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...

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...

What to Consider When Setting Up a Pottery Studio...

Some crafts require little or no extra space to participate. Pottery is not one of them. Depending on your technique and your attitude toward pottery, you could need a free corner in your home or an entire separate building. Here are some things to consider before you choose a space for your studio. * Do you plan to handbuild or throw? The act of handbuilding does not require a great deal of space. Unless you plan to do it...

Have Fun Making a Birthday Pinata...

Pi?atas are all the rage at kids’ birthday parties. There’s just something about getting blindfolded, trying to hit a brightly colored object with a stick, and picking up the candy that falls when someone succeeds that young people (and the young at heart) love. Pi?atas have become must-haves for birthday celebrations, but unfortunately they’re not cheap. But did you know that pi?atas are really easy and fun...

5 Fun Crafty Things Children Can Make Out of House...

When boredom strikes, kids can get unruly. Our first instinct might be to buy them a new toy, but chances are they will eventually get bored with that too. Besides, toys cost money, and getting into a habit of buying toys to assuage boredom can be costly. Giving children the opportunity to get creative is more effective and less expensive than shelling out money for new toys. And often, your kids can make crafts using items...