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Monday, February 1, 2010

Beginning Throwing, week 2: throwing & finishing bowls

Hi folks,

For your two-hour practice session this week, make at least four bowls. Keep the best bowl, and recycle the others.

Tip: Drying and finishing your pots

  • Let piece stiffen on the bat (or use hair dryer)
  • As soon as the piece is stiff enough to handle without distortion, flip it over so the bottom can dry
  • Dry slowly; wrap in plastic to keep moist (newspaper square top and bottom)
  • Remember to label your piece with your name and the date while it's on the shelf
  • When piece is leatherhard (about the hardness of cheddar cheese):
    • Tap the bottom so it bulges inward slightly
    • Roll the bottom edge
    • Write your name and the date on the bottom
    • Put the piece back on the class shelf (unwrapped) until it is bone dry
  • When piece is bone dry:
    • clean up rough spots with a metal rib or fettling knife and a damp sponge
    • put the piece on the "to bisque" shelf for bisque firing

Next class we'll talk about:
  • glazing and decorating
  • softening clay
  • reclaiming clay

Cheers,
Jay

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