Author: potteringclasses
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Bisque Firing Explained: What Happens to Pottery at Cone 04
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When pottery is bisque fired, the kiln permanently transforms soft clay into ceramic. As the temperature rises, water and organic materials burn away and the clay undergoes an irreversible chemical change. By the time work is bisque fired to cone 04, it is no longer fragile clay but strong, porous…
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How to Cut an Even Rim: 10 Essential Pottery Trimming Tips
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Cutting an even rim is one of the quickest ways to give your handbuilt pottery a clean, professional look. Beginners often struggle with wavy or uneven edges, but with the right tools, timing, and simple techniques, you can achieve smooth, consistent rims every time. Here are ten practical tips to…
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How to Apply Lettering to Clay: Techniques, Underglaze Tips, and Clear Glaze Success
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Learn how to apply clean, crisp lettering to clay using stamping, carving, and underglaze techniques. Discover the best way to paint letters with underglaze, plus essential tips for choosing a clear glaze that won’t run. Perfect for beginners in our handbuilding workshops or Wednesday Open Studio at Potterings.
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The Magic (and Science!) of Glaze in an Electric Kiln
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Learn how raw glaze transforms into glossy glass at Cone 5, why oxidation firing creates vibrant colors, and the science behind glazes.
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Terracotta, Stoneware, and Porcelain: Choosing the Right Clay
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Each clay body—terracotta, stoneware, and porcelain—has its own personality, working style, and final look.
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How to Make a Pottery Sponge Holder: A Beginner-Friendly Project
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Learn how to make a pottery sponge holder with this easy beginner tutorial. A practical clay project that doubles as a thoughtful handmade gift.
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Beginner’s Guide to Underglazing: Everything You Need to Know
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Learn the difference between underglazing on leatherhard clay vs. bisqueware in this beginner-friendly pottery guide from Potterings, a West Seattle ceramics studio.
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The Art of Patience: Why Slow Drying is Your Pottery’s Best Friend
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There’s one golden rule that can make or break your pottery: slow drying. It might be tempting to rush your freshly sculpted masterpiece from the handbuilding table straight into a warm, airy spot. After all, you’re excited to see it fired, right? However, for beginning potters especially, understanding the critical…
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10 Successful Glazing Tips Using Mid-Fire Glazes (Cone 5/6)
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Glazing is where your pottery transforms—adding color, depth, and personality. But for beginners, glazing can feel overwhelming. At Potterings, we help new handbuilders find their confidence, especially when it comes to mid-fire cone 5/6 glazes. We use several glazes from Mayco, Amaco, Seattle Pottery Supply, and Tacoma Clay Art Center.…
