I started experimenting with applying slip like this last summer. Got some IMO nice results by lightly putting line patterns in the clay first, applying different colored slips then lightly ribbing the excess slip off. Of course being a hobbyist I can knock out a whisky sipper in about the same time you can knock out several sets. Very good to hear everything is going well, but if I may be frank, being clean shaven does make you look quite English :)