Pottery: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Basic Pottery Tools
An overview of the basic tools potters use in throwing and hand building with clay.
An overview of the basic tools potters use in throwing and hand building with clay.
Clay Basics
What is clay? What types of clay are there? Here is some basic information for you to understand the different types of clays used in pottery.
What is clay? What types of clay are there? Here is some basic information for you to understand the different types of clays used in pottery.
How Temperature Changes Clay
As a kiln is firing up and cooling down, the changes in temperature make some profound changes in the clay.
As a kiln is firing up and cooling down, the changes in temperature make some profound changes in the clay.
Five Ways to Apply Glazes
Glazes can be applied to pottery in five main ways. These are dipping, pouring, brushing, sponging, and spraying the glaze on.
Glazes can be applied to pottery in five main ways. These are dipping, pouring, brushing, sponging, and spraying the glaze on.
How to Bisque Fire Pottery
Tells how you bisque fire pottery, including discussion on the best type of kiln to use, what temperature to choose, and the usual firing schedule or ramp.
Tells how you bisque fire pottery, including discussion on the best type of kiln to use, what temperature to choose, and the usual firing schedule or ramp.
Glaze Temperature Ranges
There are specific temperature ranges for firing glazes; individual glazes will mature within one of those five ranges. If the glazes are fired at too low a temperature, the glaze will not mature. If the temperature goes too high, the glaze will become too melted and run off the surface of the pottery. For success, a potter must know their glazes' temperature ranges at which they become mature.
There are specific temperature ranges for firing glazes; individual glazes will mature within one of those five ranges. If the glazes are fired at too low a temperature, the glaze will not mature. If the temperature goes too high, the glaze will become too melted and run off the surface of the pottery. For success, a potter must know their glazes' temperature ranges at which they become mature.
What Are Pottery & Ceramics?
What are pottery and ceramics? Is there a difference? Is everything made out of clay pottery? Here are the answers.
What are pottery and ceramics? Is there a difference? Is everything made out of clay pottery? Here are the answers.
Your Clay Space
Working with clay requires certain things from the space we use. Here are some guidelines as to what you will need to consider when you are setting up your own pottery studio.
Working with clay requires certain things from the space we use. Here are some guidelines as to what you will need to consider when you are setting up your own pottery studio.
How to Choose a Clay
There are so many choices of pottery clays, it can be baffling. How do you choose which clay is right for you and your pottery needs?
There are so many choices of pottery clays, it can be baffling. How do you choose which clay is right for you and your pottery needs?
Dry Pottery and Clay Objects
Drying pottery and clay objects correctly is one of the most important steps prior to firing clay. Improper drying can result in cracking, warping, and breakage either before firing or during firing.
Drying pottery and clay objects correctly is one of the most important steps prior to firing clay. Improper drying can result in cracking, warping, and breakage either before firing or during firing.
Greenware
: Greenware (noun) is the term given to clay objects when they have been shaped but have not not yet
: Greenware (noun) is the term given to clay objects when they have been shaped but have not not yet
Ceramic and Glaze Colorants
Ceramic and glaze colorants follow some basic principals. These principals not only deal with the ceramic colorants themselves, but also the composition of the glazes and how they are fired.
Ceramic and glaze colorants follow some basic principals. These principals not only deal with the ceramic colorants themselves, but also the composition of the glazes and how they are fired.
Buy a Potter's Wheel
There are a number of variables you need to consider before making the big decision as to the purchase of your own potter's wheel. Find out more here.
There are a number of variables you need to consider before making the big decision as to the purchase of your own potter's wheel. Find out more here.
What Are Underglazes
Underglazes are used in pottery to create designs and patterns that will come up through the glaze covering them, which can give the surface more visual depth and character.
Underglazes are used in pottery to create designs and patterns that will come up through the glaze covering them, which can give the surface more visual depth and character.
Firing Schedules
Kilns are fired according to firing schedules, which include how long the kiln will be firing at a certain ramp, or rate of temperature gain.
Kilns are fired according to firing schedules, which include how long the kiln will be firing at a certain ramp, or rate of temperature gain.
Slab Pots 101
Hand building slab pots has a strong history in certain parts of the world. It can be done while the slabs are either soft or stiff. Building with slabs can also be done using slump or drape molds.
Hand building slab pots has a strong history in certain parts of the world. It can be done while the slabs are either soft or stiff. Building with slabs can also be done using slump or drape molds.
Pinch Pots 101
Creating pottery through the pinch pot method has been one of the two major techniques used to produce pottery throughout human history. Discover the value of pinch pots today and the various types of pottery can the pinching method produce.
Creating pottery through the pinch pot method has been one of the two major techniques used to produce pottery throughout human history. Discover the value of pinch pots today and the various types of pottery can the pinching method produce.
