Pottery: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slip Decoration Part 2
Decorating pottery can be done using the sgraffito technique of incising down through slip.
Decorating pottery can be done using the sgraffito technique of incising down through slip.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make a Basic Pinch Pot
Pinch pots are fast and direct molding of a small pot. Step three is to pinch out the walls and floor of the pot.
Pinch pots are fast and direct molding of a small pot. Step three is to pinch out the walls and floor of the pot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Slip
The term "slip" as used in pottery.
The term "slip" as used in pottery.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
2009 Pottery Projects
Monthly pottery projects to help you build your skills as a potter and explore new territory with clay.
Monthly pottery projects to help you build your skills as a potter and explore new territory with clay.
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.
Cut Clay Surface Decoration
Carving large areas of clay can be used both to decorate pottery and to create sculptures.
Carving large areas of clay can be used both to decorate pottery and to create 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.
Attic Amphora
Ancient Greek pottery amphora from Attica, made using the black-figure technique.
Ancient Greek pottery amphora from Attica, made using the black-figure technique.
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.
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 Load a Kiln
Loading a kiln takes forethought and some knowledge in order to avoid destructive and expensive accidents.
Loading a kiln takes forethought and some knowledge in order to avoid destructive and expensive accidents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make a Slab-Built Pitcher
How to make a pottery pitcher using the slab building method.
How to make a pottery pitcher using the slab building method.
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.
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.
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.
Throw a Flat-Sided Bowl
How to complete the bowl on the pottery wheel by compressing the rim and trimming the bowl.
How to complete the bowl on the pottery wheel by compressing the rim and trimming the bowl.
Finalize the Thrown Pot
Before it is taken off the potter's wheel, it is time to finalize the thrown form. Throwing the walls thins them, but there is much more that can be done to shape the form of the pot.
Before it is taken off the potter's wheel, it is time to finalize the thrown form. Throwing the walls thins them, but there is much more that can be done to shape the form of the pot.
Mayan Vase with Noble, 600-900 AD
A Mayan pottery vase depicting a costumed noble. This ceramic piece was a burial offering.
A Mayan pottery vase depicting a costumed noble. This ceramic piece was a burial offering.
Kyathos
Ancient Greek pottery kyathos or dipper showing Dionysus and a maenad.
Ancient Greek pottery kyathos or dipper showing Dionysus and a maenad.
Slab Build a Mug
Instructions for slab building a pottery mug.
Instructions for slab building a pottery mug.
Mayan Sun God, 1100-1300 AD
This pottery effigy urn is formed in the likeness of the Mayan Sun God. The ceramic piece is from the eastern Yucatan, Late Postclassic period.
This pottery effigy urn is formed in the likeness of the Mayan Sun God. The ceramic piece is from the eastern Yucatan, Late Postclassic period.
How to Open Clay when Throwing
How you open the clay on the potter's wheel will effect the rest of the throwing process. If rushed or done with poor hand placement, the pot may be doomed to be off-center.
How you open the clay on the potter's wheel will effect the rest of the throwing process. If rushed or done with poor hand placement, the pot may be doomed to be off-center.
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?
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.
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.
Pyriform Aryballos
Ancient Greek pottery aryballos, a small jug used to carry perfumes and oil.
Ancient Greek pottery aryballos, a small jug used to carry perfumes and oil.
Aztec Vulture Vessel, 1300-1500 AD
An Aztec pottery vessel with vulture decoration. This ceramic piece is from between 1300 and 1500 AD.
An Aztec pottery vessel with vulture decoration. This ceramic piece is from between 1300 and 1500 AD.
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.
How to Pull a Handle
Have you ever heard of pulling a handle for pottery? Many types of pots require handles, including mugs, pitchers, teapots, jugs, and so on. One of the most technically and aesthetically pleasing types of handles are pulled handles.
Have you ever heard of pulling a handle for pottery? Many types of pots require handles, including mugs, pitchers, teapots, jugs, and so on. One of the most technically and aesthetically pleasing types of handles are pulled handles.
Campanian Kylix
Ancient Greek pottery kylix or drinking cup, circa. 400 - 350 BC.
Ancient Greek pottery kylix or drinking cup, circa. 400 - 350 BC.
Trim the Foot Ring of a Pot
Trimming the excess clay away from the walls and floors of the pot requires a sharp loop tool.
Trimming the excess clay away from the walls and floors of the pot requires a sharp loop tool.
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.
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.
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.
Kylix Type B
Ancient Greek pottery kylix, or wdie drinking cup in the Type B style, which has a longer, thinner base stem.
Ancient Greek pottery kylix, or wdie drinking cup in the Type B style, which has a longer, thinner base stem.
Amphora Decoration
Ancient Greek pottery black-figured amphora decorated with dancing satyrs and maenads.
