The PottersFriend's blogspot

2012 The Year of the Small Business?

2012-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

After the doom and gloom of 2011, a year when banks, the public sector, big business and especially retailers have suffered, perhaps 2012 is the year for the small man. The year when the public begins to recognise that what they have locally really is worth keeping. And that should include the local butcher, the local tradesman and the local potter.

Yes the local potter!

I was fortunate to meet a number of innovative potters at the 2011 Ceramic Festival in Stoke on Trent, England. Despite the current climate they continue to create innovative designs and concepts.

One such company with years of experience in modelling and design of unique ceramic wares is Sculpta Ceramics. The expertise of individual potters like this should not be underestimated. Designing unique wares for children, and local heritage are all part of the range of products from local man Nathan.

Another local artist Alison Morgan is the creator of Cityscape Ceramics, a unique range of ceramic art. Each piece is inspired by an iconic skyline and features well known and loved landmarks.

During my visit to the festival I even managed to buy a ceramic bottle kiln jar to add to my collection.

So next time you want that special present or gift don't overlook your local potter. They may not be on the high st but many will be only too pleased to show you their wares!

More information on pottery and ceramics can be found at my website http://www.pottersfriend.co.uk Go now to sign up for my free newsletter.

My Favourite Thing -A Hand Lens

2011-12-16T01:08:00.000-08:00

Pottery hobby or interest in Minerals or Plants?

Some people just love gadgets particularly the new electronic ones. However here is one that has stood the test of time. Its just a hand lens- a magnifier you might say-but such a valuable piece of hobby kit.

Whether you want to look in detail at that pottery fault, or check there isn't a crack before you fire a piece this hand lens will save you so much time and money. Other interests such as looking at crystal minerals and fossils up close are also catered for.

Perfect Product for the Potter

A hand lens that lets you see the problem.

So often when you are learning to make pottery the results are not as you would expect or wish for. The piece has a small fault., a large speck or change in colour, just where you can see it! Use this neat little hand lens to see what really caused the fault. Make sure that next time that perfect piece you made for a friend really turns out that way. Perfect

In this case it was possible to identify that the colour has crawled back leaving an area without colour.

Lenses or Loupe

The Same Thing!

Whether you are buying a magnifier for your pottery hobby or for studying the detail on jewellery, different names are often used. For example lenses used for looking at jewellery are often called loupe. In real terms they are all a magnifying lens.
However, the quality of lens determines the quality of image. So choose the best you can afford for something you will keep for a lifetime!

More information on pottery and ceramics can be found at my website http://www.pottersfriend.co.uk Go now to sign up for my free newsletter.

How to properly fire your pottery

2011-08-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

The firing of pottery goes back over 3000 years. In those days wood fires were the source of energy. However today so many other forms of energy are available including wood, coal, gas, electric, oil, microwave, wind, solar to name just a few.

For the small pottery craft studio or hobbyist however the most common means of firing pottery are by the use of gas or electric kilns. Generally electric firing is a clean means of firing whilst gas is thought to be more energy efficient. Let us consider the basics of each:

How does electric firing work?

The principle of electric firing is relatively simple. Imagine a box or cylinder kiln fitted with heating elements like your domestic oven. However, instead of heating to 300C it is capable of heating to 1300C.

Operation of the kiln starts when electricity is applied to the elements ( resistive load ) causing them to heat rapidly. The heat is transmitted to the pottery mainly by radiation. Special insulating bricks, called refractories, line the floor,walls and roof of the chamber to prevent the heat generated from escaping. An electronic box, called a temperature controller,linked to a thermocouple (special wire) inside the kiln, measures the temperature constantly in the chamber of the kiln and then controls how much electricity is supplied to the elements. This in turn controls the rate of increase or decrease in temperature within the kiln.

How does gas firing work?

The principle of gas firing is also relatively simple.. Imagine this time that the box is kiln fitted with a burner or burners, a little like your domestic gas oven. However, instead of heating to 300C it is capable of heating to 1300C and because of the large amount of gas used the kiln needs a chimney or flue.

Operation of the kiln starts when the gas is turned on and burner lit. The heat is transmitted to the pottery mainly by convection and radiation causing it to heat also. Special insulating bricks, called refractories, line the floor,walls and roof of the chamber to prevent the heat generated from escaping. A vent in the roof or rear of the kiln leading to a chimney allows combustion gases to be removed from the kiln. An electronic box, called a temperature controller,linked to a thermocouple (special wire) inside the kiln, measures the temperature constantly in the chamber of the kiln and then controls how much gas is supplied to the burner. This in turn controls the rate of increase or decrease in temperature within the kiln.

