A lot of the articles and books about firing and glazes talk about oxidation and reduction firing. These terms sound scientific and off-putting. Because they are referring to chemical processes, they are complicated. So, I decided to write an account of them that is understandable to all of us ‘non-chemists’. Oxidation occurs when there is…
The beauty of firing clay is that each method is different from the next. Firing methods range from high-tech digitally controlled and monitored kilns to homemade brick kilns packed with sawdust and leaves. This article will give an easy-to-understand account of 7 of the most common methods of firing clay. The methods covered are electric,…
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…
