Wheel Throwing Cups

In this video from Hobbypotter is a great demonstration on how to trim a cup, add a handle, and construct a cup. I used this video to show the whole process in making a cup. There are around four steps to constructing a cup. The first step which you will see in the second part of the video is centering the clay. The clay must be centered to move on to the next steps. For me I can tell if I am centered by my body not being pulled in any direction it is at peace, or hence the word centered. The next step is opening up the cup to get the shape, usually done with two fingers or a sponge. When opening the clay stay within where you centered, do not open further then where you centered. Compressing the floor is the third step which happens in this video fast. It is when she has her hands in the center of the cup moving back and forth. This is a very key spot because it makes the bottom of the cup level. It also states where the floor starts and the walls begin. You will see her starting to pull up on the sides, this is the last step to get the height of the cup.

Elephant Glaze

First week back to the studio I was able to see my elephant come out of the kiln. After the first firing it is called bisque. Deana my professor gave me some advice on how I should glaze my elephant. I am going to put clear glaze on the toes and tusks, a few coats for each. Once it is completely dry I will apply wax resist. Wax resist is a substance that resists glaze from hitting the spot you applied it. I will apply wax resist to the bottom of the elephant so that it will not stick to the kiln shelf. Next I will dip a thin coat of an olive green glaze. Once it is dry I will then splatter some different glazes mainly blues. Two-three to see how they fuse together. Stay posted next week to see a picture of the final piece.