56 PAGES OF PRACTICAL STEP-BY-STEPS PINCH, COIL, SLAB AND THROW Issue 64 INDOOR PLANTER YOU CAN ADAPT FOR OUTDOOR USE SLAB VASE USE THIS TECHNIQUE FOR DOMESTIC WARE TOO! DOMESTIC THROWN SLAB ISSUE 64 BIRD BUTTER DISH LITTLE JUG COLOUR PALETTE £5.75 PLUS: POTFEST REPORT • THE DOLL MAKER • COURSES
For Potters Seeking Unique Finishes Combine Light or Dark Flux with Stoneware glazes to produce visual depth, extraordinary movements, and stunning interactions. Mayco glazes compliment every ring technique from gas and electric kilns to process-driven wood and soda kiln rings. Visit MaycoColors.com/distributors for a list of Mayco distributors. SW-187 Himalayan Salt, SW-176 Sandstone, SW-401 Light Flux Wood red to 1285°C MaycoColors.com
Meet the team... Welcome O ne of 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 Simon Shaw Jacqui Atkin planter project on page 22). Every potter p8 Little jug p36 Butter makes mistakes, or has disasters, it’s not a dish 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 dust yourself off, and move on – with a comfort in these situations; I’ve new plan! experienced such things many times Doug Fitch Tracey Parsons myself. All I could do was hold her while Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed p74 Family in p66 Casserole she sobbed. It was awful. that there’s no glazing column from Linda London Mk II Bloomfield this month, and that’s because she’s been enjoying a residency at “At a time like this, you want to give Guldagergaard in Denmark. You can see up, but that’s not an option, so the only the work she made during her time there thing to do is mourn the losses and then over her open studio event this weekend, Issue 64 56 PAGES OF PRACTICAL STEP-BY-STEPS 17-19 June, in Hammersmith: artistsathome.co.uk If you don’t have – PINCH, COIL, SLAB AND THROW start again.” time to get to this, don’t worry, Linda will Resilience is a very useful trait to be writing about her experience in develop. You’ll learn something from Denmark in PINCH, COIL, SLAB AND THROW Issue 64 the next issue. INDOOR every mistake, or accident – and in some PLANTER cases, you may even end up with Rachel Graham, Editor something brilliant – albeit not what you YOU CAN ADAPT initially intended. Lemons and FOR OUTDOOR lemonade… If something disappointing USE SLAB VASE USE THIS TECHNIQUE FOR DOMESTIC WARE TOO! happens, take heart that you aren’t alone, DOMESTIC THROWN SLAB ISSUE 64 Now available! See BIRD BUTTER DISH LITTLE JUG COLOUR PALETTE £5.75 ClayCraft.co.uk for details PLUS: POTFEST REPORT • THE DOLL MAKER • COURSES 001 Front Cover Issue 64 Plus Spine.indd 1 31/05/2022 13:44 On the cover this month is Jacqui Atkin’s slab-built planter see p22 ClayCraft Magazine Talk Media Sales Subscriptions Yalding Hill, Yalding ME18 6AL Note to contributors: articles submitted www.claycraft.co.uk Ad Production Manager: 12 issues of ClayCraft are published United Kingdom for consideration by the editor must be Nick Bond 01732 445325 per annum Find current subscription offers/ the original work of the author and not Kelsey Media [email protected] buy back issues at shop.kelsey. previously published. Where photographs The Granary, Downs Court, UK annual subscription price: co.uk are included, which are not the property Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent MANAGEMENT £69.00 Already a subscriber? of the contributor, permission to ME18 6AL Chief Operating Officer: Manage your subscription online at reproduce them must have been obtained Phil Weeden Europe annual subscription price: shop.kelsey.co.uk/myaccount from the owner of the copyright. The EDITORIAL £81 www.kelseyshop.co.uk editor cannot guarantee a personal Editor: Rachel Graham; Managing Director: USA annual subscription price: £81 response to all letters and emails received. [email protected] Kevin McCormick DISTRIBUTION The views expressed in the magazine Chief Executive: Steve Wright Rest of World annual Distribution in Great Britain are not necessarily those of the Editor or Consultant editors: Publisher: Mark Winterton subscription price: £87 Marketforce UK Limited, the Publisher. Kelsey Media accepts no Jacqui Atkin, Kevin Millward Retail Director: Steve Brown 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, liability for products and services offered Audience Development Manager: UK subscription and back issue London W2 6JR by third parties. Contributors: Andy Cotton orderline: 01959 543 747 Tel: 0330 390 6555 Kelsey Media takes your personal data Jacqui Atkin, Linda Bloomfield, Events Manager: Distribution in Northern Ireland and very seriously. For more information of Doug Fitch, Kevin Millward, Kat Chappell Overseas subscription orderline: the Republic Of Ireland our privacy policy, please visit www. Tracey Parsons, Simon Shaw Print Production Manager: 0044 (0) 1959 543 747 Newspread kelsey.co.uk/privacy-policy. If at any point Georgina Harris Tel: +353 23 886 3850 you have any queries regarding Kelsey’s Project photography: Toll free USA subscription data policy you can email our Data Philip Wilkins Print Production Controller: orderline: 1-888-777-0275 PRINTING Protection Officer at [email protected] [email protected] Hayley Brown UK customer service team: Pensord, Tram Road, Pontllanfraith, ISSN 1743-0712 Design: Focused On Design Ltd 01959 543 747 Blackwood, NP12 2YA [email protected] Subscription Marketing Director: Customer service email address: Kelsey Media 2022 © all rights reserved. www.kelsey.co.uk Gill Lambert [email protected] Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey ADVERTISEMENT SALES Customer service and subscription Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in whole Talk Media Sales Subscription Marketing Manager: postal address: or in part is forbidden except with Simon Hyland, 01732 445327 Nick McIntosh ClayCraft Customer Service Team, permission in writing from the publishers. [email protected] Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court, Issue 64 ClayCraft 3
