Guides
A Textured Clay Bird Bath for Garden WildlifeA handmade ceramic bird bath can turn a quiet corner of a garden, balcony, or terrace into a small gathering place for local wildlife. The most successful…
Letting chance shape clay and formSerendipity has always been present in my sculpture practice, even when I begin with a clear intention. I may imagine a particular silhouette, texture, or…
Hand-lettered ceramic markers for a living gardenA garden marker can be practical, but it can also become a small piece of outdoor art. Hand-shaped clay labels bring personality to herb pots, vegetable beds,…
Tips for Balancing Beauty and Function in DinnerwareDinnerware sits at the meeting point of everyday ritual and visual expression. A plate may need to hold a saucy meal securely, yet its shape, color, and…
How to make a ceramic rolling pin with embossed patternsA ceramic rolling pin combines practical form with the tactile character of handmade pottery. Its smooth barrel can press dough evenly, while raised botanical,…
Creating Metallic Luster With Boric Acid in Ceramic GlazesMetallic luster can give a ceramic surface the glow of aged bronze, polished copper, silver, or oil-slick stone. The effect is especially compelling on…
The Process of Creating a Life-Size Ceramic MaskA life-size ceramic mask begins as an idea about character, expression, and surface. Before clay is touched, the artist must decide whether the piece will…
Designing a Ceramic Coaster Set With Mediterranean Tile MotifsA ceramic coaster set can turn a small, functional object into a concentrated study of place. Mediterranean tile motifs offer a rich starting point: sun-washed…
Building a Simple Drying Cabinet for Humid ClimatesDrying clay in a humid studio can feel unpredictable. A pot that seems firm in the morning may still contain enough moisture to crack, warp, or explode during…
How To Host A Clay And Wine Pairing Night With Local VintnersA clay and wine evening brings together two slow, tactile pleasures: shaping something by hand and tasting a drink with a strong sense of place. Guests can…