Min

Working  on found object texture tiles to be raku fired and assembled for a wall hanging.

Good question for a Monday morning!
I have a kiln load of bisque that needs washing and waxing. I’ve got samples for a mug re-design for an existing client and a big pile of test tiles in the bin to go along with that, I have 18 mugs for a new client, and serving bowls, sugar jars and more mugs for upcoming spring shows. And I have weekly scheduling, and homework for an online business course on the go. 
 
Yes, this is my kitchen. Washing and waxing bisque is the only job I really do outside of my studio this time of year. It’s still too cold to take it outside yet. 

Thanks for posting my question Pres. 
hanging planters for succulents

 

Tupperware containers of glaze and slip, vintage mustard jar packed with brushes, trays of tools for throwing/trimming. Studio isn't sectioned off for different things but everything is in reach by the wheel. 

Thanks for posting my question Pres. 
hanging planters for succulents

 

A nice size coiled bowl  with black stylized Anazai designs on white clay.  Didn't quite get in finished today.   Sorry no photo.   Denice

making a combination of things.  big pieces with leaves and birds and small, about 3 inches across lace impressed bowl shaped "containers".  the small items will sell if i can get a nice glaze in several colors.  the bigger ones also sell, depending on the venue.  but the small stuff is my version of mark's sponge holder bread and butter item.  not that they hold sponges, just that they sell quickly and bring in cash.


got to make some glazes!

Elephants!

What's on my workbench?
Clutter.  It's far too cold and damp to be out there this time of year.
My shelf at the centre, however, has rolled clay waiting to be turned into Herb Labels, there is an Owl drop mould sitting upside down, waiting to be fettled and put into the kiln, and there are mugs and spatula rests waiting for a ^6 firing.

Thanks for posting my question Pres. 
hanging planters for succulents

 

Thanks for posting my question Pres. 
hanging planters for succulents

 

Thanks for posting my question Pres. 
hanging planters for succulents

 

It’s always interesting to see what people are working on, a one off pot, a series, pulling handles, working out a new design, glazing, glaze testing.… just a snippet from your day of something in progress.
My question would be what’s on your workbench? (pictures would be a welcome bonus!)

It’s always interesting to see what people are working on, a one off pot, a series, pulling handles, working out a new design, glazing, glaze testing.… just a snippet from your day of something in progress.
My question would be what’s on your workbench? (pictures would be a welcome bonus!)

sorta one step on from apple cooker, with Min on the one pot must be versatile in use to make it in my kitchen, same technique with bit extra, a candle stick holder, made by then opening centre core of clay , pulling up, turning down for flat rim, doing same to outer rim, attaching a little handle , wee Willie winkie style.

Looking at the design of those and couldn't help but wonder what else you could use them for. Thought it somewhat resembles a lemon reamer. If the middle bit was a titch wider at the base you could carve sharp channels into the center part and if one of the scallops on the rim was sharpened a bit it could be the pour spout. I like having more than one use for pots,  it's got me thinking....

Have had this in the back of my mind for a few days, came up with something that makes me shake my head and smile. My parents. 
 
Have had comments from them ranging from “people actually buy these?†to a remark on a speckled glaze, “oh, it looks like it has fleasâ€. Doesn’t stop there, at a market my dad came into my tent (while customers there) and said “has it been this slow all day?†Not to be outdone my mum once said, “if we pay your tuition how about going into accountingâ€. 
 
My husband and children have always been super supportive.
 
So, question would be, what’s your family like?
 (if you don't have one, want to borrow my parents?) 

I enjoy trying to answer the questions posed in PQotW and I’m both impressed and covetous of the sheer volume of books Pres has. (no pun intended) Started me thinking about my own meagre collection and which one I find the most useful or enjoyable. So, my question would be, if you could only have one ceramics book what would it be and why? (plus, I’m curious what Pres would choose)

Have had this in the back of my mind for a few days, came up with something that makes me shake my head and smile. My parents. 
 
Have had comments from them ranging from “people actually buy these?†to a remark on a speckled glaze, “oh, it looks like it has fleasâ€. Doesn’t stop there, at a market my dad came into my tent (while customers there) and said “has it been this slow all day?†Not to be outdone my mum once said, “if we pay your tuition how about going into accountingâ€. 
 
My husband and children have always been super supportive.
 
So, question would be, what’s your family like?
 (if you don't have one, want to borrow my parents?) 

Friends In Clay,,,,,,Periodically it's a good idea for us to remind all forum users, whether you are an active participant, an occasional contributor, or a lurker, to always take advice, especially technical advice, with care. I have not doubt that everyone who gives technical advice is doing so with the best intentions, but you must do your own due diligence by doing additional research into your question. Then, test, test, test,,,,,
 
best to all,
Steven 

I would be inclined to change out the controller for a Barlett.  The kiln itself will be fine but electronics have changed a lot in 22 years and you may be fighting problems due to drying out of compenents, parts no longer made etc.  Euclids can help with getting you up to speed with a new Barlett and possibilily zone control.
David

As long as that controller has the functionality you need, then just use it till there's a problem. If it does not have the functions you need, then I recommend the Bartlett V6-CF. The Bartlett might not fit into the same hole, though, so you'll have to cut the box or add a piece of sheet metal to make it fit.

I'm a little late for the discussion but thought I'd jump in for a moment
 
I think I see something slightly overlooked in this teaching clay thread. It is something that became very apparant when I took my first classes in clay, some 27 years ago.
It takes time for people who have never worked with clay to get the muscle memory to work with clay. Of the few people that I have assisted in learning to turn, it was obovious they had not spent enough time with the wheel or slab or coil to feel comfortable with the clay. It takes time and a few hours a week is not enough to develop these skills in a quick  mannor.
I remember how sore my muscles were at first, how tired my hands and wrist were.
 
I know that even now after turning some larger pieces I have to work with smaller light pieces because my hands and arms are starting to get tired.
I also know that my hands get tired before my brain knows I'm tired and I messup some pieces before I tell myself to stop and take a break or quit for the day.
 
Youtube is one of the great teaching aids we can have. Youtube allows students to see how other potters work, how they center and how they,position themselves, etc.
This allows the students to absorb visually what is hard to transmitt verbally.
 
As much fun and pleasure clay can bring, the fact is, it's hard work. I think some beginning students and not aware of the physical demands of learning pottery and lose motivation to dig deeper.
 
Just my 2 cents and change
Wyndham