My Studio

My studio is located in my garden. It is bathed in sun in the mornings, on a sunny day! The design and build took a while to plan and was a real family construction.

Once the building was created I had to decide on the internal structure thinking about the different areas I would need.

I looked at many examples online. There is a lot of information and advice across the internet. It has changed a few times but now provides a perfect space for me for creating my pottery.

 

Preparation and throwing

I have a strong, solid table for wedging my clay but also use a plaster board for wedging.

The table is covered over when I glaze so that the space is free from clay.

I have my wheel close to the window so I have plenty of natural light. There are surfaces close by to place pots as I throw them. Of course Ikea has proved a brilliant source of shelving and chairs and storage!

Drying Area

Ikea wooden shelving is brilliant for my drying space.

My newly thrown pots will dry out here and then, when ready, I will trim them/ add handles if needed and then leave to dry completely before the first firing.

Sometimes the pots will be covered with plastic sheets to slow down the drying especially if handles were added so it all dries at the same rate. 

Reclaim

Any clay that did not survive the throwing process is kept in a lidded bucket. When it is nice and slushy I will mix some in a bucket to remove any lumpy bits of clay. Then place on a small plaster board ( on the edge of the wet area) to dry a little before wedging. Then I have clay ready to use for throwing again.

I only reclaim in small amounts. This works for me.

This is one of the great things about using clay. Recycle and no waste!

Glazing

I have quite a few pots of glaze that I have bought to try out. All stored on shelves at the wall end of my large table. I can easily see what I have and can grab pots as I need them. A big store of brushes too!

I use commercially made glazes by ‘Mayco’ and ‘Amaco’.  I use these as I know they are food safe, come in an amazing range of colours, and are also  brilliant to combine. They work well for me.

A big shout out to Potclays in Stoke-on-Trent where I buy all my clay and glazes from.

Finished pots

At the end of the studio sit my finished pieces. 

I will photograph them using a light box and then add to Instagram, Folksy and Etsy.

All ready to be priced and sold.

Packing orders

This is well away from my main table and wet area. No-one wants soggy packaging!

I have a store of cardboard boxes, White Cat gift bags, plenty of packing ‘peanuts’ and eco friendly bubble wrap.

More Ikea storage…..

 

Inspiration 

Everyone needs a board to add amazing things that inspire- pots seen at exhibitions, inspiring quotes from potters, guidance on weights for making certain kinds of pots, ideas for new work.

Of course my wall is also covered in cats. What can I say?