Vases (or any vertical form) present a unique challenge for the crystalline glaze. Because the glaze is very fluid during the firing process, and does not have very much clay in the glaze to help it "stay put" when applied, it tends to run and drip everywhere.

The way this problem is addressed is by creating a pedestal and catch basin for the glaze. The pedestal is a small ring, simial to the size of a napkin ring, that is made specifically for that vase to perfectly match the diameter of the foot. It is glued to the base once the glaze has been applied to the vase and then both the vase and pedetstal are placed on top of a little plate which catches the glaze run-off.

After firing, the pedestal is cut off and the bottom sanded down to remove any sharp edges. Both the plate and pedestals are discarded after one use.

Due to this process, there are sometimes accidents that occur which leave a chip in the foot or can sadly damage an otherwise perfectly good piece. It is part of these extra steps which make these pieces unique and very special.