Contents 48 Issue 64 56 22 6 News SLAB Catch up with the latest news, 48 Project 4: paint palette views and comment A useful palette for small THROWN amounts of underglazes, glazes and other colourants 8 Project 1: little jug 55 Next month Making jugs is always a joy because they’re such a pleasing Find out what we’ll be making form and always have a use in the next issue SLAB 56 The doll maker 22 Project 2: indoor planter Caroline Taylor tells us how she makes her collectible, whimsical, This planter is for indoor use but jointed dolls if you add a drainage hole and use stoneware, it’s perfect for 36 outside too SLAB 36 Project 3: butter dish This quirky dish will make you smile when you use it but, more importantly, it holds a block of butter perfectly 8 4 ClayCraft Issue 64
CONTENTS 66 68 SLAB 70 58 Project 5: tall vase A simple vase made with minimal tools and equipment, which can be adapted to make cups, jugs and bowls 66 Confessions of a Novice Round Two. Tracey has a more successful go at making a casserole dish 68 Potfest – Glynde Place Matt Cox reports from this year’s first Potfest event in the South East TECHNIQUE 70 Project 6: marbling Using coloured liquid slips to create an e ective decorative e ect 58 74 Doug’s Diary Issue 64 56 PAGES OF PRACTICAL STEP-BY-STEPS Doug and Hannah visit London – PINCH, COIL, SLAB AND THROW after kiln and courier mishaps PINCH, COIL, SLAB AND THROW Issue 64 INDOOR 77 Courses PLANTER Fancy signing up for a class? Find YOU CAN ADAPT FOR OUTDOOR 3su4bCsclaryipCtrioanfts SOPFEFCEIRA!Llocal classes, courses and workshopsUSE SLAB VASE USE THIS TECHNIQUE FOR DOMESTIC WARE TOO! Save money and have the DOMESTIC THROWN SLAB ISSUE 64 magazine delivered to your door. BIRD BUTTER DISH LITTLE JUG COLOUR PALETTE £5.75 You know it makes sense! PLUS: POTFEST REPORT • THE DOLL MAKER • COURSES 001 Front Cover Issue 64 Plus Spine.indd 1 31/05/2022 13:44 Issue 64 ClayCraft 5
IN THE NEWS If you have a news story, product launch or details of some other topical item you’d like our readers to know about, email [email protected] SUMMER AND AUTUMN CREATIVE LEARNING This summer and autumn, and outdoor learning spaces and Somerset-based creative learning accommodation that provide space Clayhill Arts brings the perfect retreat-like setting together an eclectic programme for creative learning. Course of courses and masterclasses, participants learn with leading many inspired by nature and the artists, designers and makers, while environment. Running from May enjoying seasonal home-cooked until October the programme food that takes inspiration from the includes everything from nature creative programme. photography, smoke fired With a dedication and ceramics and charcoal making and commitment to lifelong learning drawing, to automata, computer and creative career development, game design and children’s book Clayhill Arts runs year-round high- illustration. quality training and structured residential art courses, events and residencies. Clayhill Arts works SMOKE-FIRED CERAMICS WITH with industry leaders to support NEW DATES RANJIT DHALIWAL – 2-4 August artists and creative professionals This hands-on introduction to in refining their skills and focusing The Arran Street East School smoke-fired ceramics is led by their ambitions, while giving them of Pottery at 1 Little Green designer-maker Ranjit Dahliwal. the opportunity to connect with Street, Dublin o ers a range Utilising natural materials and and work alongside inspiring peers of classes and workshops for the unique outdoor environment and take the time and space they people interested in exploring at Clayhill Arts, Ranjit will need to develop their creativity. pottery, or those who wish to guide participants through the continue developing their skills meticulous process of building Course prices start at from £70 on a wheel or handbuilding a kiln and explore the e ects of for a one-day workshop and can be process. New dates have just organic matter on ceramic pieces booked at clayhillarts.co.uk been added to its summer and using the magic of smoke. autumn schedules. Accommodation in one of Clayhill Reclaimed from an old farm Arts’ eight en-suite bedrooms is arranstreeteast.ie overlooking the Quantock Hills, available for all courses, making Clayhill Arts is an alternative art them fully immersive learning school with distinctive indoor experiences. HANDMADE OXFORD THURSDAY 23 - SUNDAY 26 JUNE 2022 Eat, drink, shop as gifts, and meet the to get hands-on with them exquisite British craft makers. The exhibitor while demonstrating in- and get involved in list is updated weekly at: person techniques. craft workshops, handmadeinbritain.co.uk Visitors will also have demonstrations, and talk programmes in From tempting BBQ a chance to join in and the historic setting of treats and artisan gin to learn something new with delicious vegan-friendly our variety of workshops, Waterperry Gardens. dishes, the wide range including ceramic painting The hugely anticipated of artisan food and with Emily Dawe of festival will be returning drinks will ensure there is Oh Hello Maker. Other on 23-26 June at something for everyone engaging workshops Waterperry Gardens, in the family. Live music include an introductory allowing visitors to performances from local class in lino cutting, insightful research project meet over 120 makers artists are scheduled learning how to make on cultural mapping throughout the festival. throughout the festival. fibre from local stinging methodology. nettles, and more. From handcrafted Visitors will be able to Various ticket o ers jewellery, ceramics find plenty of inspirational With a chance to are available, including and glass to textiles, ideas with live craft learn from experts, family tickets and sculptures and interior demonstrations hosted the engaging talks group bookings, at accessories, visitors will by bespoke artists. Within programme includes handmadeinbritain.co.uk be able to find plenty their craft discipline, they Craft in Conflict with Dr ● Tickets bought for of inspirational ideas will share their expertise, Neelam Raina and Fatima Handmade Oxford 2020 for themselves and giving a chance for visitors Hussa, who will share their will remain valid for this year’s festival 6 ClayCraft Issue 64
