When it comes to making tools …anything goes when you are a potter. We pick up textures where ever we go and save them for just the right piece.
This months project is inspired by the video entered by Alison C., for our random drawing in our Hobby Potter Life Facebook community. (Be sure to comment and thank the makers of these videos!)
I always try to choose projects that can be adapted to anyone’s style and flavor! This month, Don Hall demonstrates how to build a textured ceramic box, (Sponsored by Potters for Peace It looks like they are putting out more how to videos to I’d subscribe on YouTube if you are looking for updates on new “how-to’s” )
This months project comes from Calder Ceramics and is an adapted potter’s take on doing the “fluid acrylic pour” … but we are going to use this technique on clay, with stains (or underglaze colors) and slip!
Notes From Tammy Jo: I see this project as something that can be applied to whatever form you are currently working on in your studios. I’ve included the acrylic pour video (as an alternative option) for those using air dry clay and possibly inspire others in the possibilities not yet explored by this single video! (Example: Since I don’t have any stains in the studio, I’ve decided to alter the directions and try using underglazes to color the slip and some varnish to create resist designs.
*What You’ll Need:
Share Your Experiences With This Technique in the Facebook Hobby Potter Life Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/910113795820109/
Watch Hobby Potter Weekly with Tammy Jo Schoppet, each Tuesday on the Hobby Potter YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/hobbypotter
This week began with big plans, big accomplishments, and an unstoppable spirit! It felt strangely reminiscent of the 365 Day Cup project and even more interestingly it followed the same path. Big dreams, unstoppable spirit … and big challenges in the beginning phases!
NUMBER CRUNCHING
So I sat down and ran the numbers to see what it would take to get The “Dinnerware Dash” project completed on time. To recap, I planned to make dinnerware pieces by using the 1250 lbs of brown stoneware to earn money to purchase porcelain. All this by the end of March!
It was a hefty order…unfortunately a little too hefty. Figuring in throwing time (50 lbs per day for 25 days straight) so that I have sufficient drying time (during the rain winter), firing bisque, glazing and glaze firing times for all the volume … it was just not feasible with the equipment and schedule I have.
SLIGHTLY ALTERED PLAN
I’m going to be throwing / handbuilding daily, until the 15th of February. Using as much clay as I possibly can, to create unique dinnerware sets … the key word here is UNIQUE! Look forward to it!
FIXED AND FINE
I really do not ask my husband to help me with much in the studio, so this week was truly special for me! Even though not a lot of clay work got done, the studio “honey do’s” were all taken care of (especially fixing my doors and the slab roller!)
CONCEPTS IN WATERCOLOR?
When not in my studio I’ve been exploring concepts I’d like to try in porcelain (once I get some). I’ve taken to watercolor imagery to express form and texture I’d like to 
incorporate into my clay dialogue… here is a copy of examples.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) starts my first day back in the studio to get some heavy duty clay work done … tomorrow seems so far away!
Enjoy The Clay!
Tammy Jo
This weeks video!
(UPDATE 1/25/19 – I accidentally inserted a link to the wrong video in today’s email! If you are looking for the “Organic Dish In Less Than 3 Minutes” Video Please Click here! My sincere apologies!)
Last week we had a whirlwind tour of the Egyptian Museum (where a fingerprint in clay started my interest in pottery).
Unfortunately, it was a strange week and I lost all my video files and had to do a recap (but thankfully the phone still functioned and could be reset). Here is this weeks video!
This week, most of my time was spent deciding on my future in clay and putting the (cold) studio in order (this actually is taking much longer than anticipated … the whole week)!
Being a self-taught potter has its perks and its perils! The first is you need to be self-motivated, to take responsibility for your course, and also be able to pull together a vision that will move you forward. I wanted to gather a visual representation of the most inspiring imagery I can quickly reflect on when I’m in the studio. There are artists, techniques, imagery, color, form, and ideas. that motivational when looking at them. My dream/goal is to pull together the “essence” and qualities I love about this imagery and create a unique style I adore creating!
DEVELOPING CREATIVITY – WHAT SEASON IS MY DEVELOPMENT?
So, where am I really in the development process? I found a fabulous article by Todd Henry that outlined the phases of “Developing Your Creative Voice” and it really helped me understand the seasons of life in any seeking creative. I made this PDF for my own reference and thought I’d share it in case it was useful to you as well. Phases of Developing Your Creative Style
The bottom-line conclusion this week? I found myself smack dab in the Emulation Phase but pretty close to crossing over to the Divergence Phase (which was exciting!) So in order to fully explore my visions, I’m more determined than ever to clear out my excess brown speckled stoneware and extra glazes in favor of some nice white porcelain!
