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That is strange indeed. What I would want to find out then, is if the clay that you used was actually the clay that you thought you were using. As in a packaging error at the factory and the wrong clay was put in the box you bought. If it was actually a cone 5 clay, that would explain 2232 being too hot for it and also the fact that the color outcome was not even in the range listed for that clay - not to mention the excessive shrinkage, and the too high density. If you bought a 50 pound box, the two bags may or may not be the same, but to be safe, like you say, the next one I would definitely have fired in the 06 range. I have fired as low as cone 018 with great results on a cone 10 clay.
I agree with you about the grog issue - it is easy to overwork the surface with water and bring out too much grog. This is something I've been trying to work on myself since I use a high grog content clay so I can fire them without having to hollow them out.
At any rate, I'm sure you've learned a lot with your first ceramic piece and the next one will be much less frustrating and even more beautiful - if that is even possible.
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