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The 2008 Ceramic Workshop Handbook is now available as a free download!
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July 9, 2008
2008 Ceramic Workshop Handbook Available
by Jennifer Poellot Harnetty, editor | Read Comments (25)
Since we are heading toward the height of “ceramics workshop season” I thought I would call attention today to the latest free resource from Ceramic Arts Daily. The brand-spanking-new 2008 Ceramic Workshop Handbook is now available as a free download on the Ceramic Arts Daily website. Below, I have excerpted a couple of quick tidbits from the handbook to give you a sneak peak at what’s inside. Even if you are not attending a workshop this summer, this handbook is full of great information that can be used right in your home studio. - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.The Workshop Handbook is full of handy clay tools you can make and valuable technical references on forming, surface decoration, firing and materials. It also has a comprehensive directory of manufacturers and suppliers that provide ceramic equipment, raw materials, pottery tools and ceramic supplies. Whether you're a professional or amateur, student or teacher, the 2008 Ceramic Workshop Handbook is as useful a pottery tool as a potter’s wheel or a kiln.
Sample Clay Studio Tool Tips from the 2008 Ceramic Workshop Handbook:Sponge Brush
For making a sponge-on-a-stick, I use one of those 3-inch-diameter round yellow sponges. I cut off about 1 inch on opposite edges and glue an old paint brush into the center of the remaining sponge using Superglue. This gives the sponge long, sharp edges that reach all the way into the corner of a pot. The two pieces that are cut away are excellent for fettling excess glaze from the bottoms of pots and smoothing rims. Since they are triangular at their ends, they can easily get into tight corners.
-- Eugene Prial, Westfield, New Jersey
Mini Glaze Tongs
When space is limited, a pair of staple removers make great miniature glaze-dipping tongs. They fit inside the palms of your hands, so they can be more easily maneuvered in a glaze bucket than regular-sized dipping tongs. Don’t forget to round off the sharp teeth with a file so they won’t scratch your bisqueware. See photo below!.
-- Paveen Chunhaswasdikul, Gadsden, Alabama
What Else is Inside:Forming:Perfect Plaster by Vince PitelkaWhether you want to slip cast, press mold or just make a drying bat, mixing plaster correctly will make the difference between success and, well, something less than success.
Surface Decoration:Dividing Web by Sylvia ShirleyA popular time saver, this handy tool is indispensable for sectioning the surface of a pot.
Colorant Chart by Robin HopperUnless you use no color whatsoever in your work, you’ll want to keep this one handy on glaze-testing day.
Firing:Kiln Firing ChartWhat happens in a kiln, and when does it happen, and why do you care? Look no further for the answers.
Using Cones by Tim FrederichIf you’re going to bother to spend the energy and hours making your work, you should spend the energy to learn how to fire it properly.
Materials:Choosing a ClayThe most basic of our materials can sometimes be overlooked. Be sure you are using the right clay for the right job.
Primary Functions of Raw MaterialsSo you need to reformulate a glaze recipe you haven’t looked at in years. Here’s a handy guide to remind you of what does what.
Geographic Company DirectoryGet quick and easy access to manufacturers and suppliers in the ceramic arts field. Peruse more than 285 companies by city and state to find local suppliers, wherever you are.