Table of contents for #64 in ClayCraft

O neof the many aspects I enjoy about working on ClayCraft is that we’ll show you things, warts and all. Tracey’s failed casserole dish in the last issue is a great example of that, as is Jacqui Atkin’s realisation that two pieces of a template could be cut from one piece of clay (see the planter project on page 22). Every potter makes mistakes, or has disasters, it’s not a phenomenon peculiar to beginners, and this month Doug tells us that one of Hannah’s firings resulted in three pieces of new work exploding because of a power supply interruption. As he said, “There are no words of comfort in these situations; I’ve experienced such things many times myself. All I could do was hold her while she sobbed. It was…

Kara shares her journey to becoming a professional potter and how she is practicing pottery to incorporate mindfulness into everyday life. Her beginner-friendly pottery projects will encourage readers to take a moment to focus on themselves while also rewarding them with stunning pottery pieces perfect for adding a touch of mindfulness into personal spaces or for gifting to loved ones. Unlike that morning commute into the office, clay can’t be rushed. In her first-ever pottery book, professional potter Kara Leigh Ford invites readers to slow down and step back from their busy lives through the meditative process of creating pottery. Each thoughtful project presents an opportunity to return and test out new skills and creative choices, like using different coloured glazes, which encourages growth and exploration. Hobbyists of all levels…

After raising my two sons in the wonderful artistic town of Stroud, I knew I had to find a creative venture for myself. Stroud has an eclectic mix of many artists, and I knew I had to find something a little different to stand out from the many awesome painters and ceramicists that surround me. In my research, I stumbled on Art Dolls, and I was immediately captivated. I am a self-taught doll maker, and each one of my dolls is lovingly hand-sculpted and stitched using traditional methods. They begin life as an armature and are sculpted using a doll making clay called Cernit. Some dolls are jointed with linen thread and beads. Then the doll parts are painted with acrylic paint. The faces are inspired using watercolours and pencil.…

The method isn’t difficult but it may take some practice to get it right You will need: ■ Apress-moulded or thrown form, firmed to leather hard Note: If using a press-moulded form, leave it in the mould for the marbling process ■ Slip colours of choice – two or three ■ Slip trailing bottle/s filled with a contrasting colour/s .…

Eat, drink, shop exquisite British craft and get involved in craft workshops, demonstrations, and talk programmes in the historic setting of Waterperry Gardens. The hugely anticipated festival will be returning on 23-26 June at Waterperry Gardens, allowing visitors to meet over 120 makers throughout the festival. From handcrafted jewellery, ceramics and glass to textiles, sculptures and interior accessories, visitors will be able to find plenty of inspirational ideas for themselves and as gifts, and meet the makers. The exhibitor list is updated weekly at: handmadeinbritain.co.uk From tempting BBQ treats and artisan gin to delicious vegan-friendly dishes, the wide range of artisan food and drinks will ensure there is something for everyone in the family. Live music performances from local artists are scheduled throughout the festival. Visitors will be able to…

Before the modern pub as we know it today was commonplace, beer would be sold from what we would call minibreweries, made on the premises and served to customers from ceramic jugs. This practice was common in the 14th century through to the 19th century. Then in 1830 the Beer Act made it legal to sell alcohol by licence for the price of one guinea. Taverns or Ale Houses can be traced back to the Romans and the Anglo Saxons. Now, as a special promotion, ale jugs are due for a comeback. Kent master potters Billy Byles and Alan Parris have just completed a special commission to make 700 such jugs, all by hand like the originals. Alan commented, “each jug takes 20 minutes to throw on the potter’s wheel then…

YOU WILL NEED: ■ Clay – earthenware or stoneware, preferably white if you want to decorate in the way shown ■ Rolling pin, roller guides (4-5mm thick) plastic sheet ■ Paper/card, pencil, ruler, craft knife, to make templates ■ 8cm-wide tube to use as a support former (covered in newspaper) ■ Thick foam block ■ Wooden or bisque former, measuring 10 x 16cm ■ General tools and ribs ■ Underglaze colours of choice ■ Fine liner brushes BEFORE YOU BEGIN: One of the items (listed above) that you will need for this project, is a wooden or bisquefired rectangle measuring 16 x 10cm (see issue 14, ‘Bisque templates’ to make these), but any flat item will work if it’s the right size – very stiff card for example. If you…

You will need: ■ Clay of choice – earthenware or stoneware ■ Rolling pin, 5mm thick roller guides, plastic sheet ■ Ribs and tools ■ Cardboard or plastic tube (a short length of 8-10cm diameter drainpipe is ideal) ■ Chosen materials for surface decoration 1 Prepare a block of clay large enough to accommodate the size of vase you want to make. The example demonstrated here measured 25cm high before firing. Working on the sheet of plastic, reduce the bulk of the clay by beating it with the side of the rolling pin. Work in measured, even strokes from one side of the clay to the other, to avoid making deep grooves in the surface. Roll out the clay between the roller guides. You will find that periodically turning the…

what a busy month it's been. Our feet have barely touched the ground, and our heads have all too brief ly felt the comfort of our soft pillows. It's midgie season, and we've just finished yet another late-night shift, slathered in insect repellent. I'm sitting in my comfy armchair by the fire, which is roaring away, providing psychological comfort as much as warmth. It's all part of the winddown after a busy day, that, and a glass of scotch whisky, for which I have developed quite a liking. When in Rome and all that… The swallows are back in abundance, swooping across the field at the end of our garden and performing aerobatics late into the evening. Without those pesky midgies, they probably wouldn't be here, as it's what they…

This summer and autumn, Somerset-based creative learning space Clayhill Arts brings together an eclectic programme of courses and masterclasses, many inspired by nature and the environment. Running from May until October the programme includes everything from nature photography, smoke fired ceramics and charcoal making and drawing, to automata, computer game design and children’s book illustration. SMOKE-FIRED CERAMICS WITH RANJIT DHALIWAL – 2-4 August This hands-on introduction to smoke-fired ceramics is led by designer-maker Ranjit Dahliwal. Utilising natural materials and the unique outdoor environment at Clayhill Arts, Ranjit will guide participants through the meticulous process of building a kiln and explore the effects of organic matter on ceramic pieces using the magic of smoke. Reclaimed from an old farm overlooking the Quantock Hills, Clayhill Arts is an alternative art school with…

L astmonth I showed you a sneak preview of this issue’s disaster: an oven dish that had exploded in the bisque firing. Now it’s time to tell you what happened. First, a confession: my little kiln is still full of the debris a month later! Those of you who are hobby potters like me will know that a fool-proof sign of work-life balance in crisis is when you haven’t touched clay for a while. I must address this very soon or I won’t have any pots for Potfest in Melton Mowbray in November. Even typing that gave me minor palpitations, if I’m honest. I’d been having thermocouple problems, and I’d sent the dodgy part back to the manufacturer for testing. In the meantime, I was able – with a little…