Start Out With Clay
Creating pottery can be a mild interest or a consuming joy. In either case, beginning to work with clay is an adventure. Here are answers to some questions that you may have as how to begin creating with pottery.
Creating pottery can be a mild interest or a consuming joy. In either case, beginning to work with clay is an adventure. Here are answers to some questions that you may have as how to begin creating with pottery.
Basic Hand Building Techniques
Before potters had the wheel, they were creating spectacular pots and clay forms. Using clay, their hands, and a minimum of tools they brought function and artistry together. Here are the three most common forms of producing hand built pots.
Before potters had the wheel, they were creating spectacular pots and clay forms. Using clay, their hands, and a minimum of tools they brought function and artistry together. Here are the three most common forms of producing hand built pots.
Overview of the Firing Process
It is important to have an overview of the firing process. Firing clay transforms it from its humble, soft beginnings into a new substance, ceramic. Ceramics are tough, strong, and very similar in some ways to stone. Pieces of pottery have survived for thousands of years, all due to clay that met fire.
It is important to have an overview of the firing process. Firing clay transforms it from its humble, soft beginnings into a new substance, ceramic. Ceramics are tough, strong, and very similar in some ways to stone. Pieces of pottery have survived for thousands of years, all due to clay that met fire.
Elements of 3-D Form
The major elements of any three dimensional form include shape, value, space, texture, line, color, and time and movement.
The major elements of any three dimensional form include shape, value, space, texture, line, color, and time and movement.
Thermal Shock
Thermal shock is a factor when pottery and other ceramics are cooling rapidly or used as ovenware.
Thermal shock is a factor when pottery and other ceramics are cooling rapidly or used as ovenware.
Slip
: Slip (noun) is a liquefied suspension of clay particles in water. It differs from its very close relative,
: Slip (noun) is a liquefied suspension of clay particles in water. It differs from its very close relative,
Bisque
Definition of bisque, bisqueware and bisque firing.
Definition of bisque, bisqueware and bisque firing.
Three Ways to Wedge Clay
Three of the most popular methods to wedge your clay are the cut and slap method, cylinder wedging, and cone wedging.
Three of the most popular methods to wedge your clay are the cut and slap method, cylinder wedging, and cone wedging.
Basics of Building Coil Pots
Coil pot construction techniques are able to be learned quickly. Even those new to making pottery are able to produce large and intriguing pottery using the coil method of hand building.
Coil pot construction techniques are able to be learned quickly. Even those new to making pottery are able to produce large and intriguing pottery using the coil method of hand building.
Is Pottery Dangerous?
Is pottery dangerous? How dangerous is it doing pottery? What are the dangers to myself, to my children, pets, or home?
Is pottery dangerous? How dangerous is it doing pottery? What are the dangers to myself, to my children, pets, or home?
Making Clay Slabs
Making the clay slabs is the first step in all slab-built pottery construction. This is an important foundation; mistakes made in the creation of slabs may destroy the piece in later stages of construction.
Making the clay slabs is the first step in all slab-built pottery construction. This is an important foundation; mistakes made in the creation of slabs may destroy the piece in later stages of construction.
Firing Process for Low-Fire
The process of firing low-fire pottery, from dry greenware to finished pots.
The process of firing low-fire pottery, from dry greenware to finished pots.
Raku Firing Step by Step
Raku firing is exciting and lends itself to bold adventure. Explore how to fire pottery in the Western raku tradition, step by step.
Raku firing is exciting and lends itself to bold adventure. Explore how to fire pottery in the Western raku tradition, step by step.
Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation and reduction atmospheres are the two main kiln atmospheres possible when firing pottery. Both oxidation and reduction refer to the amount of oxygen available in the kiln while firing pottery.
Oxidation and reduction atmospheres are the two main kiln atmospheres possible when firing pottery. Both oxidation and reduction refer to the amount of oxygen available in the kiln while firing pottery.
Kiln Types by Construction
Kilns are basically containers for heat. In the most primitive forms, this could be nothing more than a trench or pit dug into the earth. Today, there are many different types of kilns. Here is an introduction to some of the most common types used for pottery and the ceramic arts.
Kilns are basically containers for heat. In the most primitive forms, this could be nothing more than a trench or pit dug into the earth. Today, there are many different types of kilns. Here is an introduction to some of the most common types used for pottery and the ceramic arts.
Painting on Pottery
Painting on pottery can be done in a number of ways. Generally speaking, potters use underglazes, slips, engobes, and stains to paint on their work.
Painting on pottery can be done in a number of ways. Generally speaking, potters use underglazes, slips, engobes, and stains to paint on their work.
Slip Decoration Part 1
There are many interesting and diverse pottery decorating techniques involving the use of slips. Effects range from very linear to very textural, and from very fluid to quite hard-edged. This is Part 1 of 2 describing these techniques.
