If you have bought some pottery clay you may be wondering whether it will go bad and if it has an expiration date. Well, the answer to that question is good news. No, pottery clay does not go bad, in fact if you store it well, it can last indefinitely. Clay can harden, or go…
One of the most common names used to refer to someone who makes pottery is the word ‘potter’. However, not everyone who makes pottery uses this particular word to describe themselves. There are a number of terms in use. So, what do you call someone who makes pottery? There are a number of terms used…
Joining pieces of clay can be tricky. Clay seams can split or crack as the clay dries or is fired and handles can separate. Luckily there are a number of things you can do to prevent this from happening. A simple way to avoid cracked joints in clay is to make some magic water for…
This is an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on how to make a ceramic slab box. Once you have learned the process below you can adapt it to make boxes in any shape, size, and design. In this guide, I will cover how to make a simple slab box, and a textured slab box too. This is…
If your pottery has cracked whilst it is drying, don’t worry, all is not lost. Here are 3 things you can do to fix cracks in bone dry clay. Why is Fixing Cracks in Bone Dry Clay a Challenge? Fixing cracks in bone dry clay is a challenge because the clay is so dry. If…
One of the joys of pottery is that it’s a chance to get your hands dirty. But you don’t want to look like you’ve been bobbing around in a mud bath after a class. So, what should you wear to a pottery class? Ideally, you want to wear clothes that are older, so you won’t…
If you are starting out making pottery, it really helps to have a selection of essential pottery tools. You have probably noticed that you can buy bundles of tools, but it’s not always clear what each of these tools is for. So, I’ve put together this list of tools that I use almost every day…
If you have started making pottery, sooner or later you will need to join two pieces of clay together. Maybe you need to attach a handle to a mug or join two slabs of clay. The best way to achieve a secure bond between separate pieces of clay is the ‘slip and score’ method of…
Buying clay from a pottery supplier is easy, but learning to make clay from dirt is incredibly satisfying. If you have ever been curious about how to find and process your own wild clay, this article is for you. How to Make Clay from Dirt For ages, I thought that you could only harvest natural…
Making a clock that works accurately and looks nice may seem tricky, but DIY clocks are actually very simple. I love working with clay slabs, so, making ceramic clocks is ideal for me. It appeals to the precision nerd in me, and I get to work with clay slabs. Here is a step-by-step guide on…
Flat pieces of clay, are prone to losing their shape and curling up when they dry or when they are fired. This can happen regardless of whether they are large or small. And it can happen to hand-built or wheel-thrown pieces. So how do you keep clay flat once it’s been formed? You can help…
Rookwood pottery is one of the most iconic brands of the American Art pottery movement. It is loved by many, but how much is Rookwood Pottery worth? Perhaps you want to buy some Rookwood, or maybe you have some pieces that you want to sell. Either way, it’s essential to have an idea of the…