Search Results - Pottery
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Pottery is the ceramic ware made by potters. It also refers to a group of materials that includes earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. The places where such wares are made are called potteries. Pottery is made by forming a clay body into objects of a required shape and heating them to high temperatures in a kiln to induce reactions that lead to permanent changes, including increasing their strength and hardening and setting their shape. There are wide regional variations in the properties of clays used by potters and this often helps to produce wares that are unique in character to a locality. It is common for clays and other minerals to be mixed to produce clay bodies suited to specific purposes; for example, a clay body that remains slightly porous after firing is often used for making earthenware or terra cotta flower-pots. Prior to most shaping processes, air trapped within the clay body needs to be removed. This is called de-airing and can be accomplished by a machine called a vacuum pug, or manually by wedging. Wedging can also help to ensure an even moisture content throughout the body. Once clay body has been de-aired or wedged, it is shaped by a variety of techniques. After shaping it is dried before firing. There are a number of stages in the drying process. Leather-hard refers to the stage when the clay object is approximately 75-85% dry. Clay at this stage is very firm and only slightly pliable. Trimming and handle attachment often occurs at the leather-hard state. A clay object is said to be "bone-dry" when it reaches a moisture content at or near 0%. Unfired objects are often termed greenware. Clay at this stage is very fragile, and can be easily broken or shattered. The potter's most basic tools are the hand, but many additional tools have been developed over the long history of pottery manufacture, including the potter's wheel and turntable, shaping tools (paddles, anvils, ribs), rolling tools (roulettes, slab rollers, rolling pins), cutting/piercing tools (knives, fluting tools, wires) and finishing tools (burnishing stones, rasps, chamois).
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Showing 1 to 25 of 102 Articles matching 'Pottery' in related articles. |
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1. Forms of Kilns
November 21, 2008
Buying a kiln for handmade pottery is no low cost undertaking. It is the biggest investment a potter has to make. But what should you look for when purchasing a pottery kiln Good question. In this article, I will take a closer look at various types of pottery kilns available and a history of how pottery kilns were used.
Primitive kilns were no more than the simple hearths used for cooking, warmth, light, and protection. In fact, these very simple 'pit' kilns are still being used today. Clay has been used since prehistory for decoration and function but it is unknown how the actual firing ... (read more)
Author: robert James
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2. Throwing Pottery - A Step by Step Guide to Throw Handmade Pottery
November 17, 2008
Throwing handmade pottery is one of the most rewarding things I know. When you are finished, and you look at what you have created, it is truly mesmerizing. The steps below take a lot of work, and a lot of tools. But once you get the hang of it, the world is your oyster.
First you should compile and ready the following equipment before throwing pottery:
1. Potter's wheel
2. Clay
3. Bucket of water
4. Sponges
5. Wire cutting tool to remove the pot from the wheel
6. Chamois or other article to smooth the rim of the pot
7. Needle tool for trimming
Befo... (read more)
Author: robert James
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3. The 6 Types of Clay for Pottery Throwing
November 14, 2008
Pottery clay is the clay used to make the three categories of pottery: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Clay is baked in a kiln under intense heat, a process known as firing, and becomes solid. Firing is used both to harden the clay and to adhere glaze to it or color it. In this article, I will give a brief introduction as to the different types of clay available for pottery.
Earthenware is a clay that is very common, and generally contains a fair amount of iron and is made from porous pottery clay fired at low temperatures. Because it is fired at low heat, the pottery clay retains ... (read more)
Author: robert James
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4. Earliest Hebrew Text Found
November 14, 2008
Archaeologists have found the earliest known Hebrew text near the area described in the Bible as the battlefield where the young David defeated the Philistine giant Goliath. In June 2008 archaeologists began excavating a tenth century B. C. fortress 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of present-day Bet Shemesh.