Ancient Greek pottery black-figured amphora decorated with dancing satyrs and maenads.
Clay Artist Peter Holland
Interview with Peter Holland, a full-time clay artist from the U.K. who has been creating clay sculptures for over 20 years.
Interview with Peter Holland, a full-time clay artist from the U.K. who has been creating clay sculptures for over 20 years.
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.
Laconian Kylix
Ancient Greek pottery kylix, or drink cup, in the style of the Arkesilas Painter.
Ancient Greek pottery kylix, or drink cup, in the style of the Arkesilas Painter.
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.
Make a Heart Picture Frame
The pottery heart picture frame is a slab-built piece. For this project, you will need to roll out slabs for the front and back panels.
The pottery heart picture frame is a slab-built piece. For this project, you will need to roll out slabs for the front and back panels.
Mayan Rain God Chac, 1200-1400 AD
Pottery urn in the image of the Mayan rain god, Chac. This ceramic piece is from Postclassical Mayapan.
Pottery urn in the image of the Mayan rain god, Chac. This ceramic piece is from Postclassical Mayapan.
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.
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.
Low-Fire Glaze Recipes
Recipes for low-fire pottery glazes.
Recipes for low-fire pottery glazes.
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.
Advanced Raku Firing
Review of the book, "Raku Firing, Advanced Techniques" published by the American Ceramic Society.
Review of the book, "Raku Firing, Advanced Techniques" published by the American Ceramic Society.
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.
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.
Amphora Shwowing a Swordsman
Ancient Greek pottery neck amphora showing a sowrdsman.
Ancient Greek pottery neck amphora showing a sowrdsman.
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.
Throw a Basic Cylindrical Pot
Throwing on the potter's wheel thins and stretches the pot's walls.
Throwing on the potter's wheel thins and stretches the pot's walls.
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?
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.
Decoration on a Hydria
Close up showing details of the decorations on an ancient Greek pottery hydria.
Close up showing details of the decorations on an ancient Greek pottery hydria.
Lekythos
Ancient Greek pottery lekythos, usually used to hold oil or perfume during religious ceremonies. This lekythos is attributed to the Sappho Painter.
Ancient Greek pottery lekythos, usually used to hold oil or perfume during religious ceremonies. This lekythos is attributed to the Sappho Painter.
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.
Neck-Amphora
Ancient Greek pottery neck-amphora, one of the many types of amphorae, or storage jars, that has been identified.
Ancient Greek pottery neck-amphora, one of the many types of amphorae, or storage jars, that has been identified.
Sgraffito
Sgraffito is a technique that merges the use of slips with incising.
Sgraffito is a technique that merges the use of slips with incising.
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.
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.
Bisque
Definition of bisque, bisqueware and bisque firing.
Definition of bisque, bisqueware and bisque firing.
Aison Kylix
Ancient Greek pottery kylix signed by the vase painter, Aison.
Ancient Greek pottery kylix signed by the vase painter, Aison.
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.
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.
Begin a Pottery Project
Before you begin a pottery project, there are a few preliminary steps you should go through first.
Before you begin a pottery project, there are a few preliminary steps you should go through first.
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.
Alabastron
Ancient Greek pottery alabastron, a long vessel most likely used to hold perfumed oils for use after bathing.
Ancient Greek pottery alabastron, a long vessel most likely used to hold perfumed oils for use after bathing.
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.
Loutrophoros
Ancient Greek pottery loutrophoros, a vessel created to carry water during marriage and funeral ceremonies. This loutrophoros is thought to be by the Analatos Painter.
Ancient Greek pottery loutrophoros, a vessel created to carry water during marriage and funeral ceremonies. This loutrophoros is thought to be by the Analatos Painter.
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.
Kickwheels
The kickwheel, is the most common form of human-powered wheel used by modern potters in the United States today. Find out more about them.
The kickwheel, is the most common form of human-powered wheel used by modern potters in the United States today. Find out more about them.
Make a Coil-Built Pitcher
How to make a pottery pitcher using the coil building method.
How to make a pottery pitcher using the coil building method.
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.
Folk Bird Plate by KayPottery
A pottery plate with folk bird design done in underglazes and sgraffito.
A pottery plate with folk bird design done in underglazes and sgraffito.
Black Figure Amphora
Ancient Greek pottery black-figure amphora made in Athens about 520 - 500 BC.
Ancient Greek pottery black-figure amphora made in Athens about 520 - 500 BC.
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.
Cut and Slap Wedging Method
Wedging your clay is a very important step. One way of wedging clay is the cut and slap method.
Wedging your clay is a very important step. One way of wedging clay is the cut and slap method.
Mayan Figurine from Jaina, 600-800 AD
A ceramic figure of an important Mayan person from the island of Jaina. Mayan pottery.
A ceramic figure of an important Mayan person from the island of Jaina. Mayan pottery.
