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
The Dreaded Attaching of Handles
Last weeks post was dedicated to the different ways one could make a handle. This week I’m going to give you my method on how to attach the handle. I derived this method from techniques and tips I learned from Nadiege Choplet and Natalia Martinez. This method will work for any style handle that you … Continue reading
Can’t handle making handles
Let’s talk about making mugs, more specifically the handles. For years I avoided making mugs, simply because I found making handles to be a major pain in the ass. The main reason for this is that I was taught to pull handles, which is a viable method, but not necessarily the easiest, best or more … Continue reading
OK, you’ve made a bowl…Now what?
Today’s blog will be devoted to the decorative and artistic side of bowl making. It will also be finishing up the topic of bowls. Now what I’m about to say may sound controversial to sum and just plain piss off others. Making a bowl, or a cup or a plate isn’t art. Its just not. … Continue reading
Trimming your f$%king bowl
Now that I’ve discussed how to throw a bowl, its time to talk trimming. In this post I’ll be discussing my method of trimming. Next week, I’ll go into trouble shooting any problems you might have when trimming a bowl. Since trouble shooting is next week, I’ll wait to give you an example on what … Continue reading