How do I fire the kiln properly?

For both electric and gas firing the two critical factors which affect the success of your firing are peak temperature and uniformity of temperature within the kiln. Peak temperature can easily be measured using the thermocouple fixed inside the kiln. Uniformity could also be measured using a series of such thermocouples located in different sections of the kiln. However this would be an expensive option for smaller kilns.The use of Bullers Rings or pyrometric cones to confirm the consistency and uniformity of firing at different locations within the kiln is more cost effective.These ceramic cones or rings can be placed next to your ware and will experience exactly the same amount of heat as your item. By measuring the values of the rings or cones after each firing you can be assured the firing is consistent from one firing to the next.

But what is the peak temperature?

The peak temperature on firing biscuit or glaze is the maximum temperature reached on firing. This value depends on the type and composition of the clay body and glaze used. As there are literally thousands of body and glaze compositions,suppliers of body and glaze products therefore recommend a peak temperature or ring or cone value equivalent suitable for optimum firing their products. It is advisable to follow their recommendation.

But what if the temperature isn't consistent?

Quite often there is a spread of temperature within the kiln. It is quite common to have a 20 C spread in temperature between the bottom and top of even small kilns. The reason for this is dependent on a number of factors. Rate of firing, kiln design and condition (age and condition of brickwork),element condition and age (for electric kilns) gas/air ratios and flame (for gas kilns) and ventilation aspects of the kiln are all key factors.

For uniform firing of kilns a slower temperature rise to peak temperature and a soak at peak temperature will reduce variation of temperature within the kiln. Indications of non uniform firing of glazed pottery are variation of gloss, colour and or bubble between similar fired pieces.

Summary

Peak temperature and uniformity of temperature are the key factors determining the success of your pottery firing. Peak temperature is measured using a thermocouple connected to the digital display of a temperature controller. Uniformity is measured using Bullers rings or Cones placed in the kiln next to the ware. The heating rate has an affect on both and should be relatively slow for best results. A cycle of more than 12 hours cold to cold is quite common. However you should be guided by the body or glaze supplier as they know the optimum cycles for their products.

More information on firing of pottery and ceramics,including Bullers rings and Orton cones, can be found at my website http://www.pottersfriend.co.uk Go now to sign up for my free newsletter.

Learn all about Raku

2011-06-07T01:10:00.000-07:00

Guest author:Freddy Roy

For those who are looking for something a little bit different to give to friends and loved ones as gifts or something incredible to add to their own pottery collections Raku pottery has a great deal to offer. Each piece is completely hand crafted in the Raku style and prepared to very exacting specifications in order to hold the title of Raku pottery. Not only is the method of design exacting but also the firing method and the glazing method must meet very specific requirements for the proper finish. The final product however, is nothing short of spectacular in beauty when this process is properly carried out.

Raku pottery is not for the faint hearted or those who prefer a quick and easy method of crafting pottery. There is very little that could be considered quick or easy about this process and if you are planning to purchase Raku pottery be well advised that you are paying for the process as much as you are paying for the finished product. Of course, the return on that investment is a unique and beautiful addition to your personal pottery collection of the collection of a friend or loved one.

The extreme temperatures that are used in the creation of Raku pottery leave a beautiful finish or glaze on the pottery itself but render it impractical and virtually useless for many of the common uses of traditional pottery. It should also be pointed out that many pieces of Raku pottery, because of the materials used in the paint and glaze are not food safe products and will not hold up well in either microwaves or dishwashers. While many pottery pieces around the world are quite practical to own, Raku pottery is purely decorative and should not be expected for the common uses of other pottery pieces.

If giving this as a gift to one who collects pottery you may want to make a point of mentioning that the piece is Raku and providing any care instructions that may have come along with the pieces you purchased. Most artists do include specific care instructions and cautions for Raku pottery pieces if for nothing else to preserve the beauty and protect the labor of love that went into creating these pieces.