Pottery for Beginners: Projects for IN THE NEWS Beautiful Ceramic Bowls, Mugs, Vases and More by Kara Leigh Ford Peter Montgomery, Ceramist and course Kara shares her journey to instructor from Zirl near becoming a professional Innsbruck, throws on the potter and how she is pottery wheel HMT 600. practicing pottery to incorporate mindfulness ROHDE kilns. into everyday life. Her Enjoy your results. 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 o ce, 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 di erent coloured glazes, which encourages growth and exploration. Hobbyists of all levels will come away from trying Kara’s projects with stunning pottery pieces and a renewed sense of mindfulness. £12.99, Page Street Publishing Co. ISBN: 1645673022 THE PAST IS STILL WITH US? „There is always something more Before the modern to learn. And if you are comfortable, pub as we know you’ll do better work.“ it today was commonplace, ROHDE has been producing kilns and machinery beer would be designed to meet the highest standards since 1982. sold from what we The company’s ongoing pursuit of technical would call mini- advancement creates outstanding quality and breweries, made efficiency that you can rely on. For the joy of your on the premises creations. and served to Learn more about Peter’s story: customers from www.rohde.eu/artist ceramic jugs. This practice www.rohde.eu was common in Billy Byles and Alan Parris the 14th century outside the pottery at Aylesford through to the with two of the jugs. 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 there are three separate firings each taking two days to allow for drying, adding the glaze and then adding the lettering and images. Times all this by 700 and it adds up to a lot of work.”
PRSKOILJL ESCCHTOOL LITTLE JUGONE Making jugs is always a joy because they are such a pleasing form and always have a use. For some people, collecting them is almost an obsession and who wouldn’t want to add this little gem to their numbers? 8 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ You will need: ■ Clay – stoneware or earthenware, colour of choice ■ Tools for throwing – water bowl, sponge, cutting wire, ribs ■ Turning tool ■ Glazes of choice to fit clay type ■ Trailing bottle with fine nozzle ■ Fan brush and fine liner A reminder when throwing – to save wordy repetition! Always compress the clay at the rim after each lift – pinch the rim gently between your fingers and thumb, at the same time resting the forefinger of your other hand on the rim and applying gentle pressure THROWING THE JUG 1 Prepare 450g (1lb) of clay by kneading to remove all possible . trapped air. Working directly on the wheel head, barely dampen the surface then position your clay for the jug at the centre and pat it down to ensure it stays in place. Centre the clay by dribbling a little water over the surface, then cone the clay up between both hands, applying equal pressure from both sides to raise it vertically. Continue by pushing the clay down with your right hand while applying steady pressure with your left hand at the side – this will level it o and bring it to centre. You’re aiming for a shape with a flat rim and straight sides. Repeat these steps until the clay runs smoothly through your hands without wobbling. Issue 64 ClayCraft 9
PROSKJIELLCSTCHOOL ONE 5 2 Splash a little water over the clay, then change the position of your hands, tucking your right-hand Open out the centre by pressing the second finger fingers into the clay at the outside base with your left-hand fingers opposite on the inside. Now lift of your right hand down into the clay to within 5mm the wall to a cylinder shape, slightly narrower of the wheel head, while supporting from the side at the rim than the base, maintaining this hand with your left hand to keep the clay to centre. position. Measure the thickness at the base with a pin if Compress the clay at the rim. unsure. 3 6 Maintaining your left hand at the side, draw the clay at the base back towards your body in a steady action to open it to an interior width of 6cm. Compress the clay in the base by running your fingers over it several times, working from centre to outside edge. 4 Repeat the lift with your hands in the same Use the sides of your hands to cu the clay in at position, making sure you begin from the base and not a centimetre or so above it, but this time ease o the base as a point to lift the wall from. Your right- a little as you reach the mid-point, to allow enough hand thumb should be inside the form as you do this, clay to stretch the belly out later. as shown. 10 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 79 Make one more lift to raise the wall to its optimum height. Cut a shallow bevel around the base of the cylinder using the tip of a rib. 10 8 Collar the neck in slightly between both hands if Using the rib rather than your fingers on the . you feel it has widened at the rim, but don’t close it outside, belly out the shape by applying greater too much because you still need to get your hand pressure from the inside with your left hand as you inside. work up the wall. Issue 64 ClayCraft 11
PROSJKEILCL TSCHOOL ONE 13 11 Close the neck to your chosen diameter by encircling the clay with your hands in the position Ease o the pressure from inside when you get to shown. 2/3 of the height and apply greater pressure from the You can change the position of your hands if outside to close the form in again. needed, using the tips of the fingers of your right hand to establish the neck with greater precision. You should be aiming for a 6cm diameter to match the base. Measure the rim, then adjust accordingly. 12 Mop out the interior of the jug with a sponge on a stick. 12 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 14 16 Compress the clay at the rim and shape it to a With a wet thumb and middle finger, pull the clay gentle flare. rim for a span of 3cm, to thin it for the pouring spout. 15 17 Work over the exterior surface with a flexible rib to remove surface slurry, along with any excess around the base on the wheel head. Support the shape from the inside with a couple of fingers as you work on the exterior. Shape the spout by pushing it in with a finger at each side of the thinned area while at the same time easing the clay around the finger to angle the spout slightly downwards. 18 Finish up by pressing both sides of the spout . inwards at the same time to make sure the shape is correct and even. Issue 64 ClayCraft 13