In a recent press release, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced that they had found an old pottery shard (known as an ostracon) with five lines of writing on it. While the inscription has not yet been deciphered, a preliminary examination suggests that the text at least contains... (read more)
Author: Joel Kontinen
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5. Benefits of a Low Fire Clay
November 14, 2008
Even though clay is a naturally occurring material and you could use it right out of the ground, we usually use a combination of those materials blended together via a recipe in order to create a clay body with a specific set of properties. All clays have pros and benefits and are used for a wide range of applications. In this article, I am going to take a colder look at the different clays used in ceramics. Specifically, I’ll be discussing the benefits of low-fire clay used in making handmade pottery.
Earthenware clays, or low-fire clays, were some of the earliest clays used by potters, ... (read more)
Author: robert James
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6. Steps to Wedging Clay for Throwing Pottery
November 14, 2008
In this article, I am going to be talking about wedging clay. Clay wedging is the act of preparing clay for the pottery wheel in order throw your handmade pottery. This is a very important step in working with the clay. It’s essential because you need to work out all the air bubbles from the clay before you start working with it.
Start with a block of clay that you have cut from your big slab. Start by throwing it down on the working table a few times. Don’t be shy, just slam it down. Next, you will begin to press it down, or kneading it. Think of kneading dough for baking bread. All you... (read more)
Author: robert James
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7. L&L Easy-Fire Pottery Kiln Review
November 10, 2008
L&L Kilns is one of the most highly regarded names in kiln equipment. Many pottery makers trust their products and find no other reason to ever switch to another pottery kiln supplier. Known for quality and ease of use, L&L Kilns are widely considered the only choice for firing pottery.
L&L has built over a 60 year reputation on excellent designs and construction of ceramic kilns. They have over 40 employees that are dedicated to providing value and satisfaction with all their kiln products. The kiln that I have and am going to review is the L&L Easy-Fire ceramic pottery kiln, model e23T.... (read more)
Author: robert James
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8. Axner Pottery Wheel Review
November 07, 2008
Axner Pottery Wheels are one of the most highly respected names in pottery equipment. Many handmade pottery throwers try Axner products and find no other reason to ever switch to another pottery wheel supplier. Known for quality and superior productivity, Axner Pottery Wheels are widely considered the only choice for pottery throwing.
Smooth and responsive, Axner wheels for pottery maintain superior excellence with its foot pedals and controls. With a wide range of speeds to choose from, any potter will really appreciate the wide range of speed control. A smooth transition is achieved whe... (read more)
Author: robert James
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9. The Difference Between Soy Candles and Parrafin Candles
November 06, 2008
Despite all the myth, hype and hoopla, there is one very basic difference between soy candles and paraffin candles: fossil fuel.
Paraffin candles comes from crude oil during the production of lubricating oils. It produces carcinogens and soot when burned. In fact, one air quality researcher stated that the soot from a paraffin candle contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel.
Soy candles is derived from the processing of soybean oil. Micheal Richard, the inventor of soy wax, tested different natural plant waxes and finally ended up with a vegetable wax which wa... (read more)
Author: robert James
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10. A guide to shopping in Peru
October 31, 2008
Peru in South America is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique history. Improvements in its economy have resulted in the development of the region as a tourist destination and vacation idea. One of the most memorable experiences of any holiday in Peru is the shopping and the abundance of collectable items on sale here.
Although it is possible to find fine examples of pottery and textiles in many South American countries, few rival Peru when it comes to the quantity and quality of choices available. When shopping in Peru, it is advisable to go into the crowded cities of Lima and... (read more)
Author: Orson Johnson
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11. A guide to shopping in Greece
October 31, 2008
Greece enjoys a place of importance as a result of its prime location in the Mediterranean. Greece is also known for having one of the richest cultures of the world. Owing to these factors, shopping in Greece can be a very interesting activity.