The Raku style of making pottery originated in Japan and has since lit the world afire, almost literally, with its widely held popularity. Though few craftsman have managed to dive into the Raku style whole heartedly, this style still remains in high demand around the world, particularly in the United States where we are seeing a few more artists coming out each year with a few Raku pottery pieces in their collections. Many of these pieces are purchased rather quickly though, despite high prices, continuing the great demand for these pieces.

If you are extremely interested in owning a piece of Raku pottery it is quite possible to add smaller pieces to your collection at a much smaller price than the larger pieces, though these are still much higher than pottery that has been fired using traditional firing methods. The good news is that even at higher prices, it is possible to own some of these stunning pieces of pottery that are works of art in and of themselves even on a more modest working budget. Those who avidly collect Raku pottery exclusively will be the first to tell you that this is a significant investment though very few feel they aren\'t getting their money\'s worth in enjoyment of product. As long as you work to take proper care of these stunning pieces they will provide years of enjoyment for new and old collectors alike.

Raku pottery, like all art, isn't for everyone. But those who love it are typically passionate about their love of this particular style of creating pottery. If you haven't had the pleasure, make a point of checking out any local artists that may have Raku works in their collections.

More information on Raku firing can be found the Potters Friend website
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/learn-all-about-raku-pottery-1425886.html
About the Author
Learn about growing radishes, montauk daisy and other information at the Gardening Central site.

How to Remove Tea stains from your Ceramic Mugs

2011-03-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

It is a common occurrence for mugs used everyday to become badly stained by tea or coffee. The brown stains are unsightly and difficult to remove. Sometimes they become so bad that scrubbing in soapy water does not remove them. Clearly coffee and tea are strong staining agents!

"But what causes the staining?"
It is a combination of hard water, chemicals called tannins, and microscopically rough glaze surfaces. These conditions allow the stains to strongly adhere to the glaze surface. The staining is usually worse in the base of the mug or where there is a sharp corner to hold on to the stain.

"So how do I clean stained mugs?"
Various cleaning methods have been tried and tested including vinegar, bleach, baking soda and washing soda. All have been proven to be successful and are widely used. However Bar Keepers Friend and tooth cleaning powders are less likely to give long lasting damage to the glaze surface. Cleaning with other chemical compounds and scourers whilst successful can create damage to the glaze surface which will make them more susceptible to future staining. So please take special care with your best china or dinnerware and treat them gently for their long term protection.

"So how do I stop staining?"
Manufacturers of the top brands of dinnerware and mugs design their products to resist staining and damage in use. In essence this is done by ensuring the glaze is chemically and physically durable. However,with the widespread manufacture of mugs in many parts of the globe including Asia, it is not easy to know the source and quality of the ceramic mugs we buy.It is almost impossible to assess how resistant mugs will be to staining by visual inspection. Smooth glaze surfaces with few corners will reduce the potential for the stain to adhere strongly to the surface. However, over time the glaze surface may be attacked by dish-washing agents. leading to the dreaded staining.Cleaning the pottery soon after use with warm soapy water will certainly reduce the possibility of staining.

"Summary"

To reduce tea and coffee staining of your mugs, clean them as soon as possible after use in warm soapy water. Use quality mugs from top brands as they will have designed the mugs to be chemically and physically durable. Avoid harsh detergents for cleaning as this can damage the glaze surface and lead to greater staining. Bar Keepers Friend and tooth cleaning powders are preferred cleaners and less likely to create long term damage. If all else fails buy new quality mugs but recycle the old ones. Pottery is a truly 100% recyclable product!

More information and other technical articles on pottery and ceramics can be found at my website http://www.pottersfriend.co.uk Go now to sign up for my free newsletter.

Is Your Pottery Microwave Safe?

2011-01-18T00:58:00.000-08:00

Microwave ovens are now a common feature in most kitchens. Their use both to heat and cook food means a wide range of ceramics is being used in microwave ovens. However the question remains….Is all pottery microwave safe?

Technically this question is a little more complex than it appears. There are general rules such as “do not use ceramics decorated with gold, silver or precious metal in microwave ovens”. Indeed ceramic with any metal should not be used in a microwave oven. However additional rules depend on recognising which type of ceramic is being used. For the consumer this is not an easy task.

All ceramics are not the same!

