View Larger Image Techniques in our weekly "Tip of the Week" series come from all levels of experience: studio artists, production potters, students, teachers and industry experts.

November 2, 2007

Tip of the Week: Block out Bunching and Creasing in Slabs

by Steven Allen | Read Comments (0)

Are you tired of your canvas drop cloth bunching up and leaving creases under your clay when you roll out your slabs? An economical, durable, strong and smooth alternative is as close as your local hardware store — or your garage left over from last spring's landscaping projects you did. I've found that commercial weed barrier is an ideal material for slab work. It resists cutting and stretching. It's thin and lightweight. Plus, it allows water to pass through freely. Best of all: Clean up is a breeze. All you have to do is wipe it with a damp sponge and then set it on a flat surface to dry.  Thanks Steven!

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Other great tips
1. Don't be afraid to remove small marks on bone-dry porcelain with a wet sponge. A lot can be accomplished without saturating the clay.

2. Have you ever opened the bucket containing your favorite glaze only to find there is not quite enough to dunk that last piece of bisqueware? Try slipping the piece into a plastic bag, then pushing it into a bucketful of wet sand or sawdust. Wiggle the plate around to give about half-inch clearance, then lift it out, leaving a hole lined with the plastic bag. Partially fill the bag with glaze. Push the piece into the center, trying not to touch the sides. Lift out carefully.

3. To save your wrists when burnishing, simply center the pot on a potter's wheel and secure it with clay lugs, then lightly hold a stone (or other burnishing tool) against the side as the wheel rotates slowly.

4. A plastic lid from a margarine container is great for putting several of your favorite templates together on one tool. Just cut out template designs around its edge.

Not sure about a term you see here?
You can find definitions and explanations for more than 500 ceramic terms—from agateware to zirconium—in the Ceramic Arts Daily Glossary.