There are many interesting and diverse pottery decorating techniques involving the use of slips. Effects range from very linear to very textural, and from very fluid to quite hard-edged. This is Part 1 of 2 describing these techniques.
Electric Kiln Basics
Electric kilns have very specific requirements in regards to voltage, phase, and amperage. Find out more here, before buying or installing an electric kiln.
Electric kilns have very specific requirements in regards to voltage, phase, and amperage. Find out more here, before buying or installing an electric kiln.
Leather-hard
Definition of the term leather-hard when used in pottery and ceramics.
Definition of the term leather-hard when used in pottery and ceramics.
What is Throwing?
What is throwing on the pottery wheel? How does throwing on the pottery wheel work?
What is throwing on the pottery wheel? How does throwing on the pottery wheel work?
What Goes Into Glazes?
There four key types of components which are found in glazes. All of the various ingredients used in ceramic glazes fall into one (or more) of these categories.
There four key types of components which are found in glazes. All of the various ingredients used in ceramic glazes fall into one (or more) of these categories.
Scoring
What it means to score a pot or piece of clay.
What it means to score a pot or piece of clay.
Low-Fire Clay Bodies
Low-fire clays include red and white earthenware. low-fire clay bodies can be used for throwing and hand building pottery and ceramic sculptures.
Low-fire clays include red and white earthenware. low-fire clay bodies can be used for throwing and hand building pottery and ceramic sculptures.
Slumping and Draping Slabs
Two types of molds are used with clay slabs to create pottery.
Two types of molds are used with clay slabs to create pottery.
Glaze Defects
Glaze defects can be caused by six situations. Find out more about those causes and the glaze defects they can produce.
Glaze defects can be caused by six situations. Find out more about those causes and the glaze defects they can produce.
Electric Potter's Wheels
In the thousands of years pottery has been practiced, one of the farthest reaching innovations was the introduction of electric-powered potter's wheels (pottery wheels). Electric potter's wheels allow potters to produce volumes of work even faster than before.
In the thousands of years pottery has been practiced, one of the farthest reaching innovations was the introduction of electric-powered potter's wheels (pottery wheels). Electric potter's wheels allow potters to produce volumes of work even faster than before.
Grog
Definition of grog, as used in pottery and ceramics.
Definition of grog, as used in pottery and ceramics.
Pyrometric Cones
What are pyrometric cones and how are they used in pottery? Here are the answers.
What are pyrometric cones and how are they used in pottery? Here are the answers.
Vitrification
An explanation of vitrification in clay and glazes used in pottery.
An explanation of vitrification in clay and glazes used in pottery.
Kiln Buying Basics
There are many considerations to take into account before you buy a kiln. Buying a kiln is a major expenditure; take the steps to ensure that you will be happy with your purchase for years to come.
There are many considerations to take into account before you buy a kiln. Buying a kiln is a major expenditure; take the steps to ensure that you will be happy with your purchase for years to come.
Decorating Basics
An overview of the different ways pottery and clay objects can be decorated.
An overview of the different ways pottery and clay objects can be decorated.
How to Use Local Clays
Have you ever wanted to dig your own clay? Local clays can make wonderful slips and (when fired higher than the clays' actual maturity temperature) slip glazes. They can also be very interesting clays with which to create pottery.
Have you ever wanted to dig your own clay? Local clays can make wonderful slips and (when fired higher than the clays' actual maturity temperature) slip glazes. They can also be very interesting clays with which to create pottery.
Bone Dry
: Bone dry (adjective) is a term used to describe and identified greenware pottery that has dried as
: Bone dry (adjective) is a term used to describe and identified greenware pottery that has dried as
Use Your Kiln Safely
Learn about kiln safety, protective gear, ventilation, and gases emitted during firing.
Learn about kiln safety, protective gear, ventilation, and gases emitted during firing.
Mishima
Mishima techniques and tools and explored in this article. Mishima is a type of inlay which allows ceramists to create sharp edges and intricate designs.
Mishima techniques and tools and explored in this article. Mishima is a type of inlay which allows ceramists to create sharp edges and intricate designs.
Crazing
What is crazing in glazes? Find the reasons for and solutions to the glaze defect know as crazing here.
What is crazing in glazes? Find the reasons for and solutions to the glaze defect know as crazing here.
Buy Used Electric Kilns
There are a number of things that need to be considered when buying a used electric kiln. This article will tell you the questions you need answered in order to make a good buying decision when looking at used electric kilns.
There are a number of things that need to be considered when buying a used electric kiln. This article will tell you the questions you need answered in order to make a good buying decision when looking at used electric kilns.
Ceramic Stains as Brush and Ink
You can use ceramic stains to produce lines and images that look like they were done using ink. These can be line drawings, washes, and full brush and ink style paintings. See how it is done!
