Forming
I create my work in all sorts of ways, including throwing on the wheel, building by hand and extruding!
Throwing is the most common way I use to make my work. I start by measuring out the amount of clay I wish to use for what I am making. A medium sized mug will take about one pound of clay. I already know the shape I am going for before I start throwing which makes work much easier. After the work is formed it has to dry. When the piece reaches a leather hard state, dry to the point where it can be handled without deforming it, it is time to trim. Trimming is done by affixing the piece upside-down to the potters wheel and using various tools to cut away the excess clay. Once trimmed any attachments such as handles can be added and any altered pieces can be shaped and carved.
Slip Trailing
I find slip trailing extremely fun to do, which is important because most of my work has some.
Slip trailing is similar to cake piping. I make a porcelain slip by watering down porcelain clay until it is the right consistency. The slip is the thickness of thin yogurt. I used to slip trail with piping bags similar to those used for henna tattoos but with my increased work load I have switched to a small air compressor. It has pluses and minuses but does seem to save my hands a bit of work.
My patterns are all done free hand.
Glazing
Glazing is often the bane of a potters existence. Picking out colors and patterns can be very difficult. I have developed 5 glaze colors that allow me go achieve the desired result. These glazes break over my slip trailing and help accentuate the patterns.
I begin by dipping each piece in one of these five glazes. After a little while the glaze dries and I apply the secondary glaze. Each of my five main glazes has a secondary glaze that goes over top of it. Sometimes the secondary glaze is also dipped into or brushed on. When it comes to the slip trailing patterns, the glazes are applied with a small bottle. By piping in the secondary glaze just where I want it, the patterns and curves of the pieces really begin to stand out.
After all the work is glazed it is loaded into my electric kiln. It can take around 36 hours from the time the kiln is loaded until it is cool enough to unload.
At this time, I sell my work through my Etsy shop!