c/pottery-and-ceramics

Seriously, why do we obsess over crackled glazes? They just look broken to me, lmao.

Pro tip: Having my sister mix glazes with me flipped my whole approach

I thought glaze mixing had to be a precise, silent task to get good results. My sister, who loves baking, wanted to help one afternoon and brought her measuring cups. We started comparing clay colors to frosting shades, and she suggested adding a pinch of this or that like a recipe. Her relaxed way made me see that small variations can create unique finishes I never planned. Now, our glaze sessions are loud and fun, full of trial and error. My pots have more personality, with speckles and blends I wouldn't have tried alone. In my experience, letting family into the studio adds joy to the process. Your mileage may vary, but it's worth a shot if you're stuck in a rut.

I keep hearing ceramic pots make stews taste better, but I'm not convinced.

Last week, I cooked a beef stew in my ceramic Dutch oven. People always talk about how it brings out the flavors. After three hours, the stew tasted just like when I use my regular metal pot. The ceramic is heavy and a hassle to clean up. I think the love for it is more about looks than actual cooking.

I totally mistook my clay for a snack during a late night session

Honestly, I was so focused on trimming this vase that I grabbed my snack, or so I figured. Ngl, it took me a second to realize the weird gritty taste wasn't my protein bar. I spat it out and my buddy at the next wheel couldn't stop laughing. Now I keep my food far away from my worktable.

Appreciation post: My shift to freelance pottery clarified why corporate ceramic jobs are stifling

After years in a large pottery factory, I went independent. The constant oversight from middle managers killed any creative experimentation with glazes. Now, working from my home studio, I can test kiln variations without justification, and my pieces have improved dramatically. It's a stark reminder that art flourishes with autonomy, not micromanagement.

Installing a simple splashback behind my wheel was a weekend well spent.

My pottery wheel is in a corner of the basement, and clay slurry was getting everywhere. I picked up some inexpensive acrylic panels from the hardware store and cut them to size. Mounting them was straightforward with some brackets and a drill. Now, when I throw, the splatter hits the panels instead of the wall. Cleanup involves a quick wipe down, which saves me time. It's not glamorous, but it has improved the space's functionality. I can focus on the pottery without worrying about the mess. Plus, it looks tidier, which is a bonus.

My coiled pot construction finally held its shape through the entire drying process

I've been practicing coil building for weeks but my pieces always warped or cracked before bisque firing. This time, I kept the clay at a more consistent moisture level and supported the walls as I worked, and it dried perfectly. How do you manage clay humidity during hand-building to prevent deformation?