You can use ceramic stains to produce lines and images that look like they were done using ink. These can be line drawings, washes, and full brush and ink style paintings. See how it is done!
Ceramic and Glaze Fluxes
Fluxes lower the melting point of the glass formers in glazes, clay bodies, and other ceramic materials.
Fluxes lower the melting point of the glass formers in glazes, clay bodies, and other ceramic materials.
Mid-Range & High-Fire Clays
What are mid-range and high-fire clay bodies? These clay bodies fall into two basic types, stoneware clay bodies and porcelain clay bodies.
What are mid-range and high-fire clay bodies? These clay bodies fall into two basic types, stoneware clay bodies and porcelain clay bodies.
Ceramic Stains
What are ceramic stains and how are they used in pottery. Are there different types of stains? Find out here!
What are ceramic stains and how are they used in pottery. Are there different types of stains? Find out here!
Clay Body
: Clay body (noun) refers to the actual clay mixture that is used in forming objects. It might only have
: Clay body (noun) refers to the actual clay mixture that is used in forming objects. It might only have
Why Clay Bodies Shrink
All clays shrink. But not all clays are created equal. Different clay bodies experience different amounts of shrinkage. It depends upon the clay's particle size and on how many and what type of impurities are present in the clay body.
All clays shrink. But not all clays are created equal. Different clay bodies experience different amounts of shrinkage. It depends upon the clay's particle size and on how many and what type of impurities are present in the clay body.
How to Fire in Reduction
Reduction firings can bring out some very wonderful colors in pottery. Many high-fire glazes are formulated for reduction, and will not work successfully in neutral or oxidation firings. How do you put a kiln into reduction when firing pottery? This article will guide you toward success.
Reduction firings can bring out some very wonderful colors in pottery. Many high-fire glazes are formulated for reduction, and will not work successfully in neutral or oxidation firings. How do you put a kiln into reduction when firing pottery? This article will guide you toward success.
Slab Build a Mug
Instructions for slab building a pottery mug.
Instructions for slab building a pottery mug.
Poisons in Pottery
There are poisons in pottery that potters need to be aware of. In this time of readily available information and safety equipment, it is only common sense to pay attention to what can harm yourself or those around you.
There are poisons in pottery that potters need to be aware of. In this time of readily available information and safety equipment, it is only common sense to pay attention to what can harm yourself or those around you.
Ash Glazes
One of the specific types of glazes that potters tend to talk about are the ash glazes. The vast majority of ash glazes use wood ash, although some potters have developed glaze recipes using ashes from rice straw and hulls, reeds, seaweed, and hay straw, as well as the ashes from other plants. Normally, ash glazes require high-fire temperatures, usually falling between cone 9 and cone 11.
One of the specific types of glazes that potters tend to talk about are the ash glazes. The vast majority of ash glazes use wood ash, although some potters have developed glaze recipes using ashes from rice straw and hulls, reeds, seaweed, and hay straw, as well as the ashes from other plants. Normally, ash glazes require high-fire temperatures, usually falling between cone 9 and cone 11.
Hand Building Clays
Hand building with clay is fun. Good hand building clays make the experience even better. What are the characteristics of a clay body that has been designed for hand building?
Hand building with clay is fun. Good hand building clays make the experience even better. What are the characteristics of a clay body that has been designed for hand building?
How to Mix Glazes
Steps, tips and suggestions on how to mix glazes for pottery.
Steps, tips and suggestions on how to mix glazes for pottery.
Find a Pottery Kiln
Where do you look to find a pottery kiln to buy? Ceramics require high temperatures that are difficult to reach without one.
Where do you look to find a pottery kiln to buy? Ceramics require high temperatures that are difficult to reach without one.
How to Load a Kiln
Stack and load the kiln carefully, observing several rules in order to reduce kiln accidents.
Stack and load the kiln carefully, observing several rules in order to reduce kiln accidents.
Glaze Overview
An overview of what glazes are and their characteristics will be very helpful if you are new to them. Glazes are very diverse. Not only are there a wide variety of colors, but also of opacity, surfaces, and temperature ranges. Here we will look at an overview of that diversity.
An overview of what glazes are and their characteristics will be very helpful if you are new to them. Glazes are very diverse. Not only are there a wide variety of colors, but also of opacity, surfaces, and temperature ranges. Here we will look at an overview of that diversity.
Center Clay on the Wheel
Centering clay on the potter's wheel effects all other steps of throwing pottery.
Centering clay on the potter's wheel effects all other steps of throwing pottery.
How to Use a Kiln Sitter
Kiln sitters are used in electric ceramic kilns as a fail-safe means of ending a firing once it has reached the target temperature, or slightly above. Once tripped, the kiln sitter automatically shuts off electrical current to the kiln elements.
