pairs, sets

[buckeye]

My brother has been asking me to make him a matching set of 8 bowls for some time now so yesterday and this morning I did just that. The top, inside diamaters are all the same or VERY close, height is good with the exception of very slight differences, the feet are all the same diamater and similiar but of course there are slight shape differences, thickness's etc. I am wondering what others here would consider acceptable and whats not. If my 8 bowls were all touching and lined up in a row you would see differences, spread out a few inches maybe some slight differences, spread out on a kitchen table you wouldnt be able to tell a difference. Would you consider this acceptable?

[mrs_christopher]

My brother has been asking me to make him a matching set of 8 bowls for some time now so yesterday and this morning I did just that. The top, inside diamaters are all the same or VERY close, height is good with the exception of very slight differences, the feet are all the same diamater and similiar but of course there are slight shape differences, thickness's etc. I am wondering what others here would consider acceptable and whats not. If my 8 bowls were all touching and lined up in a row you would see differences, spread out a few inches maybe some slight differences, spread out on a kitchen table you wouldnt be able to tell a difference. Would you consider this acceptable?

 

 

I know a lot of people tend to stack bowls in their cabinets instead of side by side. I think as long as the pieces are easily stacked when stored ( and I don't mean nesting bowls) then I doubt anyone would catch the difference. Hopefully, they aren't TOO friendly to want to sit that close to each other to make the bowls touch, either. Besides, it's your brother. He can't be THAT hard on you! (?)

 

 

[Chris Campbell]

Make another eight and I bet they will be closer ... not all eight will work out so you will need a couple extras anyway.

You can also unify sets by decoration, not exact size.

[atanzey]

My college ceramics instructor used to say 'If you want perfectly matched pieces, go to Walmart." I mostly agree - each piece is unique. That said, I'm still going for 'matched' pieces, and as Chris said, the more you make, the closer they come.

[buckeye]

thanks everyone! Its really the first time I have tried to make things this similiar and although I think I did all right I think I can do better. Think I am going to throw a bunch more and take the best and closest 8.

 

 

[Pres]

thanks everyone! Its really the first time I have tried to make things this similiar and although I think I did all right I think I can do better. Think I am going to throw a bunch more and take the best and closest 8.

 

 

 

 

When trying to throw a set, I do a number of things: 1)start with the same amount of clay each time. 2) Use a butterfly(crossed sticks with rubber band) to help with depth and height the same. 3) make a base template out of an old credit card-this allows me to foot the pot the same each time and set the bottom curve into the form. 4) make certain all embellishments start at the same height and end the same. 4) throw 1/2 as many more than I need so that I can choose the best for set.

 

This may seem tedious, but it saves me more time than I than it took to do it by hit or miss.

[BeckyH]

You can also make a contoured rib out of a plastic milk jug. Cut off one flat side, then trace the shape you want the pieces to have. Cut out the shape, leaving plenty of plastic for you to hold onto. Once the piece is almost done, use the rib to make the shape exact. You can play with the profile of the piece on paper before cutting the rib.

[buckeye]

I really like how helpful this forum is, thank you all for your ideas and suggestions, they are all great!