the re-establishment of the 
San Francisco club, only those who have passed through 
a like experience can understand the difficulties which 
must be overcome. No materials, no utensils, no demand 
for the work, almost broken hearts but indomitable wills, 
is the key to the situation. The League treasury is low, 
but at the last Board meeting fifty dollars was voted them 
and a motion passed to request every member of the 
N. L. M. P. to give from his studio at least one study. 
This is asking very little, so we beg of you not to neglect 
or defer it. Send to day to Miss Minnia Taylor, 31 Par- 
nassus Ave., San Francisco, Cal. 
Our study course, which is no longer an experiment, 
will be equal to a course in design. As previously stated 
in the Keramic Studio, we have selected three (3) 
flowers; the Poppy for the west, the Dandelion for the 
Middle States and the Field Daisy for the East. Three 
vase forms are to be selected later, on which to use these 
flowers. Study the flower during the summer months and 
in September send drawings with color scheme to Belle 
B. Vesey, 6228 Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. Do not un- 
dervalue this problem. Study also the grape as that will 
be used later on the "Farrington" punch bowl. 
In the travelling exhibition the steins only will give 
an idea of our work, as the bowl and plate designs were 
received too late to be used and sent to the exhibition. 
Belle Barnett Vesey, 
President. 
THE CLASS ROOM 
The next subject for the Class Room will be "The Art 
of Teaching," a course for beginner, referring to some 
designs published in Keramic Studio for illustration. 
This should explain just how to start a beginner, what kind 
of piece to work upon, what style of work to attempt, what 
steps to take in the work, etc., up to the advanced and 
finished work. A special extra first prize of $10.00 will be 
added to the usual prizes if a sufficiently good article is 
sent. Articles should be received not later than Sept. 5th. 
000 
GROUND LAYING 
First Prize— Mrs. G. B. Strait, Cazenovia, N. Y. 
^TECHNICAL skill may only be obtained at the price 
* of much labor, for there are no "bargain", methods for 
the one who aspires to be a good painter in ceramics. 
The subject of ground laying is especially important, 
as a successfully laid ground will enhance the beauty of 
any piece, while one with muddy tones or ill chosen colors 
will destroy the harmony of the most excellent subject. 
grounding. 
Before beginning a piece, place all necessary materials 
near at hand, where they may be readily obtainable. Now 
draw with India ink any design desired. Cover the sur- 
face to be grounded with good grounding oil, painted on 
with a large brush as smoothly as possible, and pad lightly 
with a bit of cotton loosely covered with soft silk, until 
the surface is even and possibly slightly "tacky". 
If the surface is even before the oil grows sticky, set 
the piece in some place where it will be free from dust, 
until it becomes so. Many put a tiny bit of lamp black in 
the oil so that any variation in the coat may be readily 
discernible. If a rather thin coat is desired add an equal 
amount of turpentine to the oil. 
In this way it will dry quickly, the color may be laid 
on without delay, and the danger arising from the collection 
of dust will be avoided. 
Now carefully remove the oil from any part not to be 
grounded, and with a palette knife drop on the oily surface 
a good quantity of powdered color which has been re- 
ground or sifted through a copper wire sieve or fine bolting 
cloth. This will prevent the heavier particles of paint 
making dark spots when fired. 
When the surface has been covered with the paint, with 
a very soft brush, or a bit of cotton, push the color about 
until it is evenly distributed and the oil has absorbed all 
the color possible, while every bit of the surface appears 
dry. Be careful not to allow the cotton or brush to touch 