Kiln sitters are used in electric ceramic kilns as a fail-safe means of ending a firing once it has reached the target temperature, or slightly above. Once tripped, the kiln sitter automatically shuts off electrical current to the kiln elements.
Kiln Shelf Basics
Kiln shelves are expensive. Be certain you get the right ones for your needs and care for them appropriately.
Kiln shelves are expensive. Be certain you get the right ones for your needs and care for them appropriately.
How to Burnish Pottery
How to burnish pottery, from the choice of clay to sealing a burnished pot.
How to burnish pottery, from the choice of clay to sealing a burnished pot.
Pottery and Plumbing
Pottery and plumbing can be very bad together. As a potter, you need to know what your plumbing needs are and how to handle them.
Pottery and plumbing can be very bad together. As a potter, you need to know what your plumbing needs are and how to handle them.
Ancient Greek Pottery
Images of ancient Greek pottery showing a diversity of types from alabastron to stauettes.
Images of ancient Greek pottery showing a diversity of types from alabastron to stauettes.
How to Throw or Pull Up Walls
The entire process of forming a pot out of clay on the potter's wheel is generally called throwing. There are several steps within that process, such as centering, opening, throwing the walls, and finalizing the form.
The entire process of forming a pot out of clay on the potter's wheel is generally called throwing. There are several steps within that process, such as centering, opening, throwing the walls, and finalizing the form.
How to Recycle Clay Scraps
Recycling clay scraps so they can be made into workable clay again can be done without any machinery.
Recycling clay scraps so they can be made into workable clay again can be done without any machinery.
Throwing Clays
Throwing on the potter's wheel makes some heavy demands on clay bodies. There are three key characteristics necessary for a clay body to work well for throwing.
Throwing on the potter's wheel makes some heavy demands on clay bodies. There are three key characteristics necessary for a clay body to work well for throwing.
When to Underglaze
When should a potter underglaze their pottery? Do you need to wait until the pots have been bisqued, or can you underglaze them as greenware?
When should a potter underglaze their pottery? Do you need to wait until the pots have been bisqued, or can you underglaze them as greenware?
Objects Used to Impress Clay
Many objects can be used to make impressions in clay, not just tools specifically made for making impressions.
Many objects can be used to make impressions in clay, not just tools specifically made for making impressions.
Horse Hair Pottery
A description of what horse hair pottery is and how to create your own horse hair pottery pieces.
A description of what horse hair pottery is and how to create your own horse hair pottery pieces.
Rhyton with Dionysus
Ancient Greek pottery rhyton in the form of the god of wine, Dionysus.
Ancient Greek pottery rhyton in the form of the god of wine, Dionysus.
Photographing Pottery
Knowing how to photograph pottery can make a sometimes frustrating experience into a rewarding one.
Knowing how to photograph pottery can make a sometimes frustrating experience into a rewarding one.
Make a Basic Pinch Pot
Handbuilding can be done in many ways. The most basic method of all is to work with a ball of clay directly, with no intermediate steps. Due to the action of thinning the pot’s walls through pressure between the thumb and fingers, these are called pinch pots.
Handbuilding can be done in many ways. The most basic method of all is to work with a ball of clay directly, with no intermediate steps. Due to the action of thinning the pot’s walls through pressure between the thumb and fingers, these are called pinch pots.
Crawling
Crawling is a glaze defect. Find out what it is, why it happens, and how to correct this problem.
Crawling is a glaze defect. Find out what it is, why it happens, and how to correct this problem.
In the Round
'In the round' refers to working or seeing in three dimensions.
'In the round' refers to working or seeing in three dimensions.
Lusters and Overglazes
Lusters, china paints, and overglazes are all glaze options that fire at very low (for pottery) temperatures.
Lusters, china paints, and overglazes are all glaze options that fire at very low (for pottery) temperatures.
What Are Crystalline Glazes
Crystalline glazes are specifically formulated to encourage visible crystal growth in the glaze as it goes through the glaze firing.
Crystalline glazes are specifically formulated to encourage visible crystal growth in the glaze as it goes through the glaze firing.
Basic Pottery Equipment
The three most-often used pieces of equipment that potters can use are kilns, wheels, and some form of equipment used to bring dry clay to usable form.
The three most-often used pieces of equipment that potters can use are kilns, wheels, and some form of equipment used to bring dry clay to usable form.
Foundations of 3-D Art
There are three foundations upon which 3-D art is built. Three dimensional art is the culmination of subject matter, content, and form.
There are three foundations upon which 3-D art is built. Three dimensional art is the culmination of subject matter, content, and form.
Build a Wedging Table
A step by step description of how to build your own wedging table, which you can use for both wedging and reclaiming clay scraps.
