Bottles vs Pitchers
Last weeks post focused on throwing a bottle and the possibilities that that shape had. Today I’ll go into finishing the shape and how to make it into a pitcher. The important thing to note is that what makes a pitcher different than a bottle is 1 thing, a spout. Another feature that cements the … Continue reading
Every cup needs a bottle
Maybe its me, but I don’t think ceramic bottles get there due. I mean as shapes go, people tend to gravitate towards bowls, plates, cups etc. Once a potter has gotten some experience they want to graduate to tea pots or chalices. More often than not though, you don’t hear students asking about how to … Continue reading
Carving a double wall vessel
When last I spoke about double wall vessels, it was primarily about how to make them and suggestions on what you can do with them. Suggestions are all well and good, but it occurred to me that some examples and demonstrations were in order. So I filmed myself carving some of the double wall pieces … Continue reading
What to do with a closed form
In last week’s post, I discussed making a closed form vessel and gave some reasons why you’d make one and what could be made. This week I’ll give a little how to on one of the options, a custom lid jar. Before that, I’d like to mention that 4 blog posts last month were featured … Continue reading
How to close a shape, but more importantly why!
While writing last weeks blog post on double wall vessels and how to close them, it occurred to me that I should also show how to make a single wall closed form vessel. If closing the double wall vessel was troubling for you, this is a good way to practice closing a form and working … Continue reading
If one wall is good, 2 are better?
Last week I posted about how to make a chip n’dip. This week I’m taking that lesson one step further with making a double wall vessel. In my opinion, the point of creating a double wall piece isn’t for functionality or practicality, but rather for design and artistic expression. Creating a double wall mug or … Continue reading
Everyone loves a chip n’dip
Last week I went over how to make plates quickly and easily. This week we’ll extend that technique to the classic shape of the chip n’ dip. First off, it should be noted that this chip n’ dip (like almost everything else in pottery) creates different products depending on the size of the pieces. So at … Continue reading
Plates, done quickly and simply
First off, this will be the 22nd post of this blog and I’d like to say that things are moving along well with it. People seem to be enjoying it and finding it helpful, so that makes me really happy and I want to thank anyone who’s been supportive. I’d also like to note that … Continue reading
When Glazing goes Wrong
In last weeks post I gave simple and direct guidelines on how to glaze. Following, them should solve a lot of basic glaze problems as well as set you on a path for continued glazing success. That being said, in the words of my father, “shit happens!” So, in that event here are your options … Continue reading
Glazing, the elephant in the room
Once a session I give a long glaze lecture to my class at Choplet. I say a lecture, because that’s really what I do. I don’t just show how to stir glaze and dip pieces I really try to breakdown how to be successful with glazing. That’s what I want to go over with you … Continue reading
Sparano Arts 