Pottery: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Slab Pots 101
Handbuilding 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.
Handbuilding 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.
Make a Basic Slab Pot
Creating pots with slabs is probably the most technically challenging of the handbuilding techniques. Because of the structural stresses, it is important to create good seals and welds between slabs. [p] You will need about 1/2 to 1 pound of ready-to-use clay, canvas for your work surface, a potter's needle, a wooden trimming tool with one rounded end, slurry (dried clay bits dissolved in water), and a bamboo or sumi brush.
Creating pots with slabs is probably the most technically challenging of the handbuilding techniques. Because of the structural stresses, it is important to create good seals and welds between slabs. [p] You will need about 1/2 to 1 pound of ready-to-use clay, canvas for your work surface, a potter's needle, a wooden trimming tool with one rounded end, slurry (dried clay bits dissolved in water), and a bamboo or sumi brush.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Pottery & Ceramics 101
Pottery and other ceramic objects have been an important part of human culture for thousands of years. Here is an overview of what ceramics and pottery is in the modern world.
Pottery and other ceramic objects have been an important part of human culture for thousands of years. Here is an overview of what ceramics and pottery is in the modern world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Throw a Simple Vase
Throwing the clay on the potter's wheel thins the walls and increases their height.
Throwing the clay on the potter's wheel thins the walls and increases their height.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make a Basic Coil Pot
Rolling your first clay coil is the second step to creating your coil-built pot.
Rolling your first clay coil is the second step to creating your coil-built pot.
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?
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.
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.
Starting 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.
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.
Slip Decoration Part 2
Decorating pottery using slip in the mishima technique is very similar to wood or stone inlay in its effect.
Decorating pottery using slip in the mishima technique is very similar to wood or stone inlay in its effect.
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.
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 creating 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 creating your own pottery studio.
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.
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 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.
Objects Used to Impress Clay
Rubber stamp wheels can be used to impress clay, leaving interesting patterns.
Rubber stamp wheels can be used to impress clay, leaving interesting patterns.
Pottery as Art
Pottery is both a craft and an art form. Artistic merit and technical expertise meld in the current world of studio pottery.
Pottery is both a craft and an art form. Artistic merit and technical expertise meld in the current world of studio pottery.
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.
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.
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.
Throw a Basic Cylindrical Pot
Centering your clay on the potter's wheel is an important step to creating pottery.
Centering your clay on the potter's wheel is an important step to creating pottery.
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.
Understand Glaze Recipes
If you are unfamiliar with them , it can be hard to understand and use glaze recipes.
If you are unfamiliar with them , it can be hard to understand and use glaze recipes.
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.
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.
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 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.
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?
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Refining Coil Pots
Once the initial coil pot has been formed, the surface and the walls can be refined through the paddle and anvil and the rib and hand techniques.
Once the initial coil pot has been formed, the surface and the walls can be refined through the paddle and anvil and the rib and hand techniques.
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.
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.
Pottery as Craft
Craftsmanship is the backbone of ceramics and pottery. Explore some of the technical skills potters use as a matter of course.
Craftsmanship is the backbone of ceramics and pottery. Explore some of the technical skills potters use as a matter of course.
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.
Coefficient of Expansion
Description of the use and importance of the coefficient of expansion in pottery.
Description of the use and importance of the coefficient of expansion in pottery.
Bisque
Definition of bisque, bisqueware and bisque firing.
Definition of bisque, bisqueware and bisque firing.
Tale of the Dragon Flask
Fictional account of the making of a prized porcelain dragon flask during the Ming Dynasty in China.
Fictional account of the making of a prized porcelain dragon flask during the Ming Dynasty in China.
Clay Processing Equipment
There are three main types of machines that process clay for potters. These are the clay mixer, the pugmill, and the pugger-mixer. Find out what each of these can do.
There are three main types of machines that process clay for potters. These are the clay mixer, the pugmill, and the pugger-mixer. Find out what each of these can do.
Finish the Bottom of Pots
The way in which you finish the bottom of thrown pottery directly effects the aesthetic and functional attributes of a pot.
The way in which you finish the bottom of thrown pottery directly effects the aesthetic and functional attributes of a pot.
Types of Pottery Sponges
A look at the different types of sponges and their use in creating pottery.
A look at the different types of sponges and their use in creating 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.
Wax Resist
Wax resist is a technique used in decorating pottery.
Wax resist is a technique used in decorating pottery.
Slip
The term "slip" as used in pottery.
The term "slip" as used in pottery.
Clay Artist Peter Holland
Peter Holland briefly describes his 7 business principals for making art your career.
Peter Holland briefly describes his 7 business principals for making art your career.
Throwing Do-Ahead Preparations
When people first think of working with clay, they often think of a potter sitting at the wheel, throwing beautiful pottery forms. Did you know that there are preparatory steps that can be taken long before a potter begins?
When people first think of working with clay, they often think of a potter sitting at the wheel, throwing beautiful pottery forms. Did you know that there are preparatory steps that can be taken long before a potter begins?
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.
Label Poisonous Materials
Ensure your safety by knowing about how to use labels and Material Safety Data Sheets when using poisonous ceramic materials.