A step by step description of how to build your own wedging table, which you can use for both wedging and reclaiming clay scraps.
Problems With Clay Bodies
Problems with clay bodies can occur at any stage of pottery production. These clay body defects can usually, be avoided, however. For all of clay's versatility and incredible flexibility as a medium, it does need to be understood. Clay does make certain requirements of those who work with it, or problems will arise.
Problems with clay bodies can occur at any stage of pottery production. These clay body defects can usually, be avoided, however. For all of clay's versatility and incredible flexibility as a medium, it does need to be understood. Clay does make certain requirements of those who work with it, or problems will arise.
Before Glazing
Tips on what you should do before you begin glazing your pottery.
Tips on what you should do before you begin glazing your pottery.
Vessel Shapes and Transitions
Pottery vessels usually derive from basic vessel forms, in which basic forms can be used together in one pot with transitions between areas.
Pottery vessels usually derive from basic vessel forms, in which basic forms can be used together in one pot with transitions between areas.
Make a Basic Slab Pot
Creating pots with slabs is probably the most technically challenging of the hand building techniques. Because of the structural stresses, it is important to create good seals and welds between slabs.
Creating pots with slabs is probably the most technically challenging of the hand building techniques. Because of the structural stresses, it is important to create good seals and welds between slabs.
Shrinkage Ruler
You can make your own pottery shrinkage ruler. This will help you size new pots so they will be a specific size after firing.
You can make your own pottery shrinkage ruler. This will help you size new pots so they will be a specific size after firing.
Where to Look for Classes
Classes in pottery or ceramics can help you expand your technical and expressive voice in clay. They can also be great fun. You may have decided that you would like to take a class in pottery, but aren't sure how to find one. Here are some places to look.
Classes in pottery or ceramics can help you expand your technical and expressive voice in clay. They can also be great fun. You may have decided that you would like to take a class in pottery, but aren't sure how to find one. Here are some places to look.
Bats
Bats are used by potters as throwing and working surfaces. Find out more here.
Bats are used by potters as throwing and working surfaces. Find out more here.
How to Throw a Plate
How to throw a pottery plate on the potter's wheel. Although it may seem an easy shape to throw, there are some ways the clay can trip you up.
How to throw a pottery plate on the potter's wheel. Although it may seem an easy shape to throw, there are some ways the clay can trip you up.
Low-Fire Glaze Recipes
Recipes for low-fire pottery glazes.
Recipes for low-fire pottery glazes.
Make Handles for Pottery
You will want to make handles for many pots such as mugs, pitchers, teapots, and so on. Here are several ways to make handles that are commonly used in pottery.
You will want to make handles for many pots such as mugs, pitchers, teapots, and so on. Here are several ways to make handles that are commonly used in pottery.
How to Use Wax Resist
Wax resist is used extensively in pottery as a means of controlling glazes and other liquids. It has both practical applications, such as keeping the bottoms of pots glaze-free, and well as decorative applications.
Wax resist is used extensively in pottery as a means of controlling glazes and other liquids. It has both practical applications, such as keeping the bottoms of pots glaze-free, and well as decorative applications.
Ceramics
A definition of ceramics.
A definition of ceramics.
Slip Decoration Part 2
Decorating pottery with slips has a deep history and a wealth of variations. Slips can be used in conjunction with other decorative techniques to bring about even more decorative options for pottery.
Decorating pottery with slips has a deep history and a wealth of variations. Slips can be used in conjunction with other decorative techniques to bring about even more decorative options for pottery.
3-D Design
Three dimensional design involves not only the aspects of width and height, but depth as well. This introduction to 3-D design includes the elements of design and the methods of developing a three dimensional design or form.
Three dimensional design involves not only the aspects of width and height, but depth as well. This introduction to 3-D design includes the elements of design and the methods of developing a three dimensional design or form.
6 Ways to Heat a Kiln
Kilns can be heated by a number of different heating sources. Kilns used for pottery are heated, or brought to temperature, using five main heating sources.
Kilns can be heated by a number of different heating sources. Kilns used for pottery are heated, or brought to temperature, using five main heating sources.
Pottery Suppliers in Arizona
This is a list of pottery and ceramic suppliers based in Arizona.
This is a list of pottery and ceramic suppliers based in Arizona.
Foundations of Pottery Skills
Your pottery skills will be greatly enhanced if you know the three foundations underlying of pottery-making. Your development as a potter rests squarely on practice, experience, and experimentation.
Your pottery skills will be greatly enhanced if you know the three foundations underlying of pottery-making. Your development as a potter rests squarely on practice, experience, and experimentation.
Identifying and Collecting
Here is an FAQ on collecting and identifying pottery, including issues such as why to collect, appraisals, insurance, and more.
Here is an FAQ on collecting and identifying pottery, including issues such as why to collect, appraisals, insurance, and more.