Ash Glaze Recipes
A compilation of ash glaze recipes.
A compilation of ash glaze recipes.
Uses of Pottery Needles
Another use of the potter's needle is to score pottery when joining clay pieces together.
Another use of the potter's needle is to score pottery when joining clay pieces together.
Hydria
Ancient Greek pottery hydria, a jug specifically created to carry and pour water.
Ancient Greek pottery hydria, a jug specifically created to carry and pour water.
Volute-Krater
Ancient Greek pottery volute krater used to mix water and wine together made between 440 and 450 BC.
Ancient Greek pottery volute krater used to mix water and wine together made between 440 and 450 BC.
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.
Pinholing
Pinholing and pitting are ceramic glaze defects. Find out what they are, why they occur, and how to solve the problem.
Pinholing and pitting are ceramic glaze defects. Find out what they are, why they occur, and how to solve the problem.
Make Particle Board Bats
How to make inexpensive particle board bats for your potter's wheel.
How to make inexpensive particle board bats for your potter's wheel.
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.
Ram's-Head Rhyton
Ancient Greek pottery rhyton in the shape of a ram's head.
Ancient Greek pottery rhyton in the shape of a ram's head.
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.
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.
Cycladic Jug
Ancient Greek pottery cycladic jug with a high spout and two nipples done in relief.
Ancient Greek pottery cycladic jug with a high spout and two nipples done in relief.
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.
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 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.
How to Cylinder Wedge Clay
Wedging clay is an important preliminary step to working clay. It homogenizes the clay and removes air pockets.
Wedging clay is an important preliminary step to working clay. It homogenizes the clay and removes air pockets.
Tale of the Dragon Flask
Fictionalized account of preparing a porcelain clay body for throwing in China during the Ming dynasty.
Fictionalized account of preparing a porcelain clay body for throwing in China during the Ming dynasty.
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.
Wax Resist
Wax resist is a technique used in decorating pottery.
Wax resist is a technique used in decorating pottery.
Bell-Krater
Ancient Greek pottery bell krater used to mix water into wine.
Ancient Greek pottery bell krater used to mix water into wine.
Kylix Interior
Interior view of an ancient Greek pottery kylix, or drinking cup, done in the white-ground style.
Interior view of an ancient Greek pottery kylix, or drinking cup, done in the white-ground style.
Memorial Krater
Ancient Greek pottery krater memorializing a man at his grave site.
Ancient Greek pottery krater memorializing a man at his grave site.
Mayan Plate with Metate Grinding Cocoa 600-900 AD
A Mayan plate depicting a woman using a metate to grind cocoa.
A Mayan plate depicting a woman using a metate to grind cocoa.
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.
How to Attach Clay Handles
To attach clay handles to pottery forms requires some basic knowledge and remembering a few key details.
To attach clay handles to pottery forms requires some basic knowledge and remembering a few key details.
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.
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.
Mayan Woman Figurine from Jaina, ca. 800-1000 AD
Ceramic figure of an ancient Maya woman from the island of Jaina, Mexico.
Ceramic figure of an ancient Maya woman from the island of Jaina, Mexico.
Lagynos
Ancient Greek pottery lagynos decorated with images of musical instruments.
Ancient Greek pottery lagynos decorated with images of musical instruments.
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.
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.
Dog-Shaped Rhyton
Ancient Greek rhyton in the shape of a dog. Rhytons were used for drinking and pouring libations out to the gods.
Ancient Greek rhyton in the shape of a dog. Rhytons were used for drinking and pouring libations out to the gods.
Artistry and Aesthetic
Artistry and aesthetics are as much a part of pottery as the technical side of pottery craftsmanship. Technical skill, artistry, and aesthetic design are all part of what makes pottery great.
Artistry and aesthetics are as much a part of pottery as the technical side of pottery craftsmanship. Technical skill, artistry, and aesthetic design are all part of what makes pottery great.
Pyxis with Molded Heads
Ancient Greek pottery pyxis, or cosmetic box, with modeled female heads at the rim and friezes of lions, sirens, sphinxes, and birds.
Ancient Greek pottery pyxis, or cosmetic box, with modeled female heads at the rim and friezes of lions, sirens, sphinxes, and birds.
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.
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.
How to Recycle Clay Scraps
The second step to recycling clay scraps is to slake the dried clay in water.
The second step to recycling clay scraps is to slake the dried clay in water.
Neck-Amphora 2
Ancient Greek pottery neck-amphora now residing at the British Museum in London.
Ancient Greek pottery neck-amphora now residing at the British Museum in London.
Tlatilco God and Goddess, ca. 1200-400 BC
Tlatilco pottery god and goddess figures. These ceramic figures are from about 1200-400 BC.
Tlatilco pottery god and goddess figures. These ceramic figures are from about 1200-400 BC.
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.