Ensure your safety by knowing about how to use labels and Material Safety Data Sheets when using poisonous ceramic materials.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety in the Ceramics Studio
Review of Jeff Zamek's book, Safety in the Ceramics Studio. Pros and cons, comments, and description included.
Review of Jeff Zamek's book, Safety in the Ceramics Studio. Pros and cons, comments, and description included.
Review of "A Single Shard"
A review of Linda Sue Park's juvenile fiction book, A Single Shard. Includes a description, pros, cons, and reviewer comments.
A review of Linda Sue Park's juvenile fiction book, A Single Shard. Includes a description, pros, cons, and reviewer comments.
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.
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.
Glaze Surface Overview
Description of the different surfaces ceramic glazes can exhibit.
Description of the different surfaces ceramic glazes can exhibit.
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.
The Cone Method of Wedging
Cone wedging clay compacts the clay into a spiraled cone shape, which many potters prefer when the clay is to be thrown on the potter's wheel.
Cone wedging clay compacts the clay into a spiraled cone shape, which many potters prefer when the clay is to be thrown on the potter's wheel.
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.
Pyrometric Cones
What are pyrometric cones and how are they used? Here are the answers.
What are pyrometric cones and how are they used? Here are the answers.
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.
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.
Control Dust in Pottery
Learn how to control dust in your pottery studio and avoid health risks.
Learn how to control dust in your pottery studio and avoid health risks.
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.
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.
Greenware
Definition given for the pottery term "greenware."
Definition given for the pottery term "greenware."
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.
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.
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.
Shivering
Shivering is a glaze defect; find out what it is, why it occurs, and solutions to shivering here.
Shivering is a glaze defect; find out what it is, why it occurs, and solutions to shivering here.
"Ceramics: Art and Perception"
'Ceramics Art and Perception' magazine reviewed. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments from the reviewer.
'Ceramics Art and Perception' magazine reviewed. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments from the reviewer.
Grog
Definition of grog, as used in pottery and ceramics.
Definition of grog, as used in pottery and ceramics.
Firing Schedule
The definition of a firing schedule or firing cycle as pertains to pottery.
The definition of a firing schedule or firing cycle as pertains to pottery.
Oxidation
Oxidation is a particular kiln atmosphere which can strongly effect glazes and clay bodies.
Oxidation is a particular kiln atmosphere which can strongly effect glazes and clay bodies.
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.
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.
Slake
The process of wetting dried, unfired clay.
The process of wetting dried, unfired clay.
Maturation
Did you know that clays and glazes mature? Not in the social sense that people do, of course, but rather in their structure.
Did you know that clays and glazes mature? Not in the social sense that people do, of course, but rather in their structure.
Clobber
Clobber is a verb used to describe a specific use of overglazes.
Clobber is a verb used to describe a specific use of overglazes.
Vitrification
An explanation of vitrification in clay and glazes used in pottery.
An explanation of vitrification in clay and glazes used in pottery.
Make Safety a Priority
Working in clay may be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Ensure that it remains so by taking the time to think through the issues involved. Make safety a priority in pottery, especially if you will have children or friends exploring the magical world of pottery and clay with you.
Working in clay may be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Ensure that it remains so by taking the time to think through the issues involved. Make safety a priority in pottery, especially if you will have children or friends exploring the magical world of pottery and clay with you.
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.
Scoring
What it means to score a pot or piece of clay.
What it means to score a pot or piece of clay.
Bone Dry
The term "bone dry" defined as it is used in ceramics and pottery.
The term "bone dry" defined as it is used in ceramics and pottery.
"Ceramics Technical" Magazine
'Ceramics Technical' magazine reviewed. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments from the reviewer.
'Ceramics Technical' magazine reviewed. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments from the reviewer.
Review of Ceramics Monthly
Review of Ceramics Monthly magazine. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments.
Review of Ceramics Monthly magazine. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments.
Develop a Throwing Clay Body
You may want to develop your own throwing clay body. Clay bodies used for throwing must be plastic and yet strong enough to hold up under the rigors of being thrown on the potter's wheel.
You may want to develop your own throwing clay body. Clay bodies used for throwing must be plastic and yet strong enough to hold up under the rigors of being thrown on the potter's wheel.
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.
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.
Review of the Giffin Grip
Review of the Giffin Grip, a potter's wheel attachment used in trimming the bottoms of pots.
Review of the Giffin Grip, a potter's wheel attachment used in trimming the bottoms of pots.
"Surface Decoration" Review
Review of the ceramics book, 'Surface Decoration: Finishing Techniques', including descriptions, pros and cons, and reviewer comments.
Review of the ceramics book, 'Surface Decoration: Finishing Techniques', including descriptions, pros and cons, and reviewer comments.
'Set Up Pottery Workshop'
Review of the book, 'Setting Up a Pottery Workshop' by Alistair Young. Review includes description, pros and cons, and comments.
Review of the book, 'Setting Up a Pottery Workshop' by Alistair Young. Review includes description, pros and cons, and comments.