PROSKJIELLCSTCHOOL ONE 20 19 Once the jug is leather hard, throw a chuck to the Underwire the base of the jug then, with clean required size and height to support it as you trim the hands cupped around the body, lift it o onto a base. waiting batt. SEE – ‘Throwing a chuck’ at the end of the project Allow the jug to firm to leather hard. 21 Rest the jug upside down inside the chuck then make sure it’s central and level by holding a finger against its side as the wheel turns slowly. If your finger misses in places, the jug isn’t centred so adjust and test again until it’s correct. 14 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 22 Using your turning tool of choice, trim the wall at the base to create a pleasantly rounded shape in balance with the top of the form. Don’t trim so much at the base that the jug will balance precariously – it must sit securely on a surface if it’s to be used practically. 23 25 When you’re happy with the trimmed shape, Dampen your index finger, then very gently, indent the base slightly at the centre as an work over the surface with a flexible rib to smooth it alternative to cutting a foot ring. perfectly for decorating later. 24 Re-cut the bevel around the outer edge of the base . as a point to glaze to. Issue 64 ClayCraft 15
PROSKJIELCL STCHOOL ONE 27 26 Roll a short length of coil about 2cm thick and Carefully lift the jug out of the chuck, then mark a flatten it very slightly at one end. point opposite the spout for the handle to fix to. Score the flattened end and apply a little slip to it. Apply a good dab of slip to the marked 28 position. Holding the jug in the position shown, attach the handle to the marked position and smooth it neatly onto the wall. 29 Turn the jug so that the handle hangs down. Wet your hand, then gently pull the coil between your knuckled finger and thumb, as shown, maintaining an even pressure along its length. Repeat this, wetting your hand regularly, until the handle is thinned and lengthened enough to curl into shape. 16 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 30 33 When you have thinned and shaped the handle to Allow the jug to dry out slowly before bisque firing. the appropriate size, curve it around to a shape that DECORATING YOUR JUG will be comfortable for lifting and then fix it in place in your chosen position. Carefully break o any excess. This is one option for decorating the surface of the jug using brush-on glaze. 31 1 Press the base of the handle securely onto the wall Mix your glaze well in the pot then pour enough into the jug to adequately coat the surface. then using a finger or thumb, spread the clay out to each side, as shown. Pour out any excess then even-out the thickness at the rim with a brush. 32 Allow the glaze to dry out – it will only take a couple of minutes. Using a damp sponge, work over the surface of the . jug to remove excess slip and any unwanted surface marks. Issue 64 ClayCraft 17
PROSKJIELLCSTCHOOL ONE 3 2 While the handle is drying out, think about how Sit the jug upside down on a whirler and glaze the you want to add decorative detail, then make a few body down to the bevel line. Allow the glaze to dry quick drawings in your sketchbook to record your then reapply in as many coats as recommended ideas by the manufacturer. 4 Only glaze the handle when the rest of the body is completed and dry enough to handle without leaving marks on the surface. Sit the jug centrally on a whirler and holding a pencil rigid in your hand as you turn the wheel, draw a line at the height you want your decoration to extend to. 5 Using a card ruler and protractor, divide the surround of the jug into equally spaced vertical lines, again using a pencil. 18 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 6 8 Build up the detail of the design with additional glaze colours as preferred. Fill a small trailer bottle with a bold, contrasting colour of glaze then attach a fine nozzle. Work over the vertical pencil lines with the trailer. 7 9 Trail as many more lines as you want, to build up Finish up with a few trailed dots to fill in the blank . the design along the verticals. spaces. Issue 64 ClayCraft 19
PROSKJIELLCSTCHOOL THROWING A CHUCK ONE A chuck is a form that holds an item of an irregular shape, like a jug or spouted bottle, which would not 10 be possible to turn in the normal way. The finished jug should be allowed to dry Chucks are generally thrown to a dimension for a specific purpose and batch throwers will make a thoroughly before firing. chuck for each range of items that needs trimming. In this case we only need a small chuck to fit the jug but you’ll need to work out the dimensions required according to the size of your own specific form. The ideal is that the form will sit in the chuck without the rim touching the bottom – you want to minimise contact with the chuck surface to just the rim. To avoid repetition the method of centering, opening out and lifting the wall are the same as described earlier, so the following steps just run you through the process with specifics for this form. 1 Working directly on the wheel head, centre 680-900g (1½ - 2lb) of clay following the method explained at the beginning of the project. 2 This jug was decorated using a selection of Mayco Open out the centre brush-on glazes in colours that contrast well. Try of the clay right down, some combinations of your own to see what you can or close to, the wheel create – maybe do some tests first. head and to a width that will allow no contact with Bisque fired to cone 04 (1060°C, 1940°F) and glaze the rim of the jug when it fired to cone 6 (1222°C, 2232°F) in an electric kiln. rests in place. 20 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 4 3 Lift a thick cylindrical wall to a su cient height and diameter to hold your jug in suspension. This will be slightly di erent for each individual. Use a rib or kidney to clean the rim of excess moisture and to angle it inwards so your jug will sit neatly in it. 5 Remove the excess moisture from the outer wall, again using the rib. Final note: Ideally, you should allow the chuck to firm up a little before using it but you can speed this up with a hairdryer or heat gun. Issue 64 ClayCraft 21
PRSKOILJL ESCCHOTOL SLAB PLATWO This planter has been made for indoor use but a simple drainage hole in the base would easily make it perfect for outside too 22 ClayCraft Issue 64
NTER DDIIFFFFIICCUULLTTYY RRAATTIINNGG ★★★★★★★★★★ You will need: . ■ Paper, pencils and ruler to make templates ■ Clay of choice earthenware or stoneware (choose the latter if intending the planter for outside use) ■ Rolling pin, roller guides (5mm thick), plastic sheet ■ Cuerda Seca wax (see issue 63 for recipe) ■ A selection of glazes to decorate (at least four) to fit clay type Issue 64 ClayCraft 23