Ceramics are now made all over the world and it is not always easy to establish their source or quality or type. However ceramics that have been fired to a high temperature and are non porous are generally considered to be acceptable for use in microwave ovens. These ceramics include stoneware, porcelain, bone china, and vitreous cookware. Other ceramics which have not been fired to a high temperature have to be used with caution. For these type of product to be used safely there is a need to ensure that they are both dry and have not absorbed water. This can happen in many circumstances particularly during washing or in storage in the fridge. These products need extensive safety instructions to be used safely.

Top brands help the consumer by labelling their products as ‘microwave safe’. Less well known products cannot give this assurance and often do not label at all. So buyer beware and if in doubt do not use in a microwave. Look out for BS or CE standards as a sign of meeting a quality standard.

In summary, most high fired ceramics are suitable for microwave oven use. Lookout for the labelling used by branded products to give reassurance on acceptability for microwave oven use. If in doubt “keep out” is a good motto to remember!

Why not test your pottery knowledge with my quick pottery quiz

More information and other technical articles on pottery and ceramics can be found at my website www.pottersfriend.co.uk

Go now to sign up for my free newsletter.

Top 10 Pottery Making Tips for the Intermediate Potter

2010-10-21T03:06:00.000-07:00

Pottery making is a fun but sometimes frustrating hobby. You never know exactly what your results will be when you open that kiln door! Here are my tips to make pottery making that little bit more rewarding......

1. Keep records of everything you do-that way you learn quickly and can repeat your successes and avoid your failures.

2. Label your buckets not your lids- don't learn the hard way that you have just glazed your speciality piece in the wrong glaze!

3. Buy a kiln with a modern controller. Modern controllers are now relatively inexpensive and give you such freedom to control the firing in a way that best suits your product.

4. Keep drying of your product consistent. Drying too quickly is one the most common causes of glaze or clay faults.

5. Learn something about the materials you use. Armed with a little knowledge you can save so much time.e.g. Does glaze go off? What happens to my clay if it freezes?

6. Keep your clay in good condition by covering it with plastic when not in use. That way it retains its plastic condition.

7. Plaster moulds need to be replaced after 40-50 casts. It is false economy in slip casting to continue to use old moulds. These may give inconsistent thickness, pinholed ware and much more besides!

8. Use Orton cones or Bullers rings in your kiln. That way you know your kiln is performing OK and you can spot potential problems such as element failure before they become disastrous.

9. Give some pieces to your loved ones or to charity. The feel good factor will keep you motivated.

10. Continue to share your passion with others. Go to pottery classes and learn something new or join an online pottery group.

Alternatively why not test your pottery knowledge with my quick pottery quiz

More information and other technical articles on pottery and ceramics can be found at my website www.pottersfriend.co.uk

Go now to sign up for my free newsletter.

Pottery Quiz 2:Pottery Making

2010-08-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

Test your pottery knowledge in the second of my fun quizzes. See if you know your bisque or biscuit from your greenware? Challenge a friend to see who knows more ! (Do you dare?) Good luck, and have fun.
http://www.squidoo.com/Pottery-quiz-2-pottery-making
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:24:20 -0600
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Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:59:45 -0600

How to avoid scratching your dinnerware

2010-08-03T03:57:00.000-07:00

So why does it scratch?

Pottery is hard and strong! If you don't believe me try cutting it with the sharpest steel knife you have. Whilst it may mark it will not break. Steels used in everyday cutlery are softer than pottery glaze!

To scratch a pottery glaze you need a material of similar or greater hardness. So pottery can scratch itself. Glaze on glaze contact will cause surface damage and when there is excessive or repeated damage the eye sees it as a scratch!

So a scratch isn't a scratch until you can see it!
Glazed pottery is susceptible to surface damage as soon as it comes out of the production kiln. During the manufacturing process care is taken to avoid excessive damage by careful handling of the pieces, the use of protective sleeves and optimum packaging for transport.

However in our homes damage to our pottery happens all the time. For example each time we use a plate it is damaged by contact with other pottery. Creating a plate stack to clear the table, placing plates on each other in the sink, washing them in detergent, sliding them into clean stacks all contribute to damage. Clearly there is a cumulative effect of this damage which results in the appearance of scratching.

So how can scratching be avoided?

Taking care to handle the ware gently, in a similar way to the manufacturer, will extend the life of the pottery. Using protective sleeves and avoiding sliding contact are particularly important. In addition the ware can be adversely affected by detergents and strong acids so prolonged contact with these chemicals should be avoided.

Whilst these precautions may seem fanciful and few people will take the time or effort to follow them, they do work!

