Five Ways to Apply Glazes Successfully...

You’ve created a beautiful piece of pottery. You’ve painstakingly hand built or thrown it, and perhaps carved an intricate design in it. Now all that’s left to do is glaze and fire it. Glazing pottery can be accomplished in several ways. Here are the basics of each technique. * Dipping – One of the simplest ways to glaze your pottery is to dip it. You simply put a medium-thick glaze into a container...

Basic Pottery Tools...

Pottery is a fulfilling hobby. The items you create can be very useful, or they can be beautiful works of art. Many pieces fit into both categories. There are catalogs filled with nothing but pottery supplies. To those who are interested in giving it a try, this can be rather discouraging. But you don’t need an entire studio full of stuff to get started. Just some basic tools will be sufficient for your first...

How to Make a Seashell Candle...

Seashells are a favorite souvenir of beachgoers. And if you’re willing to look for them along the oceanside, they don’t cost a penny. These beautiful products of nature make great souvenirs and gifts on their own, and they can also be used in all sorts of craft projects. Have you ever seen those candles that are adorned with seashells? They can be quite expensive in stores. But you can easily make your own...

How to Make a Beachwood Photo Holder...

A trip to the beach is sure to create some lasting memories. The feel of the sand between your toes, the smell of the ocean and the warm beach sunshine are things that must be experienced to be appreciated. But once your vacation is over, photos can bring those sensations back quickly. Many beach goers file their pictures away in a shoebox or photo album somewhere and forget about them. Some place them in cheap frames or pin...

How to Make a Kitchen Garden...

The benefits of gardening are many. Planting a vegetable garden gives us fresh food to enjoy during the summer and early fall, and we can preserve the extras to eat throughout the winter. And for kids, gardening is a fun and educational experience. It’s a common misconception that you have to have lots of land to plant a garden. If you have a yard, you can plant a small garden outdoors. And even if you don’t, you...

How to Make a Terra Cotta Clay Bird Bath...

For nature lovers, bird watching is a favorite summer pastime. There’s no need to make a trip to an exotic location to see beautiful feathered creatures, or even to a nearby aviary. If you provide a favorable environment for them, they’ll come to visit you in your own yard. Birdfeeders are a good start when it comes to attracting birds. Certain flowers also attract various types of birds. But if you want a...

Pottery: Handbuilding or Throwing?...

Pottery is an ancient art form. Archaeologists have recovered pieces that were made many thousands of years ago, and the quality of some of them is astounding. Today, pottery continues to be a popular art and craft. There are certain techniques that are universal, but each potter has his or her own opinion of the best way to do things. One of the most visible debates among potters involves one of the most basic options in...

Be Aware of Poisons in Pottery...

Creating pottery is fulfilling, but it can also be dangerous. Many of the materials used to produce those beautiful works of art are, unfortunately, poisonous. They are most dangerous in their raw form, but some can present a hazard even after the pottery is fired. Some of the most dangerous substances found in pottery include: * Asbestos – This is a substance that was once commonly found in building materials, but has...