There are lots of different types of clay and a range of clay bodies to choose from. But, can you mix different types of clay together? Will it create a lovely clay cocktail or a clay catastrophe? Yes, you can mix different types of clay. But, these clays must fire at a similar temperature and…
Choosing the best pottery clay can feel daunting for beginners. This article has pictures, a video, and a FREE checklist to help you make the best choice.
When you start out making pottery, chances are you won’t have your kiln. But you probably still want to get your pottery fired. Here are some tips on how to find a pottery firing service near you. How to Find A Pottery Firing Service Nearby The chances are that there is someone on your doorstep…
If you are new to using a pottery wheel, you may notice that many of them have a switch that changes the direction that the wheel turns. But which direction should a pottery wheel turn, and does it make a difference? It’s often recommended that right-handed potters have the wheel turning counterclockwise and that left-handed…
Wrist pain can sabotage your pottery work. Here are some simple and effective changes to your technique that may help you carry on potting.
Life is busy and having somewhere to store half-finished pottery for a week or a few days is handy. You may have heard about a helpful piece of pottery kit called a damp box and wondered what it is. In this article, I will go through what it is and how to make a damp…
My first pottery wheel was a budget wheel with short legs and was quite low to the ground. I was surprised by how much lower it was than the wheels I’d used in class. It got me thinking about what height a potter’s wheel should be. Wheel height is a matter of personal preference, and…
We have all been when we are learning to throw. We are sure that the clay is centered. It’s looking good and it feels smooth and even. Then moments later your pottery is wonky and bumping around beneath your fingers. So, what is going on? Why does clay go off-center? and what can you…
When you’ve worked hard on a piece of pottery, you want it to survive the drying process. You may have been told to dry your pots slowly so they don’t crack or warp. But how slow should you go? And how long does it take for pottery clay to dry? Pottery clay usually takes about…
You may have noticed that some clay bodies contain something called grog. But what is grog in clay and why is it important when we make pottery? Grog is a gritty material that gives the clay strength which can make it easier to throw and hand build. It reduces clay shrinkage and cracking which makes…
Whether you hand build with clay or wheel throw, you are going to generate some clay scraps. But is clay recyclable? The answer is yes, clay scraps can be recycled and do not need to go to waste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to recycle clay. There are lots of different ways of…
Learning how to prepare your clay for pottery will make your life as a potter much easier. A few simple steps to get your clay ready can save you hours of frustration going forward. Preparing clay for pottery involves making sure the clay is moist but not too wet and sticky. You also need to…