Alternatively, if all this is too much then there is one other thing you can do......buy pottery that has a glaze that is not highly glossy and has a less than mirror like finish! Whilst this does not reduce the damage, scratches normally visible to the naked eye are less apparent, and the ware appears less scratched.

Alternatively why not test your pottery knowledge with my quick pottery quiz

More information and other technical articles on pottery and ceramics can be found at my website www.pottersfriend.co.uk

Go now to sign up for my free newsletter.

If You Are Into Pottery You Need A Great Wheel

2010-05-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

There are many tools that a potter will use over the course of his lifetime as an artist. One of the most important to many potters is the potter's wheel. This device is used for a process that is commonly referred to as 'throwing' pottery. It is a very important device to many potters who do not enjoy the process of hand building pottery or need the ability to shape items in a very similar fashion. There are many instances, come to think of it, when a wheel is preferable to artists over hand building just as there are many situations when only hand building with clay is suitable. One thing remains however, and that is this: most artists who work with a wheel are quite picky about the wheels on which they will work. Selecting a wheel for pottery work is like selecting another hand to use. The wheel will be your constant companion as you work with clay and it is important that you choose a wheel that is comfortable for you to use first and foremost. If you aren't comfortable using the wheel you select, chances are it will diminish your enjoyment of working with clay over time. You do not want to sacrifice your love of pottery to something as simply fixed as choosing a different wheel for throwing pottery. You should also take care to choose a wheel that is suitable for the type of work you do. Not all wheels can handle all jobs. You need to choose a wheel that will handle the style of pottery you work with most as well as the weight of the clay you will be using. Read the instructions, warnings, and cautions carefully before selecting your potter's wheel in order to be quite certain that it will meet your pottery making needs. Space is another important consideration when selecting a potter's wheel. You need to choose a wheel that will fit within the space you have available for working with clay in addition to allowing you the necessary room to actually work the clay. You will find that there are many different sized wheels on the market today. Make sure that you either adjust your needs in a wheel or adjust your available space in order to accommodate the wheel you select. You should also pay close attention to the quality of the wheel you are purchasing. A potter's wheel is a rather significant investment. You want to make sure you are getting the best possible deal for your money. Go with a name you trust and if you aren't sure which name to trust ask people you trust: teachers, other artists, and gallery owners. Do not trust the salesman to give you adequate advice on a decision as important as this. He is driven by profit rather than insuring you get the most for your money. Choosing the best potter's wheel to meet your pottery making needs is one of, if not the, best gifts you can give yourself as an artist that works with clay. Take your time when purchasing your wheel in order to insure your continued enjoyment and success when it comes to making pottery. This is one decision that you are not likely to regret taking your time and doing the right way the first time.

Author: Freddy Roy

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/if-you-are-into-pottery-you-need-a-great-wheel-1425821.html

About the AuthorLearn about climbing hydrangea, dwarf lilac and other information at the Gardening Central site.

How to choose your kitchen or bathroom DIY ceramic tiles

2010-05-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Introduction
Planning and upgrading your bathroom or kitchen is not always an easy task. You are full of enthusiasm but are faced with lots of choices. The choice of ceramic tiles is bewildering. Usually colour, design and budget are the key factors affecting your choice. However I would add a further factor ‘technical performance’. Remember all tiles labeled as ‘ceramic’ are not the same. Indeed some natural mineral tiles such as slate or marble sometimes use the same terminology.

To most people tiles are tiles – aren’t they? Well no! You need to know there are at least 2 categories of ceramic tile; floor tiles and wall tiles. What makes them different is ‘technical performance’. They are both usually made of ceramic, they can both be glazed with a shiny surface and both can be highly coloured with designs. However they do not have the same technical performance in use!

Wall tiles
Wall tiles are usually porous (on the back) and have a highly glossy glaze finish on the face. This allows them to be hygienic, cleanable, and not absorb moisture on the face when exposed to wet conditions in bathrooms and kitchens. However in manufacture they are normally fired in a fast fire kiln in less than one hour. This means they have limited strength, abrasion and slip resistance.

Floor tiles
In contrast floor tiles are fired to a higher temperature usually with a special glaze coating. This gives a much increased strength, abrasion and slip resistance. Clearly this gives advantages when used under foot where stronger tiles are less likely to crack, scratch or wear out as well as resist slipping. Indeed a number of standards need to be met for tiles to be considered suitable for floor tile use. So choose wisely for your location. Floor tiles for floors, and wall tiles for walls!

