A fun new thing - Pottery Class!

[iris lilies]

These are my latest creations. I've been focused on trying to get better with centering clay and the basics of throwing pots. Next I'm going to try to make items that are a little bit larger.
I cannot help but see the potential for future decluttering sessions here.

Attachment 4615

love the color!

[catherine]

Those are beautiful, rosa! So much fun to watch your progress!

[Teacher Terry]

Those turned out good. I love the one on the far left. You can make them for gifts.

[happystuff]

Those turned out good. I love the one on the far left. You can make them for gifts.

I agree that they would make lovely gifts.

[rosarugosa]

Thanks, everyone! The one on the far left was a messed-up pot because the bottom was too thin for me to trim it properly and make a foot ring. I was going to trash it, but then I decided I could use it to experiment with glazing. I tried the water erosion technique and I really liked the effect, so I will use it again in the future with hopefully better pots.

Water erosion - you "paint" a design on a bone-dry pot (that hasn't been fired) with polyurethane or similar, then you rub the pot with a wet sponge, removing some clay from the non-painted parts. This makes the painted design raised, so you get a more interesting textural surface. The poly burns off during the firing.

[dado potato]

Attachment 4615 is lookin' good! Lush green!

Hey, we are all on a learning curve, and some of us get dividends in the form of pots!

[rosarugosa]

Here are some of my more recent creations. I like the way the glaze color combo on the mug came out, and I like the patterned texture, but the mug is wonky and the rim too thick and not rounded enough to be enjoyable to drink from. The mug was hand-built, and I would like to make a vase using similar techniques. I've succeeded in making pieces that are a little bit bigger on the wheel. In two weeks, we'll be starting an 8-week round of classes that are all focused on hand-building. After that, we'll probably go back to another wheel class since the wheel is so challenging.
It's interesting how this process encourages you to pay close attention to details like the feeling of a handle in your hand and the feeling of a mug rim against your mouth, stuff you don't usually think about too much. I find myself analyzing my favorite mugs to better understand what I like about them. Mindful coffee drinking!
pottery - blue bowls and mug 09-01-22.jpg
pottery- hand built mug 09-01-22.jpg

[Tradd]

Pretty mug!

[catherine]

Really cool hobby, and great output! I love the "mindful coffee drinking" thing--it's so true that every cup/mug is a different experience. DH gave me an old diner-style mug, which I thought I would love, but it's too big and heavy. I prefer the cheap mugs that I "stole" from my son who never used them. Just very light and thin, the circumference is small relative to the height, and it holds about 8oz. I don't like the mega mugs that hold 12 oz.

Thanks so much for sharing your pottery journey!

[JaneV2.0]

That's prettier than a lot of the handmade pottery I've seen at craft fairs. I think this may be your calling.