Beginner info Archives - Page 2 of 12 - Pottery Tips by the Pottery Wheel

Do You Have to Wedge Clay When You Are Hand Building?

Wedging clay is a very good idea if you are making pottery on a potter’s wheel. But is it do you have to wedge clay when you are hand building your pottery? I love hand building pottery and I don’t love wedging! So, it was one of the questions I wondered about when I began…

S Cracks in Pottery – What Causes Them & How to Prevent Them

I recently decided to make a set of dinner plates on my pottery wheel. They turned out quite nicely, but as they dried the dreaded S crack appeared in a lot of them. It got me frantically researching what causes S cracks in pottery and what I could do to prevent them. This is what…

Bone China With No Markings – Sizing Up Unmarked China

Manufacturer’s markings were introduced in 1850. They help in identifying and evaluating bone china dinnerware. Hence, bone china with no markings is challenging to assess and determine its origin. Antique or early bone china pieces don’t have markings since bone china was created in 1748 before producers introduced marks and stamps. In addition, some fresh…

Fine China Vs Bone China – What Exactly is the Difference?

The differences between Bone China and Fine China tableware are numerous. However, if you place them side by side, you might not be able to tell them apart right at once as their design is almost similar. So, what exactly are the differences between Fine China vs Bone China? Fine China was introduced in BC…

How Much Does Fine China Sell For? – Pricing Your China

I had boxes of beautiful old fine china from my grandmother, which were collecting dust. They were too ornate for me to use on a regular basis, but it was a shame to keep them boxed up. I started to wonder, who much does fine china sell for? So, I began to look into it,…

How to Identify Bone China – 7 Tips for Spotting Bone China

Bone china is very popular due to its high level of whiteness, translucency, and durability. Nonetheless, due to the complex process used to manufacture it, the product has become very expensive. As a result, numerous counterfeit products still exist in the market. So, if you have some bone china how do you know it’s real?…

Is Bone China Microwave Safe? – Will it Survive the Zaps?

For something to be considered microwave safe, it should not melt or warp under microwave heat. The FDA mandates all manufacturers to clearly indicate whether or not their products can be used in the microwave. You can know if any kitchenware is microwave safe by checking for the “microwave safe” label on the underside. So,…

Is Bone China Vegan? – And is it Ethical or Cruelty-Free?

Bone China is an expensive and sophisticated type of porcelain that is meant to exude richness and great prestige. However, since it literally contains the word bone in it, a lot of vegans have questioned the ethics behind its design and manufacturing. So, is bone china vegan? The truth is just as the name suggests…

Is Bone China Expensive? – The Price of Ceramic Beauty

Porcelains range drastically in terms of quality, design, manufacturing process, and price. One type of porcelain that is very popular is bone china. It is the most elegant and opulent dinnerware material, with a dazzling white color, high transparency, and robustness. It brings high-end classical and contemporary style to any table. But, with its reputation…

Bone China Vs Porcelain -A Close Look at the Differences

Since bone china is technically a type of porcelain, it can be difficult for some people to distinguish between the two. However, several key differences exist. This article compares bone china vs porcelain, looking at some similarities and differences between the two. The key difference between porcelain and bone china is that porcelain does not…

What is Bone China? – The Truth About Bone China

Ceramic products were initially invented and widely used in China before spreading globally. You might have come across the name bone china while shopping around for kitchenware. But what is bone china exactly, and why are its products costly? Bone china is a type of ceramic made from finely ground bone ash mixed with feldspar…

Pottery Kiln for Beginners –12 Tips on Buying an Electric Kiln

Buying a pottery kiln can feel a little overwhelming. There are lots of models and types of kilns and it can be hard to know where to start. So, what is the best pottery kiln for beginners? This article aims to look at your options and help you decide which kiln will suit you best….