Colour and finish
A second consideration is tile finish and colour. Although this is generally down to individual taste, for best slip performance floor tiles have a dull gloss or matt texture. Wall tiles can have a much wider range of textures and gloss but a smoother finish is usually more easily cleaned than a textured finish. Please be aware that although most tiles supplied in a box set are matching in design and colour they are not identical!

Quality
Probably the most important aspect of tiles is the quality of manufacture. This is not easy to assess. It means how strong are they? How long will they last? How flat are they (tiles warp during manufacture)? How easy are they to install?

Although most tiles supplied by reputable suppliers are manufactured to European standard BSEN14411 or American ASTM standard equivalents, it is not readily apparent by how much they exceed these standards. In Europe the CE Mark is a sign of quality adopted by tile manufacturers. Established brands like Marazzi or Porcelanosa are constantly pushing the boundaries to produce consistent products which exceed expectation in terms of quality, design and performance.

Summary
In summary, take a little time to choose the right type of tile for your job. Look for the CE marks or the BS standards on the packaging as a sign of meeting a quality standard. Use quality branded products if possible as often they give better performance in use and have been designed for ease of installation.

Is there a future for pottery manufacture in Europe?

2010-02-04T02:26:00.001-08:00

This is a big subject and worthy of debate! Over the last 20 years the ceramic industry in Europe has undergone massive change.

The tableware sector (cups & plates etc) in Europe has seen severe downsizing with manufacture shifting to the lower cost economies in China and Asia. The change in consumer habits in western europe to less formal dining has meant a change in perception of pottery from a collectable item to a throwaway one. This is particularly noticeable with the younger generation who want fashionable ware for casual dining.The result has been a massive reduction in demand for the high value products and a growth in lower value products. This has been reinforced (in the UK) by the growth in supermarket sales by companies such as Tesco who constantly drive down prices forcing manufacturers to import or close down. That said there is still a place for the niche manufacturer who can move quickly with new and quality designs. Brand value is still important in this higher end sector.

The giftware sector (figures and decorative ware) has also been hit by the same trends as above. Collectable figures and plates are less popular among the younger generation whilst fashionable branded giftware has been more popular. Again there is a lot of competition in this sector from Asian imports so strong brands and new designs are critical to success.

To answer the question- is there a future -the answer is yes but only for the niche manufacturer who can be constantly innovative and build a brand of value. Speed of new products to market will be a critical factor!

What do you think? I would be happy to recieve your comments.

Start Pottery By Getting A Kit

2010-01-27T01:09:00.000-08:00

By: Freddy Roy

Pottery is a great skill to learn and a good deal of fun. If you are the type of person that has a mild interest in pottery but aren't sure you want to make the level of commitment required to take a class on pottery you may find that various pottery kits on the market offer some degree of appeal to you and can help you determine if you are ready to go a step further and sign up for some classes or purchase additional materials and equipment in order to further your home education.

Pottery kits are also an excellent idea for kids who seem to have an interest in pottery but often flit from one interest to another fairly quickly without giving too much effort to any. If your child successfully completes a few kits and still exhibits an interest, then perhaps the more substantial investment of lessons may be in order. Kits definitely cost less than the average lessons but also offer fewer options for advanced learning and one on one instruction that can be invaluable when taking pottery lessons.

Pottery kits are much less expensive than taking traditional lessons. This allows you to gaze your true interest in pottery when faced with the reality of what pottery is and is not. You should keep in mind however that there are many other considerations that should not be overlooked when using these kits to judge your real interests in pottery as the kits are often very simple and designed to be fun for beginners though not very challenging. If you are looking for a challenge, it is unlikely you will find that in many of the pottery kits that are on the market today.

Another thing to remember about pottery kits is that the products you make in these kits are not likely to be watertight or able to handle food. This limits the usefulness of these items though it doesn't mean that they aren't good tools for learning the very basics of the craft and having a lot of fun in the process. One great thing about pottery kits is that this is something you can do with your children if you are so inclined and you can all have a fun day together while learning a new skill and making a really big mess. There aren't too many times you can say that with your children that there aren't too many calories involved to count.