Egyptian Paste
Egyptian paste is a self-glazing form of pottery. The glaze materials are actual present in the clay body; no further glazing is needed.
Egyptian paste is a self-glazing form of pottery. The glaze materials are actual present in the clay body; no further glazing is needed.
Tjanting (Canting) Tools
A tjanting (also known as a canting) tool is used to apply wax in making batik fabric. It can also be used by potters when doing wax resist decorations on their pottery.
A tjanting (also known as a canting) tool is used to apply wax in making batik fabric. It can also be used by potters when doing wax resist decorations on their pottery.
Major Pottery Wheel Brands
Take a look at the major pottery wheel brands that potters are using today. Information makes shopping for a new potter's wheel easier.
Take a look at the major pottery wheel brands that potters are using today. Information makes shopping for a new potter's wheel easier.
Pottery and Ceramic Supplies
Most of us no longer go out and dig our own materials as a matter of course. The vast majority of modern potters order our potter and ceramic supplies from wholesale and retail suppliers. Here is a list of some of the online retailers of pottery and ceramics supplies.
Most of us no longer go out and dig our own materials as a matter of course. The vast majority of modern potters order our potter and ceramic supplies from wholesale and retail suppliers. Here is a list of some of the online retailers of pottery and ceramics supplies.
Silica
Silica is one of the three main ingredients of clays and glaze materials.
Silica is one of the three main ingredients of clays and glaze materials.
Commercial Moist Clays
For many part-time potters, the best solution to the clay question is to buy commercially made moist clay. These ready-to-use moist clay bodies come in a vast assortment of temperature ranges, colors, and working characteristics.
For many part-time potters, the best solution to the clay question is to buy commercially made moist clay. These ready-to-use moist clay bodies come in a vast assortment of temperature ranges, colors, and working characteristics.
Ash Glaze Recipes
A compilation of ash glaze recipes.
A compilation of ash glaze recipes.
Wax Resist
Wax resist is a technique used in decorating pottery.
Wax resist is a technique used in decorating pottery.
Thrown Pottery Forms
Thrown pottery can have a number of specific areas or parts. Formal knowledge of these can enhance a potter's aesthetic as they work on the wheel.
Thrown pottery can have a number of specific areas or parts. Formal knowledge of these can enhance a potter's aesthetic as they work on the wheel.
Mid-Range Matte Glazes
This is a compilation of mid-range matte pottery glaze recipes. As with all pottery glazes and glaze materials, use the proper safety precautions when mixing these glazes.
This is a compilation of mid-range matte pottery glaze recipes. As with all pottery glazes and glaze materials, use the proper safety precautions when mixing these glazes.
Thrown Pottery Lids
Explore the types of pottery lids that are thrown on the wheel.
Explore the types of pottery lids that are thrown on the wheel.
Find a Potter's Wheel
Where do you look to find a pottery wheel to buy? Potters have several choices.
Where do you look to find a pottery wheel to buy? Potters have several choices.
Choose Glazes
How do you begin to choose which glazes you want to use, especially if you are new to pottery? Here are some guidelines to help you make those choices.
How do you begin to choose which glazes you want to use, especially if you are new to pottery? Here are some guidelines to help you make those choices.
Brushes
In pottery brushes have many uses, and these uses must be kept in mind when brushes are purchased.
In pottery brushes have many uses, and these uses must be kept in mind when brushes are purchased.
Plasticity
Clay is plastic? Yes. Plasticity refers to its ability to bend and flex.
Clay is plastic? Yes. Plasticity refers to its ability to bend and flex.
Before Centering Clay
Before centering clay on the potter's wheel, there are a number of steps that should be taken. These preparatory steps will work toward your overall throwing success.
Before centering clay on the potter's wheel, there are a number of steps that should be taken. These preparatory steps will work toward your overall throwing success.
Jiggers
Jigger is a term in pottery referring to a mechanized method of production.
Jigger is a term in pottery referring to a mechanized method of production.
Trim the Foot Ring of a Pot
Foot rings are one of the possible ways to finish the bottom of a pot. Many pottery forms benefit from the visual lift and added elegance of a trimmed foot.
Foot rings are one of the possible ways to finish the bottom of a pot. Many pottery forms benefit from the visual lift and added elegance of a trimmed foot.
Sinter
When heated to a high enough temperature, clay sinters and becomes a ceramic material.
When heated to a high enough temperature, clay sinters and becomes a ceramic material.
How to Build Throwing Skills
Throwing on the potters wheel is a skill that may seem impossible to master at first. The best way to build your skills throwing on the potters wheel is through practice and evaluation.
Throwing on the potters wheel is a skill that may seem impossible to master at first. The best way to build your skills throwing on the potters wheel is through practice and evaluation.