Pottery Attitude
Did you know it is a good idea to consciously build a healthy potter's attitude? Working with clay challenges each of us who do so. It becomes almost imperative that we develop certain attitudes as potters in order to deal with these challenges. Potters need to cultivate attitudes of patience, fortitude, and acceptance tempered with planning.
Did you know it is a good idea to consciously build a healthy potter's attitude? Working with clay challenges each of us who do so. It becomes almost imperative that we develop certain attitudes as potters in order to deal with these challenges. Potters need to cultivate attitudes of patience, fortitude, and acceptance tempered with planning.
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.
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.
Using Sponges in Pottery
Potters have clearly benefited from the availability of these liquid-holding, porous animal-created structures. Find out how, here.
Potters have clearly benefited from the availability of these liquid-holding, porous animal-created structures. Find out how, here.
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.
"Pottery Making Illustrated"
'Pottery Making Illustrated' magazine reviewed. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments from the reviewer.
'Pottery Making Illustrated' magazine reviewed. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments from the reviewer.
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.
Feldspar
Feldspars are used as fluxes in the creation of ceramic materials and glazes.
Feldspars are used as fluxes in the creation of ceramic materials and glazes.
Pottery - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Pottery guide site.
An index of StepBySteps for the Pottery guide site.
Dry Fire Clays
There are several dry fire clays and stoneware clays available to the studio potter. These dry clays are used to create custom clay bodies.
There are several dry fire clays and stoneware clays available to the studio potter. These dry clays are used to create custom clay bodies.
Specialized Kilns
Some kilns are especially designed or used for a specific type of firing. The types of specialized kilns include salt kilns (soda kilns), raku kilns, and test kilns.
Some kilns are especially designed or used for a specific type of firing. The types of specialized kilns include salt kilns (soda kilns), raku kilns, and test kilns.
Saggers
Saggers are containers used during firing pottery.
Saggers are containers used during firing pottery.
Blebs
Blebbing in ceramic pots is a fault in the clay body. Blebbing can cause pottery to swell and can cause glaze defects.
Blebbing in ceramic pots is a fault in the clay body. Blebbing can cause pottery to swell and can cause glaze defects.
Clay Body
Definition of the term "clay body".
Definition of the term "clay body".
Slurry
Slurry in pottery is a thick suspension of clay particles in water.
Slurry in pottery is a thick suspension of clay particles in water.
Downdraft
The definition of downdraft and downdraft kilns
The definition of downdraft and downdraft kilns
Common Dry Kaolin Clays
Kaolin clays are refractory, very pure clays used in creating porcelain clay bodies. They tend to be very non-plastic, sometimes to the point of being nearly unworkable. Even so, they are highly regarded for their whiteness and the translucence that they can exhibit when fired to maturity.
Kaolin clays are refractory, very pure clays used in creating porcelain clay bodies. They tend to be very non-plastic, sometimes to the point of being nearly unworkable. Even so, they are highly regarded for their whiteness and the translucence that they can exhibit when fired to maturity.
Earthenware Clays and Slips
There are a number of slips and earthenware clays that are available in dry form to be used in the formulation of a potter's own particular clay body recipe.
There are a number of slips and earthenware clays that are available in dry form to be used in the formulation of a potter's own particular clay body recipe.
DIY Glaze vs. Commercial Glaze
Which is better, do it yourself glazes or commercial glazes. DIY glazes allow for more uniqueness and control, but commercial glazes are very user friendly.
Which is better, do it yourself glazes or commercial glazes. DIY glazes allow for more uniqueness and control, but commercial glazes are very user friendly.
Clay & Glazes for the Potter
Review of Daniel Rhodes' classic book, Clay and Glazes for the Potter, third edition revised and expanded by Robin Hopper. Description, pros and cons, and comments included.
Review of Daniel Rhodes' classic book, Clay and Glazes for the Potter, third edition revised and expanded by Robin Hopper. Description, pros and cons, and comments included.
Handbuilding Ceramic Forms
'Handbuilding Ceramic Forms' book reviewed. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments from the reviewer.
'Handbuilding Ceramic Forms' book reviewed. Includes pros and cons, description, and comments from the reviewer.
'Lettering on Ceramics'
Review of the book, 'Lettering on Ceramics' by Mary White. Review includes description, pros and cons, and comments.
Review of the book, 'Lettering on Ceramics' by Mary White. Review includes description, pros and cons, and comments.
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.
Flux
Definition of the pottery term, flux.
Definition of the pottery term, flux.
Frit
The definition of the pottery term, frit.
The definition of the pottery term, frit.
Inclusions
Inclusions in pottery defined.
Inclusions in pottery defined.
Refractory
Some things just don't seem to ever melt, even when a kiln is very hot. These are refractory materials, which are used in clay bodies and glazes.
Some things just don't seem to ever melt, even when a kiln is very hot. These are refractory materials, which are used in clay bodies and glazes.
Stack
What is the stack and stacking in ceramics.
What is the stack and stacking in ceramics.
Updraft
A definition of the term "updraft" as used by potters.
A definition of the term "updraft" as used by potters.
Slip Casting
Definition of slip casting as used in pottery.
Definition of slip casting as 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.
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.
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.