PROSKJIELLCSTCHOOL TWO 3 1 Measure the width of the template at the base then cut out a square base template 1cm wider. You can make your planter to your own dimensions Here, the width at the base is 16cm so the but the template measurement for the one shown here template will measure 17cm square. measures 26.5cm at the rim and is 21cm high. Begin with a sheet of paper 26.5cm wide if wanting to make yours to these dimensions, and fold it in half. 2 4 Working at the open edges of the folded sheet, draw a curved line from the top left corner down to the base 4-5cm in from the edge as shown. Cut along the curve when you’re happy with the shape, then open out the template to check you like the size and shape. Make a second square template 2cm larger than the measurement at the top of the body template. 24 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 56 Prepare a block of clay large enough to Place the body accommodate the template body x 4 times. This will template on the slab be a large slab if you’re working to the dimensions as economically as of the pot demonstrated here, so if this is too big for possible and begin you to manage, roll two slabs instead. to cut out the shape using a roller guide Working on the sheet of plastic, reduce the bulk aligned to the straight of the clay by beating it with the side of the rolling edges to ensure the pin. Work in measured, even strokes from one cut is straight. side of the clay to the other, to avoid making deep grooves in the surface. Repeat until all four parts are cut Roll out the clay between the roller guides. You out, then place will find that periodically turning the slab will make the sections on an rolling much easier and give you more control to absorbent board to firm up to leather hard. achieve the approximate shape that you require – square-ish in this case. 7 Once rolled out, smooth over the surface of the slab with a rib to compress the clay. Roll another slab in the same way . as the last one then cut out the base and rim using the templates. Put the base on the absorbent board to firm up along, with the side sections, but cut the rim slab to make a frame using the width of a batten, as shown. Note: If, unlike me, you’re clever, you will have worked out that you only need to cut the square for the larger rim– then the base square can be cut out from the interior section of the frame! Hindsight can be irritating sometimes! Issue 64 ClayCraft 25
PROSJKEILCLTSCHOOL TWO 11 8 Bevel the side edges of the body sections. You’ll Support the upright walls with blocks of wood to have to do this freehand by resting the tip of a knife on keep them in position, then pinch the joined edges the work surface then cutting through the clay at a 45° together along the outside of the seam. angle along the curved edge. 12 9 When all the relevant edges have been bevelled, score them with a serrated kidney. Reinforce the interior of the join with a coil of soft clay. Blend the coil in first with a finger to ensure it fills the angle thoroughly. 10 Apply a good brushing of slip to two of the bevelled edges then carefully attach them together. 26 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 13 16 Work over the reinforcement with the rounded end Using the curved edge of the template as a guide, of a small rib to neaten up. score a line 1cm in from each corner edge of the body, as shown. 14 17 Attach the next two sides in the same way, pinching Turn the body section upside down and score the edges together in each case, then reinforcing the the base rim, plus the outer edge of the base slab. joins on the inside. Apply slip to both. 15 When all four sides have been attached, neaten up . the joins on the outside using a rib to remove finger- marks and to smooth the clay. Issue 64 ClayCraft 27
PROSJKEILCLTSCHOOL TWO 21 18 Fix the base slab onto the body, making sure it’s correctly positioned with an equal overlap on all four sides. Reinforce the join on the outside with a thinner soft coil. Again, blend it in with a finger then neaten up with a rib. Finish o by running a finger over the edge of the base slab to gently round it o . 19 Lay a board over the base and carefully turn the planter upright. 20 Reinforce the join on the inside with another coil of soft clay and blend it in with a finger before neatening up with a rib. 28 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 22 24 If the rim of the planter looks a little uneven, level As before, reinforce around the join with a coil of soft clay, smooth it in with a finger then neaten up it o using a surform to shave away the clay where with a rib to finish. needed. Score the surface when ready. 23 Score and slip the frame rim then fix the top of the 25 planter onto it, making sure the spacing is the same on all sides. Reinforce under the . rim on the inside of the planter. This is a little tricky because of the awkward angle, but take the time to make sure the finish is neat. Issue 64 ClayCraft 29
PROSKJIELCL STCHOOL TWO 29 26 Use a small stamp to impress a detail at the marked Now asses the rim in proportion to the body and point on each side of the planter. if you feel it looks a little too large, place a narrower 30 batten on top and carefully cut away the excess, as shown. 27 Work around the outer edge of the frame with a rib to neaten up. It should look gently rounded when finished. Now, using a flexible card ruler, score a pin line from top to bottom of the planter, vertically aligned centrally with the stamp mark but avoiding actually scoring through it. 28 Returning to the body template, measure and mark with a pencil, the centre point of the fold. Position the template against the first side of the plater and make a pin mark through the centre point into the clay. Repeat on the remaining three sides. 30 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 31 33 Where the line reaches the base, cut out a small V of Once the planter has dried, bisque fire it and then it's ready to be decorated. clay with a sgra to tool. 32 Continue the scored lines over the rim, then cut another small V on each of the outer edges, as shown. 34 Use the card ruler and a pencil to draw a diamond repeat pattern on each side of the planter. Issue 64 ClayCraft 31 .