A guide to shopping in Greece is as much about where to find the best bargains and what to by as it is about understanding the currency and exchange rate. Popular gift items and souvenirs that travellers tend to purchase while on vacation in Greece include jewellery, lace, pottery, metalwork, rugs, knitted garments, furs, and no doubt a bottle or ... (read more)
Author: Orson Johnson
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12. French Pottery and Porcelain
October 30, 2008
As in the other arts, after the introduction of the Renaissance, France imitated Italy in the making of pottery and porcelain, but native talent soon asserted itself and a truly French character became noticeable. The earliest of the famous French potters was Bernard Palissy (1510-1502), a great designer and painter on glass who first made pottery in imitation of metal work and later originated designs in fantastic and grotesque forms, using reptiles, masks, leaves, (flowers, fossil shells and other rustic forms which were modeled in relief on plates, pitchers and useful articles. ... (read more)
Author: Sarah Martin
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13. All about the Unique Celtic Jewellery
October 27, 2008
The tradition of Celts that passed on from generation to generation and reached this age includes the unique Celtic jewellery with an everlasting beauty and fine art. This jewellery is reflective of the tradition, culture and rituals of Celts. The art of Celts left a great influence on Europe and Ireland. The fine and wonderful art of Celtic age consists of Pottery, woodwork, jewellery, and weapons. Jewellery has happened to be the most popular and timeless art and has still maintained its value in the jewellery industry. Celtics lived in Britain and Ireland, then they moved from Spain and Fra... (read more)
Author: Imran ali
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14. Woman on Top: the World of Women's Magazine Publishing
September 30, 2008
To date, there are at least 115 magazines published around the world that specially caters to women. The women's magazine publishing has been a lucrative industry. These magazines do not only focus on fashion, shoes and shopping but also to any interest that concerns women. May it be about parenting, health, sports or any imaginable activity that women would be interested into like pottery, tattoo or woodworking. The following are some of the famous and the not-so-ordinary titles in the women's magazine publishing.
The Lady's Magazine
Also known as, hold your breaths, Entertain... (read more)
Author: Gargi Nath
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15. Pottery Gifts That Are Handmade Are A Unique Gift Alternative
September 25, 2008
Handmade pottery gifts are ideal especially for individuals who prefer items styled lovingly by artists and artisans. Pottery has been given as a gift for many years all around the world, with its lasting impression and functionality complementing its natural beauty. Handmade pottery gifts differ in terms of quality and design, and some of the raw materials used to create these gifts, which include clay from different parts of the globe, each with its own individual characteristics.
Treasured all over the world for their elegance and timeless beauty are handmade pottery gifts. Gifts such ... (read more)
Author: robert fox
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16. Robert Simpson Brewery Bottles Barrie's History
September 21, 2008
On Weds the 16th of Sept, Roberrific went north to Barrie Ontario with his pal Timbits in hopes of meeting Peter Chiodo, the owner of Robert Simpson Brewery. The award winning brew master makes the best micro beer in Ontario, Confederation Ale. The brew is steeped in history, and the taste imparts the flavour of earlier times when lumber barons and Canada West settlers did business in Barrie's streets and saloons. This brewery, although not erected in its original historic location, is situated right in the heart of old Barrie, across from the historic Queen's Hotel. And it’s the real th... (read more)
Author: Rob Campbell
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17. World Class Ceramic Tiles- A new millennium trend to make
August 22, 2008
History of ceramic tiles The word ‘ceramic’ comes from the Greek word ‘keramos’ meaning pottery. Ceramic is related to an old Sanskrit root meaning ‘to burn’ but was basically used to mean ‘burnt stuff’. Ceramic tiles have been made by human being four thousand years earlier. The Latin meaning of ceramic tile is a roof tile of baked clay. Ceramic tiles are found first in the pyramids, the ruins of Babylon, and ancient ruins of Greek cities. Ceramic tiles are the oldest flooring material known to human being. About Tiles Ceramic tiles come in various range of sizes, shapes, design, shades... (read more)
Author: Icon Tiles
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18. How to make money from home!
