Another Use for Toiletpaper?

If you have a substantial crack in your bisqueware you can use toilet paper mixed with slip to fill it in - as seen on The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown to great effect.

Carrying a Wakeboard.

Well folks .........what do you do after a 24hr plane journey........you get on the wheel and throw a few pots ! 😊

Glaze Techniques 101

underglaze - as the name suggests these are glazes that go under a clear glaze. They are made from a mix of clay, colourant and water. They need to be applied to…

When it comes to pottery, choosing the right clay is crucial for achieving the desired results. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of clay…

Looking to buy a pottery wheel? There are several points to consider before you purchase;

Finding that your pottery clay has gone mouldy is very common.  Clay needs to be kept moist to stay workable and it contains organic matter. These are perfect conditions for the growth of mould…

Grind up some dry clay of the type you are using, fire it in a bisque firing and keep it in a jar. It can be put through a fine sieve…

If you make really good fitting lids and at the leather hardstage they have the habit of getting stuck, pierce a small hole in the bottom of the pot …

The grey sponge brushes that are very cheap in 2 Dollar shops are great for laying on smooth slip areas, especially when banding on the wheel…

At the end of a session, layer dried scraps of clay from handbuilding with slops from the wheel in an empty clay bag. Seal the bag and pummel it…

Getting the clay slops out of the bucket is much easier if you have lined the bucket with a cloth or bag made out of synthetic material.

Reconstituting dry clay? Put dry clay you have broken up in a bucket and cover with hot water. It breaks down much quicker than with cold water.

This is a reliable way to waterproof pots which are to be used as vases (e.g. raku, crazed earthenware, pit pots, sawdust fired pots). Chop or grate candle or paraffin wax into small pieces…

Transferring complicated or simple repetitive designs onto clay is easy. Trace your design onto a piece of tracing paper, then on the reverse side of the drawing, go over the lines with a broad tipped whiteboard marker.

Photographing glazed pottery

If you are photographing glazed pots try this. Spray artists' matt finish fixer (used to fix charcoal drawings) on the "hot spots". You will get better photos and the fixer is easily removed from the pot afterwards.

Pottery Log App.

This app which only works with Apple products, is free and a great way to keep a record from start to finish of your projects, including your photos.

Pottery Log App

This app which only works with Apple products, is free and a great way to keep a record from start to finish of your projects, including your photos. 

14 Ways To Stop Clay Warping

Having Trouble Centering Your Clay on the Wheel?

Take a small spirit level that fits within the splash tray of your wheel. Lay it across the wheelhead in various directions and make sure it is level at all times…

MARCH 2013

Make yourself a spray booth by cutting a square hole in the side of a 20 litre bucket with a hacksaw or angle grinder. Put a small plastic turntable…