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Ceramics Decorating Video: Inlaying Colored Clay Decoration into Handbuilt Vessels January 23, 2009
Way, way back, while I was on maternity leave (such a distant memory now - sigh), Sherman Hall ran a video clip from Mitch Lyon's full length DVD, Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons, in which Lyon's demonstrated the broomstick method of handbuilding pottery. The technique intrigued me and I finally had a chance to check out the rest of the video. And it's a good one. So today thought I would send out a "part deux." In this clip, Lyons demonstrates how he inlays figurative colored clay motifs into his broomstick vases. I have included a step-by-step recap of the technique below, in addition to pointing you toward another great project for colored clay inlay from the Ceramic Arts Daily Feature ...Handle Making Video: Can You Handle It? Great Techniques for Textured Handles January 16, 2009
Today, in a clip from his full-length DVD, Get a Handle On It, Tony Clennell demonstrates a couple of great methods for making attractive coil-built handles for functional pottery.Ceramics Decorating Video: Slip Cones - Easy-to-Make Pottery Tools for Precise Slip Trailing January 9, 2009
In today's video, ceramic artist Charan Sachar shows us how to make a foolproof and ergonomic slip trailer out of some inexpensive materials. Watch the video now! and then make some for yourself. We've also included some step-by-step written instruction on the process.Ceramics Decorating Video: Using Paper Stencils for Precise Underglaze Decoration January 2, 2009
We're kicking off 2009 with a how-to ceramics video about using paper stencils and underglaze for surface decoration. The video features ceramic artist Eva Kwong and was filmed during the recent Potters Council workshop "Surface, Form and Substance" in Indianapolis, Indiana.Wheel Throwing Video: A Tall Order - Throwing a Massive Vase on the Pottery Wheel December 19, 2008
Since we were already thinking big this week (see Wednesday's post on Morten Løbner Espersen's largescale ceramic art installation), I thought today's video would be a fitting one. It comes to us all the way from Gaya Ceramic Designs in Bali, Indonesia. Potter Marcello Massoni demonstrates how he produces huuuuuuuuge vases on the pottery wheel by throwing them in sections (and he makes it look so easy!). And since there is no narration on this video, below we've posted further explanation of the process in the form of step-by-step instruction. Check out the video and the step-by-step, then try a tall order of your own! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.Mold Making Video: How to Make Plaster Sprig Molds for Ceramics December 12, 2008
In today's video, our own Holly Goring demonstrates how to make a simple plaster sprig mold. Simple though they are, these molds are great little tools for adding interest to pottery. Why not cast a motif you are fond of in plaster so you can use it over and over again on your work? In addition to the video, we'll show you some work with sprigged decoration and present some step-by-step photos and instructions on how to use sprig molds. - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.Wheel Throwing Video: Matt Long’s Bourbon Bottle December 5, 2008
I know what you're thinking; Sherman just wanted to run this video clip because he likes bourbon. Well, that may be a fact, but it's not the only reason I find this clip interesting. It also happens to be informative and educational. And look at that slip texture! Watching Matt slip these bottles is like watching a tightrope walker—too much or too little just won't work. And there's a lot more where this came from on Matt's full DVD Vessels for Victory: Line, Gesture and Movement. We all can use a little victory now and then. — Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts DailyHandbuilt Pottery Video: Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons November 21, 2008
I keep a lot of things in my studio that I think may one day be useful for texture or as a tool of some sort. I also cannot bring myself to throw any kind of wood in the garbage. I have a scrap collection that would be the envy of many a woodchuck. The other day, these two passions (let's just call them passions for now) came together in a very useful way. I ran out to the garage and gathered every single dowel scrap I had and transfered them to the studio, thereby fulfilling both obsessive habits (okay, let's call them what they really are). The reason I did this was because I watched the DVD Handbuilding with ...Mold Making Video: Making a Plaster Reclaim Slab November 14, 2008
Whether you work in a shared studio, at a community arts center, in a luxurious private studio or in a corner of your basement, chances are that space is at a premium. Today Holly Goring shows us how to make a reclaim slab that doubles as a wedging board, saving space, materials, time and effort. You will need some basic plaster know-how, but luckily Holly has already covered a lot of this in her previous video feature Plaster Mixing 101. Today's feature is a lot like making a one-piece plaster mold, except that it's flipped on its head and the object being cast is actually sunk into the plaster after it has been poured. Genius! — Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts DailyCeramic Bead Video: Making Hollow Clay Beads November 7, 2008
If anyone was looking for proof that ceramics really does cross over into all sorts of creative endeavors, this week's video is that proof of that assertion. Barbara Hanselman demonstrates how to make hollow clay beads using a few dowels, a small amount of clay, simple tools and a bit of imagination. Even if you don't want to make beads, this is a great technique. I first saw Mitch Lyons use it (watch for his video coming soon) to make full-size vessels. So give this technique a try and let us know what you come up with!— Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts DailyPottery Decorating Video: Tom Turner Workshop DVD October 31, 2008
