Guides
How to carve sgraffito patterns like Catalan tile workSgraffito is a drawing process with a built-in sense of discovery. A layer of contrasting slip or underglaze is applied to leather-hard clay, then selectively…
Build a coil pot with local beach sandBuilding a coil pot with local beach sand is a rewarding way to connect a simple clay form with the landscape around you. The sand can add texture, colour, and…
Why I Use Porcelain for Mediterranean-Inspired PlattersWhen I make a platter inspired by the Mediterranean, I am thinking about sun-washed limestone, sea-polished shells, terracotta roofs and the shifting blue of…
Throwing a Large Vase: The First Thirty Pounds of ClayA large vase begins long before its walls rise into a graceful neck. The first thirty pounds of clay are about preparation, rhythm and restraint: preparing a…
Designing A Ceramic Wall Pocket For Fresh HerbsA ceramic wall pocket turns a small growing space into a piece of living wall art. Shaped like a shallow vessel with an open top, it can hold basil, thyme,…
The Stories Behind My Favorite Glaze CombinationsEvery glaze combination begins with a landscape, a remembered colour, or a small moment that stays with me. I often think of the grey-green edge of the Pacific…
Making a Ceramic Watering Can With a Long SpoutA handmade ceramic watering can combines practical design with the quiet pleasure of working by hand. Its long, narrow spout can reach plants tucked behind…
Using salt firing to develop orange peel surfacesSalt firing is a high-temperature ceramic process in which salt is introduced into a kiln near the end of the firing. The vapour reacts with silica and alumina…
Creating A Ceramic Lidded Jar With A Hand-Carved KnobA lidded jar combines practical pottery with a strong opportunity for personal expression. Its body can be quietly balanced and useful, while the lid and…
Why Cracks And Warps Belong In Handmade CeramicsPerfectly symmetrical pottery has its appeal, but a handmade object can communicate far more when it carries evidence of its making. A hairline crack, softened…