![20181227_160736[1]](http://www.hobbypotter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20181227_1607361.jpg "20181227_160736[1]")
Happy New Year My Pottery Friends! I’m beyond excited to get started working on a new clay focus for 2019! From “clay play” to “clay practice”, I hope to move my learning experiences to more intentional fun that is for both personal growth and technique mastery.
After 8 years of enjoying ceramics with a whimsical, randomness about learning, I wanted to streamline my studio, my ideas and really work to create the inspirations in my head. It just feels like the time.
The term “Finding Your Voice” is such an ambiguous phrase in the art world. You hear it, you aren’t really sure what it is, but you just know you need it. So I’ve decided my mission this year is to work on an authentic clay practice to cure the “ceramic laryngitis” and create work that speaks (and had a lot to say like me lol)!
EPISODE 1.1 This Weeks Episode!
REFLECTION – A Trip Back In Time
As some of you know, my history in clay began as a prescription from a doctor; it was to find a healing hobby for relaxation. My glimmer of potter began 35 years ago when I was 17 and working at the Egyptian Museum in San Jose, CA. While cleaning glass I noticed and became fascinated with a fingerprint in the ancient pieces of pottery. I wanted to go back to the beginning to find the root of my inspiration … just to see it again!
So my husband and son trekked along with me as we drove 2 hours to San Jose, California to accomplish my
BUCKET LIST ITEM #1! FIND THE ANCIENT FINGERPRINTS
(See Video)
Making Studio Adjustments “Enough is as good as a feast”
In life, we all have those “squeaky doors”. Those things that just keep nagging at us to take care of. They aren’t urgent, but they still nag at you… like a squeaky door! My studio is full of these squeaky doors and it comes in the form of clay, glazes, and designs that don’t work.
Before investing another penny on my clay trek, I had to make some serious decisions. Porcelain has always been my true desire to learn and work with, but currently, have 35 boxes of stoneware and red earthenware clay in my studio. This is the furthest thing from pure white when it comes to clay! I realize they are a blessing and am grateful been blessed with an ABUNDANCE of supplies, and am grateful. Yet I now realize it’s like my favorite saying goes, “Enough is as good as a feast”. This feast mentality is all over my studio and I just need to streamline it more to my minimalistic liking.
Next week I will be planning my projects and taking care of finishing the shop so I can whip out my clay … I can’t wait! ~ Tammy Jo!
My Bucket List for 2019 is growing – I’M SO EXCITED! 
As I contemplate my next adventures, they wouldn’t feel complete if I didn’t pair them with my favorite necessities … ALL OF YOU! You are so much a part of what inspires me, and our warm community of “hobby potters ” is an essential encouragement for any new or seasoned clay junkie.
Clay feeds into all areas of my life, it strengthens my faith, relaxes me, heals me, continually trains my patience and always leads me to meet the most FANTASTIC folks who share a kindred spirit! For me, it’s really more than a hobby and runs deeper than just a desire to “play with clay”. It’s the excitement of hearing someone experience an “aha” moment at a success or failure. It’s motivating someone with a gentle“kick in the backside” to take a risk in clay. It is being here for the person struggling through life’s challenges and giving them respite to regroup and just be able to enjoy a simple clay adventure until they can begin their own. I love it all!
WHAT’S COMING IN VIDEO
This next video year, as I check off my Bucket List items, I’ll continue to “keep it real” and add some of YOUR good stuff as I’m living mine! I’ll most definitely be sharing my studio happenings, clay projects, some destination adventures and all the resources I scoop up along the way. Plus I want to share some inspiring stories and questions from fellow potters and ceramic artists BUT I NEED YOUR HELP!
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TELL ME WHAT YOU NEED!
Besides asking for a million dollars … I’d like to answer or share encouragement from you in my videos!!
Tell me what you want (that you wouldn’t mind me sharing anonymously ..first names only … onYouTube)
Please post in our FACEBOOK GROUP or send me a personal message through Facebook or Instagram!
I’m so looking forward to sharing our journey together and hope you enjoy
A Hobby Potter’s Bucket List Coming January 2019! (Subscribe for Notifications)
Enjoying the Clay Journey With You!
Tammy Jo