I really love the marbled effect this has
Diving into pottery
- Thread starter mwar15
- Start date
I am certainly no expert, but I would wonder if the cracks come from 2 different clays and their different drying natures
mwar15
Omono
I think that is some of it. The last pot I did with this clay mix I dried slower, put a rim on it. As a result there where no cracks.
This pot the clay is drier to begin with which I think will help. I’ll update it when it’s finished
mwar15
Omono
16x12x2” cut corner. Not finished but figured I would post 
mwar15
Omono
Put some feet on and cleaned it up now it’s off to drying. The next couple pictures are 8“ x 6“ x 2“. I went with a little thicker walls to help and hopefully prevent it from warping.
Pitoon
Imperial Masterpiece
I bet the co-op probably knows you as the bonsai pot guy. They keep looking better and better.
On average how much time do you put into a pot. On my little pots depending on the shape and size it can be 2-3hrs just on one pot. I try to knock out 2 pots when I set up my working station.
On average how much time do you put into a pot. On my little pots depending on the shape and size it can be 2-3hrs just on one pot. I try to knock out 2 pots when I set up my working station.
mwar15
Omono
The small one I just posted was from used clay scraps I wedged. So it was already a little drier. I cut is and put it all together in 2-3 hrs. But it’s a simple design.
the big cut corner pot probably took 6-8 hrs total.
the big cut corner pot probably took 6-8 hrs total.
mwar15
Omono
This is the first tree in one of my pots
Pitoon
Imperial Masterpiece
.........and people complain on why pottery is so expensive.
mwar15
Omono
The kiln gremlins stayed away!!!
Ended up being 12x10x4”. Slab built no molds.
Second pot, I don’t like the design. 7x5x3”
Ended up being 12x10x4”. Slab built no molds.
Second pot, I don’t like the design. 7x5x3”
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
Nice work.
Almost all cracks can be avoided by slowing the drying time and being very selective when blending clays. Looks like you are on the right track.
Almost all cracks can be avoided by slowing the drying time and being very selective when blending clays. Looks like you are on the right track.
mwar15
Omono
Both these are crack free, I have slowed down my drying process.
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
You have done very well. I can tell you I have found the smoothest and most plastic grog free clays require slower drying than clays with grog. With a heavily grogged clay I have made a pot and fired it the same day. With some porcelain clays I might dry it two weeks.
I love that second pot design, I'm curious what you don't like about it.
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
I agree completely. In fact it is my favorite of the ones you have shown.
mwar15
Omono
Do you like the design or the mixed clay?
The lip goes inward. This is done because the walls are thin they warp. It’s tough to make smooth gusset on the Inside. Plus the rim/lip is wobbly. There are a few small imperfections.
blending clays is tough. It has wired layers on the ends. The dark clay slip covers the lighter clay
I have a pot drying now that has thicker walls. If it fires wells I’ll try this design again
ABCarve
Masterpiece
Don’t know if you’ve tried this but you can achieve a similar effect by using all the same clay and mix different oxides into different portions of it then wedge them together.
Pitoon
Imperial Masterpiece
I was thinking he could use Mason stains.
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
I like both, the design and the clay. I kind of assumed there were minor imperfections that weren't seen in the photos, or slight issues that bothered you in an attempt to create perfection. I like the fact that you can see how it was constructed due to the different clay colors as well as the slip. All personal preference but I very much dig this pot. If my wife hadn't noticed all the pots I've been accumulating of late, I'd be trying to pry it off your hands. If only I were more ok with sleeping on the couch...
