Making Pots
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Making A Slab Pottery Teapot – A Step-By-Step Guide
I made this slab pottery teapot, using a template that I designed. If you’d like to follow along with the instructions, you can get a copy of the template at my Etsy store here. Alternatively, you can design your template and use this article’s slabbing techniques. There will be a section later about creating your…
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5 Ways to Protect Your Nails When Making Pottery
Making pottery can be tough on your hands and fingernails. Clay can dry out your skin and your nails. Also, clay is abrasive, which can make your nails thinner. So, how do you protect your nails when making pottery and ceramics? Fortunately, all is not lost. I’m someone with naturally thin nails. Even before I…
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3 Clay Vase Ideas & Free Printable Slab Vase Templates
Making a clay vase is a fun project and they can become the centerpiece in a room. These three clay vase ideas are easy to make and can look lovely. Plus, they are made from printable slab templates which makes it easier to produce a well-proportioned piece. Clay Vase Ideas Using the Slab Technique Let’s…
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Nerikomi Pottery – 3 Easy Techniques With Pictures
Nerikomi pottery is a particular way of working with colored clay to create striking patterns. In this article, we will look at 3 simple ways to create beautiful Nerikomi patterns. One technique I will cover is how I make Nerikomi plates, which you can watch in my video here.. What is Nerikomi Pottery? Nerikomi pottery is…
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What Do You Call Someone Who Makes Pottery?
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…
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Magic Water for Pottery – How to Make It and Use It
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…
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How to Make a Ceramic Slab Box – A Step-by-Step Guide
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…
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3 Ways To Fix Cracks in Bone Dry Clay – They Really Work
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…
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What to Wear to Pottery Class – 11 Tips On The Ideal Outfit
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…
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What is ‘Slip and Score’ in Pottery – And How is it Done?
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…
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How to Make a Ceramic Clock – A Timeless Clay Project
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…
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How to Keep Clay Flat – 16 Ways to Avoid Warping
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…