It’s summer in my town…and boy has it been hot! Here is the second installment in the Hobby Potter Weekly video series for 2016! Catch you at the end for some additional thoughts!
Hobby Potter Weekly Season 2 Episode 2:
In This Episode:
– Changing My Throwing Technique to Ease Pain
I’m making adjustments as I throw on the wheel to help ease some arthritic finger pain. It may not be the ideal way to throw *so find a pro potter if you want proper technique instructions* , but if I can make these little changes work for my new situation…I’m going to happily continue on with them! There were a couple things I first tried this week that really helped…
- Soft Clay / Wet Clay – I initially started trying out my wheel again with earthenware, but realized it was not in the softest state so switched to the brown stoneware. Huge difference! The goal now is to keep all my clay this soft!. Since this overly wet clay is unfamiliar, it may be a little more challenging to throw. so I’ll need to adjust my pressure to avoid it imploding while throwing!
- Sponge it! I learned to use my knuckle for pulling up walls on the wheel, which for now is a big ouch! So for some added cushion and support I’m using the sponge.
What I found out was the sponge will also absorb some of the water from the super wet clay firming it up and making it more stable…what a perk! Of course, I’ll be re-learning my hand pressure because for some reason less pressure is needed when using the sponge. I’ll keep trying until I get the feel of a smooth throw. I LOVE the pottery wheel!
– Tool of the Week:
I thought it would be fun to share a tool that has drawn the most interest and attention over the last 5 years of publishing videos. It’s extremely expensive and can only be purchased through high quality stores….NOT!
The Tool…A 20 “something” year old Fun Factory Playdough Extruder Toy!
The coils are great for cup handles, feet or anything you would use a small coil for, but don’t want to go through the hassle of whipping out a large extruder! It’s very convenient and the clean up is easy. It’s a keeper!
– Handbuilding – Working Small & Making Table Time More Efficient:
I’m trying to think of ways to streamline processes. To keep the clay off rollers and minimize unwanted textures, I decided to invest in some smooth textured fabric for a more clean clay surface.
–Working Small – This week I started to create “tiny” items for the Modesto Modshop event in November! Something reproduce-able, functional and small that will fit within a 4′ table. Nick Prouse (a Facebook potter friend…thanks buddy) recommended pendants since it’s an Indy market situation. Perfect Idea!!!
Something I realized about myself, Working larger is more my thing. Maybe because I don’t naturally have a place in my heart for “bling” or jewelry, I was having a challenge “finding the love” and inspiration while making them. Now making the incense burners was a different story! Since this is something I use A LOT of in my country studio it had more meaning (because when they spread that cow manure, I tell ya some intense smells are needed to counteract it !!!). I really felt more inspired to make something both lovely and functional! They will stay on the Do It Again list because my mind was full of possibilities!
Well that’s it for this week! Please feel free to comment, I’d be happy to hear from you!
Enjoy the clay!
Tammy Jo
Web: http://hobbypotter.com
Blog: http://hobbypotter.com/blog/
Shop: http://etsy.com/shop/HobbyPotter
Instagram: http://instagram/hobbypotter
Facebook: http://facebook.com/TammyJoHobbyPotter
Hi Tammy, something that I do with all my slabs is I use a large “taping knife” to smooth out both sides of my slab (you know, the tool that you spread drywall joint compound/mud with). It’s very fast, and the large one covers a large surface area. The more you do it, the faster and better you become at it. So if the new fabric doesn’t work, or if you use your old canvas, give it a try. All my slabs are very smooth when I work with them, and it takes no time at all. I love all of your new things! I just made my first nativity scene, I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now. Pic on my fb page if you want to see 😉 Would be a good idea for a November sale!
I, too, pull up with a sponge and my knuckle. Always have. I couldn’t pull up until I saw it in a video! My pottery teacher was only teaching one way, so YouTube became a much needed pottery tool for me. Every potter has different things that work for them, which is why it’s so important to share different ways of doing things and never make a potter feel like there’s only one way 🙂
This is getting long, but if you want to hear how I keep my clay soft, just let me know 😉 I have a little arthritis in my hands, early onset since I’m only 41. So I have to work with pretty soft clay.
Love your new things!! Maybe you’ll find some other small items that you DO love making 😉
The pendants can be Christmas tree orniments too.