If you've ever attended a workshop, you know that you come away with more information than you could possible remember or apply, and your head is swimming with new ideas and projects to try in your own studio. Not only do you get ideas for how the presenter makes his or her own work, but you get the benefit of their experience and the insight behind their work. These excerpts from a two-day workshop with Tom Turner go beyond the basic how-to video to document the vast knowledge and experience of an established master potter. They are just a small sampling of what is available on the four DVD set. Enjoy!—Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts DailyPottery Trimming Video: The Superchuck October 24, 2008
If you trim your pottery using a bisque-fired chuck—or even if you don’t—you’ll love the superchuck. Watch the video to check out what Tim See has come up with, and then make your own. We've included a materials list and instructions below; don't worry, it's short and the process is easy.—Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts DailyWheel Throwing Video: Making an Ugly Mug October 17, 2008
Have you ever set out to make something ugly on purpose? It can be pretty liberating. It's a great way to remove restrictions and experiment—and you may just end up with something that is not, in fact, ugly. Dave Henry, of previous CAD video fame, provides a great way to get started with a simple mug project that you can easily tailor to your own studio, tools and imagination. In addition to the video, we've put together a series of images depicting the process. They may lack the smooth, relaxing tones of Dave's voice, but they are a nice snapshot for quick reference. Enjoy!—Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts DailyPottery Decorating Video: Trimming, Slipping and Raw Glazing for Texture and Depth October 10, 2008
Last week, Mark Peters made a bisque stamp and used it in making a cup on the wheel. IN this week's video, he shows us his technique for finishing that cup. He accentuates that great texture using slip and glaze at the leather-hard stage of drying. He includes recipes as well as tips for success along the way. If you missed last week's video, you can check it out in the archives by going to "videos" on the navigation above or click here. For this week's video, just click the link below.---Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts Daily.Ceramics Decorating Video: Making a Stamped Cup with Continuous Texture October 3, 2008
A lot of times, it's easy to forget about the surface of a pot until it comes time to glaze it. By then, of course, your options are somewhat limited. In this video, Mark Peters demonstrates one simple method for integrating form and surface through the use of a textured stamp that is very easy to make and use. The great thing about a pottery technique like this one is that it can translate to so many other pottery projects. You don't have to throw a cup on the wheel to get great texture into your work; watching how Peters makes this stamp and cup can give you great ideas for hand building projects as well.Mold Making Video: Making a One-Piece Plaster Mold September 26, 2008
Hey everyone, Sherman Hall here (I'm the guy on the left at the top of the page). I have three things to announce today; First, our managing editor, Jennifer Harnetty (the one in the middle), just went on maternity leave, so a big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to her and hubby and the new one. This brings us to the second announcement, which is that you're stuck with me and Bill (you guessed it---he's the one on the right) for a few months. Don't worry, this scares us as much as it scares you, so we came up with announcement number three: our invaluable editorial assistant, and resident plaster whiz kid, Holly Goring, made a video on making a one-piece ...Clay Extruder Video: Make Your Own Hand-Held Clay Extruder September 19, 2008
In today’s pottery video, David Henry returns with a follow up to his pitcher throwing video, which was shown a few weeks back. David takes us through the process of making your very own hand-held clay extruder in his usual down-to-earth manner. With a few readily available and inexpensive parts, you can be well on your way to making your own custom extruded handles for your pots. But handles are not all extruders are good for! Extrusions can provide an element of precise control, with defined edges and form that also strengthen the fragile edge of a piece of pottery. Below, you will find a great idea for using extrusions to enhance the rims of pots. - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.Plaster Mixing 101: How to Mix Plaster for Ceramic Molds September 16, 2008
In this video, ceramic artist Holly Goring, demonstrates how to use the "sea level" method for mixing plaster. So you don't have to take notes during the video, we've also posted 10 Steps for Success with Plaster and a Plaster to Water Mixing Chart for your reference.Ceramic Handbuilding Video: Get Into the Artist’s Head - An Interview with Ceramic Sculptor Tom Bartel September 12, 2008
Today we are trying something a little different with our video of the week. We are featuring an interview with ceramic sculptor Tom Bartel, who is exhibiting his new body of work at Sherrie Gallerie in Columbus, Ohio. The interview also features a short demonstration of Tom's handbuilding techniques. We thought this would be a great way to not only let those outside of the Central Ohio area experience this fantastic exhibition, but also, to get to know the artist, his motivations and processes. Hope you enjoy it! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor. In addition to what is covered in the video, we have included some more information on Tom's processes and some of his glaze recipes as a free ...Wheel Throwing Video: Matt Long - Making a Hip Flask on the Potters Wheel September 5, 2008
Today we bring you another video clip from Matt Long off of his full-length DVD Matt Long: Vessels for Victory. In this clip, Matt demonstrates how to make a hip flask. In addition to clearly explaining how the form is constructed, Matt delves into his design considerations and motivations. For example, when considering the shape of this flask form, he decided he wanted "the form to look like it's kind of drunk" - perfect for a form that is designed to hold a beverage that can make you tipsy! Thinking through both the form and function of a piece before setting out to make it is a good habit for all potters to get into. It can be what separates ...