PROSKJIELLCSTCHOOL TWO 35 Paint a thin line of Cuerda Seca wax over the drawn lines to outline the diamond shapes. If you aren’t confident about doing this freehand you can use thin masking tape to frame the lines before painting in the wax. You find the recipe for Cuerda Seca in issue 63. 36 Paint the interior of the pot in your glaze colour of choice, and apply the same glaze to alternate diamonds on each side of the planter. Use as many coats as recommended by the manufacturer. 37 Continue to apply glaze to the diamond shapes in as many more colours as you choose, each time applying the recommended number of coats. 32 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 38 Apply a strong complementary glaze colour to the rim and side panels of the planter. The glazes used to decorate this planter were: Mayco – Storm Blue for the interior and alternate diamonds Mayco – Wintergreen Mayco – Alabaster Mayco – Raspberry Mist Bisque fired to cone 04 (1060°C, 1940°F) and glaze fired to cone 6 (1222°C, 2232°F) in an electric kiln. Issue 64 ClayCraft 33
ARE YOU DUE FOR A SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL? 54 PAGES OF PRACTICAL PROJECTS Issue 63 Don’t miss out on – PINCH, COIL, SLAB AND THROW PINCH, COIL, SLAB AND THROW Issue 63 COFFEE future issues BREAK and renew today! AndPEISNPCRHESYSOOUCRUOPWS!N MAKE A FILTER MUG PLUS TO RENEW, EITHER: 1. Head to shop.kelsey.co.uk/managemyaccount PDLIPAPSITNEGR&HBURMUPS&H-SOLNUMGPLAMZOEUSLDS HOW TO ISSUE 63 QTUEECRHDNAIQSEUCEA ALTER RIMS £5.75 SLAB BUILD VASE 2. Give us a call on 01959 543473 IKEBANA DISCUS • SALT PIGS REVISITED • CAL REPORT • DOUG’S DIARY • COURSES and quote your Subscriber ID 06/05/2022 08:37 001 Front Cover Issue 63 Plus Spine.indd 1 YOU COULD BE MISSING OUT ON: THROWN PROJECTS ● A multitude of exciting new projects, tips and PRSKOILJL ESCCHTOOL THROWN COFFEE A reminder when throwing DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ tricks for all abilities MUG AND FILTER 3 ONE The intoxicating aroma of freshly made co ee can be enough to sell a house. It is THROWING THE MUG undoubtedly a sensory drink in more ways than one, and there’s nothing quite like it 1 to get us going in the mornings, so try making this cup and filter set so that you can have the pleasure of all that co ee has to o er, every day, in your own home ● Exclusive glazing content from Linda Bloomfield You will need: 4 ● Exclusive o ers and reductions on pottery books 2 and bookazines ● Special content from The Great Pottery Throw Down . 89 PINCH/SLAB PROJECTS DON’T FORGET THE BENEFITS OF RENEWING: PRSOKIJLLESCCHTOOL SMALL DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ ● You’ll be price-protecting your subscription 1 ● FREE delivery to your door FOUR ESPRESSO CUP Fired dimensions: ● Never miss out on an issue You will need: ● … AND continue to save £££ on the RRP! This is the perfect little cup for a strong, 2 espresso-style co ee. It’s quick and easy to make, Before you begin: and the simple textured surface decoration looks great highlighted by a coloured transparent glaze 3 . 48 49 NOT YET A SUBSCRIBER? You can change that today! Whether you are an advanced potter or thinking of taking up a new hobby, ClayCraft is the perfect place to start the adventure. GIVE IT A TRY TODAY! HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE TO SUBSCRIBE: SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/CRA or CALL NOW on 01959 543747 to subscribe Data protection: We take great care in handling your personal details and these will only ever be used as set out in our privacy policy which can be viewed at shop.kelsey.co.uk/ privacy-policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
SUBSCRIBE TO BRITAIN’S BEST-SELLING SMALLHOLDING MAGAZINE If you keep livestock and grow your own crops, or are a city dweller dreaming of the Good Life, or are simply interested in everything from home-produced food to keeping poultry, Country Smallholding is the magazine for you! WIN! A PAIR OF ARMADLOCKS FROM MUL-T-LOCK £4.50 FOR ADDED SECURITY WORTH £400 £3 PERTRANSFORM YOUR GREENHOUSE FROM BASIC AND BORING TO CHIC AND UNIQUE WITH OUR STYLING TIPS ISSUE! WHY BIRD FLU IS BACK JANUARY 2022 £3.99 Britain’s chief vet on the FEBRUARY 2022 £4.50 disease causing fear among flock-owners HEAVEN SENT STAND OUT ‘MY NEIGHBOUR SAID: FROM THE IT’LL BE OK – I’VE The opportunities CROWD BIRTHED COWS!’ o ered by council farms Expert advice Our new diarist on his son’s on bagging arrival in a snow storm IN THE MONEY an affordable council farm DONKEY DYNAMICS Diversification ideas Super-intelligent or that will bring in the cash stubborn? Learn to ‘read’ GOAT these mini workhorses MATTERS BEEF ENCOUNTER skin problems and taking positives from the abattoir experience award-winning cheeses PLUS: INSIDE YOUR FREE ‘HOW TO’ SUPPLEMENT SHOWSTOPPER SHEEP YOU DIRTY RAT! NOBODY’S FOOL Bold, beautiful and Effective pest control Great ways to grow burly Welsh breeds for small-scale farmers gooseberries PLUS: INSIDE YOUR FREE ‘HOW TO’ SUPPLEMENT PIEBALD AND PRETTY A NEW LEASE OF LIFE EGGS-TRA CAPITAL What’s not to like Imaginative ways to Top tips for setting up repurpose farm ‘trash’ a lucrative egg business about Jacob sheep? GREAT SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS: ■ SAVE 33% on the shop price ■ Never miss an issue ■ FREE delivery, direct to your door ■ Choose between print or digital subscription - Read whenever, wherever SUBSCRIBE AND GET THE WHOLE YEAR AT 33% OFF!* VISIT WWW.SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/CSHOFFER OR CALL 01959 543 747 AND QUOTE CSHXSELL *when you pay by direct debit. For full price options, visit the website. Savings are calculated on a full UK subscription rate. Offer is valid until 31st August 2022.