Pottery kits can be found to fit many different budgets and a few different levels of pre-existing skills. You can always upgrade equipment later if you find that you really do enjoy the process of working with clay to create pottery pieces and if you decide to upgrade, then you will want to do a good deal of research to ensure you are getting the equipment that will best suit your specific needs, desires, and budget.

Learning to make pottery is a great deal of fun for the right person. Pottery kits offer a glimpse into working with clay and creating pottery for those who aren't quite certain whether or not they want to pursue pottery making on a larger scale. If this is you, pick up a pottery kit today, you can find them easily online and at most local craft supply stores. Remember have fun!

About the Author

To read about flowering pear tree, growing celery and other information, visit the Gardening Central site.

(ArticlesBase SC #1425884)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Start Pottery By Getting A Kit

Ten pottery making tips for the beginner

2009-12-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

My top 10 pottery making tips for the beginner

1. Go to pottery making classes. Everyone has to learn somehow. Although it can be comforting to learn on your own it will be much more fun with others. In addition your skills will improve much quicker!

2. Don't be put off by the terminology! Pottery making uses some strange and quirky terms. But dont be put off! It wont be long before you know green ware from biscuit ware.

3. Be prepared to get dirty-you can tell a potter by his hands and shoes!Even with an apron it is impossible to stay clean when making pottery. Your hands and shoes will get dirty! Treat it as part of the fun so dress appropriately.

4. Enjoy the experience-dont be put off if it goes wrong!It goes wrong for everyone including the experts so don't be afraid to experiment. Remember that your designs are unique and you have the chance to express your own creativity.

5. Read some simple pottery making books. Lots of pottery books are available so choose books with simple descriptions and pictures to get you started. My recommendations can be found at www.pottersfriend.co.uk/books/list_books.php Books,however, are no substitute for classes but they should reinforce your learning.

6. Ask questions. Asking questions aids memory so you learn quicker. Don't be embarassed to ask even the most simple of questions. Remember you are probably only saying what many others are thinking!

7. Practise then practise some more!This probably should be my number 1 tip on the list. As with most things in life, the more you practise the more skilled you become and the more enjoyable will be the experience.

8. Develop your own style. Dont be afraid to experiment-its your chance to show your artistic flair.

9. Make some pots & give them away. It makes you feel good and you might even find a soul mate.

10. Share your experience with a loved one. Making pottery can become a real passion so dont forget to share your experiences with your loved one. They might even want to join you at the next pottery class.

For the more experienced potter why not visit my tips page at www.pottersfriend.co.uk/tips.php

Alternatively why not test your pottery knowledge with my quick pottery quiz www.squidoo.com/potteryquiz

Best Way - Helpful Glazing Tips and Ideas | eHow.com

2009-11-20T01:30:00.000-08:00

Best Way - Helpful Glazing Tips and Ideas eHow.com

Another useful link to glazing pottery!

Making pottery-simply art or sophisticated science?

2009-11-10T02:21:00.000-08:00

As I was watching an experienced potter throw beautiful shapes recently it made me reflect 'how incredibly simple it seems in the hands of a true expert'! Starting from a lump of clay, shaping it into an interesting form, drying, finishing, glazing, and firing can take up to 2 weeks. A labour of love to create that special unique piece! But those who have tried to make pottery know that these are mere headings for skill, artistic flair,experience and a good deal of knowledge and science.

Incredibly, in the pottery industry where 'lean manufacturing' is all the rage they attempt to produce finished ware in a matter of hours! They breakdown every operation down to its most basic level (steps). Each step in the process is identified and the skill, tools, material, manpower and time required. By defining the process in this way it is possible to identify the number of steps and value of each step in an operation. Lean manufacturing philosophy requires the removal of waste in all its forms. Waste doesn't mean just waste material, but wasted human movement, wasted product movement, overprocessing, excess stock, not right first time, or wasted waiting time.

Often the target is to improve efficiency and the first step is to remove as many non value added steps as possible. An example of this might be to remove the clay ware from the sponge/fettling stage immediately to the biscuit kiln instead of to an intermediate storage area. Often by looking at operations in this way new or more robust ways of processing are identified and introduced.

"So what" I hear the true potter say-this means nothing to me. And he is right in some ways! It is often by trial and error that his artistic flair can flourish. A missed out glaze ingredient creates that wonderful new glaze colour or the kiln underfires showing unusual but unique glaze effects!