August 15, 2008
Are you looking for a way to work for yourself from home? To define, let's get clear first on exactly what you are looking for. Are you looking to: a) build a "brick and mortar" business, meaning that you will be working with actual products and interact physically with people? b) build a business online on the Internet to make money from home. If you are looking to build a physical business from home doing sewing, baking manufacturing pottery etc, may I suggest that you do a search at a bookstore like Amazon.com. They have plenty of books on just about any business that you can think of d... (read more)
Author: Rajesh Galhotra
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19. Lennox China - The Dinnerware of Presidents
July 24, 2008
Lenox was started in 1889 by its founder Walter Scott Lennox. Born in Trenton NJ in 1859, the foremost center for the American Ceramics industry in that time, Walter Lennox combined his interest in drawing and clay and began working at a pottery plant as a designer and decorator at 16 years old.
When he turned 22 he became joined Ott & Brewer as their design director. Ott & Brewer eventually folded a few years later and that’s when he decided it was time to go it on his own.
A mere seven years after taking the design director position Walter Lennox was starting his own company the... (read more)
Author: Donald Arson
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20. What is soapstone, and why would you want a soapstone sink?
June 30, 2008
Actually, the Soapstone Sink or water basin has been around for awhile – thousands of years, in fact. Soapstone, which is one of the most useful forms of rock known to humankind, has been used for cooking utensils, furniture, pottery and water basins since the Stone Age. Soapstone even has artistic applications; during the days of the Hoysala Empire in medieval India (ca. 1026 – 1343 CE), Hindu temples were built featuring elaborate soapstone carvings. Archaeologists have found Native American artifacts made of soapstone that include cooking slabs and water pots similar to the soapstone sink d... (read more)
Author: Jonathan Blocker
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21. Stock Brokers and Investors
June 27, 2008
We teach seminars about point and figure charting all over the country. At these seminars we teach the basics of point and figure charting to both stockbrokers and investors. It is during these seminars that we advocate P&F charting by hand because you learn more about the method, and you see exactly what takes place in the stocks you are charting.
We liken it to the pottery maker. You have probably seen pictures of one of these artisans, sitting at a wheel and using her hands to make a beautiful piece of pottery. If she moves her hands too much the pot is ruined, and she must begin a new... (read more)
Author: Anthony Green
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22. The Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
June 26, 2008
By Darryl Payne
Did you know that Pigeon Forge, Tennessee was established back in 1830? You will be thrown right back into that time as you visit the historical sites of The Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge. As you walk through The Old Mill Square you will want to tour the water-powered grist mill that continues to work since the early 1800’s. The Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most photographed historical sites in country.
Not only will you visit The Old Mill in Old Mill Square, but you can dine at two of the finest restaurants in P... (read more)
Author: Darryl Payne
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23. A Guide to the Art Galleries of Barcelona, Spain
June 14, 2008
Galleries in Barcelona are a wonderful experience, both for art lovers and also for those who may not be well versed with art. They contain some of the most beautiful pieces of work by Barcelona artists, whether famous or local. The tone of the galleries tends toward the classical, with some mix of the modern.
To start with, there is the Fundación Francisco Godia. This gallery displays a broad array of paintings, sculptures and pottery. Some of the pieces that must be seen in this particular gallery include old, Romanesque sculptures, and some pottery from the Middle Ages.
Arguably ... (read more)
Author: Paul Symonds
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24. Lawyer Locater
June 11, 2008
Congratulations you have a new child on the way, ! Without doubt you're excited about the coming birth and you in all likelihood have a ceaseless list of projects you need to get finished ahead of the baby's arrival. One of the things at the top of your list is likely getting the baby's room prepared. No doubt you need quality products for your nursery, and one outstanding brand to think about is Pottery Barn Kids Products. They are recognized as being quality, cozy, and beautifully designed. If you're not sure where to start when decorating your baby's room with Pottery Barn Kids Products, h... (read more)
Author: Daniel Spivey
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25. Vases: A History
May 29, 2008
The development of art has been considered as one of the hallmarks of human evolution. Not surprisingly, most of the artworks man has made have been created to adorn his home, be it painting, sculpture, pottery or photography. Vases that are made of crystal and glass are just the same; they were made for the function of providing adornment to space. Man has been using techniques to make glass for vases and other adornments since the dawn of history, with the earliest evidences dating back to more than three thousand years ago, found in Mesopotamia. The manufacturing techniques used fo... (read more)
Author: Mark S.
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