PROJECT BUTTER DISH THREE Butter dishes are a bit like teapots, you can have endless fun creating them in di erent forms but fundamentally they must function well. This quirky version will make you smile when you use it but, more importantly, it contains a block of butter perfectly 36 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ YOU WILL NEED: 2 ■ Clay – earthenware or stoneware, Prepare a block of clay large enough to preferably white if you want to decorate in the accommodate the templates. way shown ■ Rolling pin, roller guides (4-5mm thick) Working on the sheet of plastic, reduce the bulk plastic sheet of the clay by beating it with the side of the rolling ■ Paper/card, pencil, ruler, craft knife, to pin. Work in measured, even strokes from one make templates side of the clay to the other, to avoid making deep ■ 8cm-wide tube to use as a support former grooves in the surface. (covered in newspaper) ■ Thick foam block Roll out the clay between the roller guides. You ■ Wooden or bisque former, measuring 10 x will find that periodically turning the slab will make 16cm rolling much easier and give you more control to ■ General tools and ribs achieve the approximate shape that you require – ■ Underglaze colours of choice rectangular would be the ideal in this case. ■ Fine liner brushes Once rolled out, smooth over the surface of the BEFORE YOU BEGIN: slab with a rib to compress the clay. One of the items (listed above) that you will need for this project, is a wooden or bisque- fired 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 sti card for example. If you don’t have the means to cut them yourself, you can make bespoke formers from pre-cut wooden shapes, available from hobby shops at very little cost. Attaching handles makes the formers much easier to press and lift but don’t buy them, use old wine corks instead; it’s a perfect way of upcycling them. 1 Begin by cutting out the templates to the . dimensions given – see ‘templates’ at the end of the project. Issue 64 ClayCraft 37
PROJECT THREE 5 3 Run your finger around the edge of the dish to Position the dish template on the slab as smooth and round it o . economically as possible and carefully cut it out. 6 Reserve any usable spare slab under plastic. 4 With the template still in place, draw over the Turn the slab over onto another sheet of plastic, then rectangular frame lines, as shown, to impress the outline in the clay beneath. smooth over the surface again with a rib. Remove the template when done. 7 Transfer the slab to the foam block and peel o the plastic sheet. 38 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 8 11 Place the wooden or bisque former at the centre of Gently ease the curved ends of the dish over to a position where you can get your fingers underneath the slab, aligning the edges to the impressed frame. to lift the dish – essentially form the ends to handles. 9 Lift the wooden former out when finished. Press down firmly into the slab and foam block. As you press, the sides of the slab will rise up to instantly form the dish. Repeat the process until you’re happy with the shape. 10 12 Transfer the dish to a wooden board – you should be If you have enough slab left over from earlier, . able to lift it with the former still inside but be careful as retrieve it from under the plastic sheet; otherwise, roll you do this and have the board close by. out another slab. Leave the former in place for the time being, while Place the lid template on the surface and carefully cut you firm the frame of the dish up with a hairdryer to around it. ensure it holds its shape. Issue 64 ClayCraft 39
PROJECT THREE 15 13 Score the surround of each end of the lid and Place the paper-covered tube on the lid section, adjoining edges of each end section. then turn the whole thing over so that the lid drapes over the tube. 16 Suspend the tube at a height that will just allow the sides of the lid to rest on the worksurface. Stacked roller guides are useful for supporting the tube as the lid firms up. Slip the surround on the lid and corresponding edge on the first end section, then fix it neatly in place. 14 From the remaining slab, cut out the end sections for the lid. 40 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 17 Sit the lid on end and reinforce the inside of the join with a coil of soft clay. Blend the coil in neatly with a finger, then tidy up with the round end of a small rib. 18 19 Stand the lid on end again and tidy up the underside rim with a rib, then sit it inside the dish. Turn the lid upright again, then work over the join on the outside with a brayer (small roller) if you have one, otherwise use a wooden spatula. Repeat the process to complete the opposite end of the lid. . Issue 64 ClayCraft 41