How to Test Clay Bodies
How do you find out what the characteristics are of a given clay body? There are several tests you can run on clay bodies to find out their suitability to your work.
How do you find out what the characteristics are of a given clay body? There are several tests you can run on clay bodies to find out their suitability to your work.
Dinos
Ancient Greek pottery dinos, a large, deep bowl with a small, rounded lip and a rounded bottom.
Ancient Greek pottery dinos, a large, deep bowl with a small, rounded lip and a rounded bottom.
Calyx-Krater
Ancient Greek pottery krater, a vessel used to mix water into wine, in the calyx, or flower-shaped, form.
Ancient Greek pottery krater, a vessel used to mix water into wine, in the calyx, or flower-shaped, form.
Blistering
What is blistering in ceramic glazes, what causes it, and how to solve this glaze defect.
What is blistering in ceramic glazes, what causes it, and how to solve this glaze defect.
Read a Clay Body Recipe
Understanding clay recipes can be a confusing experience. Here are some tips for those who want to use clay body recipes and mix their own clays.
Understanding clay recipes can be a confusing experience. Here are some tips for those who want to use clay body recipes and mix their own clays.
Calculate Kiln Firing Costs
It is good to calculate how much it costs to fire your kiln, both to keep track of your own expenses and in case you want to rent out kiln space.
It is good to calculate how much it costs to fire your kiln, both to keep track of your own expenses and in case you want to rent out kiln space.
How to Throw off the Mound
Throwing off the mound (or throwing off the hump) allows potters to make quantities of small pots or bowls very quickly. It is a technique that many production potters master and use as a matter of course.
Throwing off the mound (or throwing off the hump) allows potters to make quantities of small pots or bowls very quickly. It is a technique that many production potters master and use as a matter of course.
Value of Art and Pottery
What value is there of making art and pottery? Is there a value, beyond whatever price the objects created might sell for?
What value is there of making art and pottery? Is there a value, beyond whatever price the objects created might sell for?
Downdraft
The definition of downdraft and downdraft kilns
The definition of downdraft and downdraft kilns
Engobe
Engobes are slip-like liquids formulated with less clay in order to reduce shrinkage.
Engobes are slip-like liquids formulated with less clay in order to reduce shrinkage.
Reduction
Reduction atmospheres are used in pottery to effect the development of both glazes and clay bodies.
Reduction atmospheres are used in pottery to effect the development of both glazes and clay bodies.
Throw a Basic Cylindrical Pot
How to throw a pot, especially a cylinder-shaped pot, is the foundation of working on the wheel. Take the time to build skills with cylinders; it will pay off as you eventually explore more complex forms.
How to throw a pot, especially a cylinder-shaped pot, is the foundation of working on the wheel. Take the time to build skills with cylinders; it will pay off as you eventually explore more complex forms.
Cut Clay Surface Decoration
Surface decorations in clay pieces include incising, carving, fluting, and faceting.
Surface decorations in clay pieces include incising, carving, fluting, and faceting.
Majolica
Majolica is a historical type of pottery still practiced today.
Majolica is a historical type of pottery still practiced today.
Ceramist
A ceramist is a person working in one of the fields involving ceramics.
A ceramist is a person working in one of the fields involving ceramics.
How to Pack Pottery
Safely packing pottery to mail or ship it takes the knowledge of how to pack it so it won't break.
Safely packing pottery to mail or ship it takes the knowledge of how to pack it so it won't break.
Fluted Clay Pipe, c. 1810-1840
A historic clay pipe discovered in New York City during the excavation of the South Ferry station site.
A historic clay pipe discovered in New York City during the excavation of the South Ferry station site.
Make a Basic Coil Pot
Coiling has been used for millennia as a method of producing pottery and ceramic objects. It is still an extremely versatile technique for us today. The following project is an introduction to creating your own pottery with coils. <p> For this project, you will need about 1/2 pound clay, a potter's needle or wooden trimming tool, and some water or slurry (dried clay bits dissolved into water).</p>
Coiling has been used for millennia as a method of producing pottery and ceramic objects. It is still an extremely versatile technique for us today. The following project is an introduction to creating your own pottery with coils. <p> For this project, you will need about 1/2 pound clay, a potter's needle or wooden trimming tool, and some water or slurry (dried clay bits dissolved into water).</p>
Dolomite
What is dolomite and how is it used in pottery.
What is dolomite and how is it used in pottery.
Weave a Pottery Basket
How to create a ceramic basket by weaving pottery clay coils.
How to create a ceramic basket by weaving pottery clay coils.
How to Dip Glaze Pottery
Dipping pottery into glazes is one of the oldest methods of glaze application. It is still an easy and useful method today.
Dipping pottery into glazes is one of the oldest methods of glaze application. It is still an easy and useful method today.