However he is also wrong in some ways. He has already adopted some of the lean principles without knowing it! Often the potters studio is laid out so all his tools, materials equipment are close at hand (thereby reducing waste movement). He recycles the clay and glaze (reduces waste materials) and tries to make a number of items at a time not just one (reduces waste time).

I believe that both the studio potter and industrial potter can learn from each other. The studio potter can learn to reduce waste allowing him the time to be more creative and the industrial potter can learn to be more creative in design allowing him to sell more product.

Surely making pottery is both a simple art and a sophisticated science! What do you think? I'd welcome your comments.

What is a glaze?

2009-09-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

A mature pottery student recently asked me the question 'What is a ceramic glaze?' I hesitated whilst contemplating how to answer what initially seemed a very simple question. In the end I gave him 2 answers , a non technical one and a technical one. The precise amount of information he required depended much on how he wanted to use the information.

Sometimes too much information only leads to confusion!

For example an evening class student wanting only to paint pottery and later have it glazed and fired by an established potter needs only basic information.

In contrast a student studying pottery making and ultimately wishing to make and fire his own glazes needs a much more detailed chemical approach.

These are the answers I gave him:-

1)A pottery glaze is a glassy coating applied to the surface of a ceramic to create a smooth, impervious, and decorative finish.

2)A pottery glaze is a mixture of ceramic materials which may often include minerals such as felspar and silica, a glass like component such as frit, clay as a suspending agent, and pigment as colouration. Many other minerals or oxides may also be used. These materials are finely ground in water to produce a glaze slip. Other organic and inorganic additives may at this stage be added to aid application. The slip is then applied to the ceramic body and fired to a sufficiently high temperature for the components to physically and chemically react to form a smooth glassy coating that bonds strongly to the body. Normally a temperature in excess of 1000C is required.

Do you have any simple questions you want answering?Please let me know.

Pottery and ceramics find so many uses in our homes!

2009-07-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

In these days of credit crunch blues, recent events have made it clear to me that the pottery making in the UK is still alive and well and doing fine. Unique designs and small scale production and customer service seem to be order of the day as the larger producers have been hit hardest by the downturn in the hotel and gift markets.

The term 'Pottery' is uniquely used by the general public to describe anything ceramic and we should not underestimate the impact these forms of ceramic have in our daily lives. Ceramics are evident in our homes in so many areas. Drink tea made with water purified with a ceramic filter in a bone china cup. Cook your evening meal on your ceramic cooker hob. Keep warm by sitting by your gasfire with its insulating ceramic bricks, and ceramic logs or pebbles. Take a shower in your bathroom lined with decorative ceramic wall and floor tiles, and your bespoke table top washbasin. Relax and read a book under the light from a sculpted ceramic lamp. You might even want to watch your TV with its many ceramic parts!

Even outside, ceramic pots of all shapes and sizes as well as other unique ceramic animals, toadstools, fairies, wind chimes, sun dials, coloured glass gravel and BBQ chimneys add individuality to our gardens.

Clearly many of these items are still made in the UK and provide employment and job satisfaction for many.

It is comforting to know that virtually all of these items are reusable in some way and should not find their way back to landfill sites. Keep selling the message 'ceramic is green' ! (Avid potters -sorry for the pun!)

I often wonder what the most unusual or surprising use for ceramic there is out there?

Please let me know if you find something interesting!

Pottery Clinic

2009-07-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this page is to allow visitors to post questions about any pottery or ceramic matter. All questions are welcome regardless of how simplistic they may appear so feel free to ask!

My commitment is to respond in a timely fashion and to provide the best advice that I am able to based on my own perspective and the information provided.

Enjoy!

Learning to pottery blog

2009-04-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Today I learned to blog-is that the right term? Although not a technophobe I do believe most times 'its good to talk' as a rather outdated TV commercial once said. That said I am hoping that by embracing the latest social technology I can make contact with all those like myself who enjoy or have a passion for pottery and its making. Who knows it might be the start of a wider circle of friends?

My love for pottery has lasted over 30years ever since i was introduced to the making of pottery 30 years ago. The decline in large scale pottery making over that time in the UK has been immense but it has left us still with a very rich heritage and many smaller but specialised potteries making eveything from door knobs to large garden ceramics. Clearly there is still a lot of talent in the UK both in terms of design and making! If you are one of those or just starting up in pottery I'd be interested in your thoughts on the future of UK pottery plc!