PROJECT THREE 21 20 Impress the eyes with a suitably small tool, like the old pen top shown here, then draw in the wing lines Model a small ball of clay into the shape of a bird and detail with a pin. to form the handle. Pinch and manipulate the clay to shape all the bird’s features from this single ball, including the beak and tail feathers. 22 Roll a tiny amount of clay into a 1 x 1cm coil. 42 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 23 25 Sit the coil on the lid with the bird on top to test Score and slip the surface of the coil and the the size. Make adjustments where needed for visual corresponding position on the underside of the balance – here the coil is halved in size so the bird bird, then fix it in place. doesn’t sit so far above the lid. Carefully blend the clay from the coil below, up onto the body of the bird to secure it in place. 24 26 Mark the position for the Draw in the bird’s legs and feet using a pin. . coil on the lid, making sure it’s Issue 64 ClayCraft 43 central. Fix the coil in place after scoring and slipping adjoining surfaces, then reinforce around it with a tiny coil of soft clay. Blend the coil in with a wooden tool and neaten up with a rib.
PROJECT THREE 29 27 Draw around the outline of the bird in pencil on the bisque-fired lid in as many repeats as you want for Allow the butter dish to dry your chosen decoration. out slowly with the lid in situ, then bisque fire when ready. DECORATING THE BUTTER DISH 28 Draw the outline of a tiny bird on sti card, then 30 carefully cut it out. Add linear detail to build up the design, using a flexible card ruler, which will help draw the lines over curved surfaces. 44 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 31 32 Continue to draw in detail where required on the Begin to paint in lid, then repeat your design in simplified form on the detail of the the dish. design in your first underglaze colour, using a fine liner brush. 33 Paint the scored line detail of the bird handle in black using the fine liner. Allow the underglaze to dry, then wipe the detail back with a damp cloth until the colour only remains in the lines. 34 Continue to paint in the detail of the design in your . next choice of underglaze colour. Issue 64 ClayCraft 45
PROJECT THREE 38 35 Once the lid is completed, repeat the process on the Paint the bird handle in a colour to match the detail dish. on the lid. This can be a little tricky but try not to go 39 over the black lines if possible. 36 Allow the dish and lid to dry, then glaze in Paint the eyes of the bird in transparent. Note: the dish and lid must be fired separately once yellow, then the beaks in black (or yellow if you prefer). glazed and don’t forget to clean all surfaces that will sit on the kiln shelf beforehand. 40 37 This butter dish was made from white earthenware Now paint in the line detail, then outline features you clay and decorated in Amaco velvet underglazes with a commercially made transparent glaze over the top. want to highlight more. Also add a tiny dot to the centre of each bird’s eye. Bisque fired to cone 04 (1060°C, 1940°F) and glaze fired to cone 05 (1046°C, 1915°F) in an electric kiln. 46 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ TEMPLATE NOT TO SCALE Issue 64 ClayCraft 47
PRSOKIJLLESCCHTOOL FOUR PAINT PALETTE A palette to decant small amounts of colour into is a really useful item of kit for the potter. We are endlessly working with underglazes, glazes and other colourants that need mixing for surface decoration so it seemed only logical to make a dedicated receptacle to do that in 48 ClayCraft Issue 64
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★ 12 Make a paper template for the palette, measuring 25 Prepare a block of clay large enough to accommodate your template once rolled out. x 20cm and draw in the dividing sections, as shown. If you have one, use a cookie cutter of a suitable Working on the sheet of plastic, reduce the bulk size to draw around the circles; this will be useful of the clay by beating it with the side of the rolling later when you cut out the sections. 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 slab will make rolling much easier and give you more control to achieve the approximate shape that you require – which is rectangular in this case. Once rolled out, smooth over the surface of the slab with a rib to compress the clay. You will also need: ■ Clay – stoneware or earthenware, preferably white ■ Rolling pin, plastic sheet, 5mm-thick roller guides ■ Small cookie cutter – 3cm diameter ■ Glaze to fit clay type – white or transparent . Issue 64 ClayCraft 49
PROJECT FOUR 6 3 Use the cutter to remove the circles at the centre. Turn the slab over onto an absorbent board and Store the circles under plastic for use later. remove the plastic sheet. 7 Smooth over the surface again with a rib. 4 Roll another largish slab using the same thickness Place the template over the slab and carefully cut roller guides, as before. Cut the entire slab into 2cm-wide strips. You can use it out using the batten as a guide for cutting straight lines. a batten if you have one the right width, as an alternative to measuring. 8 5 Now carefully cut out the rectangular sections from If you used a cookie the top slab, as shown, and reserve them for use later. cutter, press it over the circles to impress the outline in the clay below (or simply draw over the circles again in pencil), then draw over the straight lines on the template using a ruler to impress them in the clay underneath. Peel o the template. 50 ClayCraft Issue 64
Search
