Pottery Green

4 Oct, 2005 in art pottery by admin

Pottery Green

Top 10 tips pottery making tips for the beginner

1. Go to pottery making classes. Everyone has to learn somehow. Although it can be comforting to learn on your own it will be much more fun with others. In addition your skills will improve much quicker!

2. Don't be put off by the terminology! Pottery making uses some strange and quirky terms. It wont be long before you know green ware from biscuit ware.

3. Be prepared to get dirty - you can tell a potter by his hands and shoes! Even with an apron it is impossible to stay clean when making pottery. Your hands and shoes will get dirty! Treat it as part of the fun so dress appropriately.

4. Enjoy the experience - even if it goes wrong! It goes wrong for everyone including the experts so don't be afraid to experiment. Remember that your designs are unique and you have the chance to express your own creativity.

5. Read some simple pottery making books. Lots of pottery books are available so choose books with simple descriptions and pictures to get you started. Books,however, are no substitute for classes but they should reinforce your learning.

6. Ask questions. Asking questions aids memory so you learn quicker. Don't be embarrassed to ask even the most simple of questions. Remember you are probably only saying what many others are thinking!

7. Practise then practise some more!This probably should be my number 1 tip on the list. As with most things in life, the more you practise the more skilled you become and the more enjoyable will be the experience.

8. Develop your own style. Don't be afraid to experiment-its your chance to show your artistic flair.

9. Make some pots & give them away. It makes you feel good and you might even find a soul mate.

10. Share your experience with a loved one. Making pottery can become a real passion so don't forget to share your experiences with your loved one. They might even want to join you at the next pottery class.

More information and other technical articles on pottery and ceramics can be found at my website http//www.pottersfriend.co.uk">www.pottersfriend.co.uk. Go now to sign up for my free newsletter.

About the Author

Educated to a Masters degree level in Materials Science and Technology, my love of ceramics has lasted over 27 years.
A member of the Institute of Materials, Mining and Minerals, I have travelled the world to help potters deveop new products or find solutions to body, glaze and decoration faults. Regarded as an expert in glaze technology; I have been challenged by the biggest names in the the pottery industry.

Will quilting fabric bleed in the washing machine?

I'm making a quilt that has VERY different colored fabrics: white, dark blue, red, Light Green, light blue, and black/white check (please don't give smart a** remarks about the combination of colors, it's from a Pottery Barn collection).

I know I need to prewash my quilt fabric before I sew it: can I wash all these fabrics together in cold water, or do I need to wash them all separately?

You probably *can* wash all the fabrics together in cold water, but I would not recommend it. Part of that prewashing isn't just to shrink the fabric (if it will shrink) but also to pull out any colors that might bleed to prevent your quilt from being ruined in the future.
For some colors, particularly the red, dark blue, and black, I would wash more then once just to be sure they don't bleed.

For washing the quit once it's made.
Wash it ONLY ever in cold water. Use clorox 2 (or detergent with clorox 2 in it) to help prevent bleeding.

Also. Only dry your quilt and fabrics on low, or even better NO heat. This will help prevent color fading.