Get ready to make a Sugar Bowl
Hi Marie here welcome to Pottery Crafters you found video number 15 in
our beginner pottery wheel project series. Today you'll learn how to throw
decorate and glaze a sugar bowl and yes you will see the finished piece. If you
like what you see give it a thumbs up and if you want to support me or see a
new video feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon next to the subscribe
button to get a notification whenever I upload a video. Before we get started
here's a list of tools and supplies I use to make the Sugar Bowl which will
also be down below in the show notes along with any other important
information I may talk about throughout the video. The tools and supplies listed
are only recommendations and items I use on a daily basis. I'm starting with the
clay already centered so if you're having any problems with centering your
clay check out the video up above. With that said enjoy the video and make sure
you stay to the end to see the finished piece. Let's get started. For this project
I have a pound in a quarter of Amaco Stoneware 38 white Clay. To open I'm
pressing down with both thumbs and bracing the rest of the clay with both
hands then placing my anchor hand on the outside and using my middle and ring
finger to open the rest of the way down.
Stop to check the thickness of the clay with the needle tool, you'll want a third
of an inch of clay on the bottom.
Don't forget to compress the bottom. Squeeze a good amount of water on your
clay and pull up the walls.
It's essential to leave extra clay on the rim to make the gallery
I'm getting rid of the extra slip with my metal scraper and sponge. This helps the clay to stay stronger longer. Cone in the top with both hands,
get rid of any water on the bottom and smooth out the sides with the metal
scraper.
Add a little water to the rim before making the gallery. To make the gallery
place your left thumb on the outside of the rim your index finger on the top
inside of the rim and your middle finger on the inside just below the rim. Use
your right index finger and middle finger to help brace the outside of the
rim.
I'm using the nail of my left index finger to define the gallery.
After making a double-edge foot with the ultimate edger, measure the gallery with
calipers where the lid is going to rest. A ruler will do if you have no calipers.
This must be done right away because the gallery will shrink as it dries and you
will not get an accurate fit with your lid. I wait until the bowl is no longer
tacky before removing it from the bat
I have four ounces of Amaco Stoneware 38 white Clay to make the lid.
Open up the center about a half an inch down.
Press the clay outward to form a little bowl.
Compress the bottom and my lip of the lid.
Measure with your calipers or ruler
Once you get the proper measurement set the lid aside. After it's leather hard
trim the extra clay away before removing it from the bat.
Flip it over to trim the lid.
After the lid is centered make little clay sausages and press them down being
careful not to press them into the lid this will miss shape the lid.
Hold the double edge trim tool steady with both hands so the tool doesn't jump
around and make an uneven trim.
Remove the desired amount of clay off the lid smooth out the lid then set
aside.
I'm using the handheld clay extruder with the medium size coil die and
squeezing out two coils. You can also roll out clay by hand.
Twist the two coils together and rub with water if you see any cracking.
Make the handle large enough to hold keeping shrinkage in mind. Cut off any
extra clay with your Potter's knife. It's always best to score and slip both the
the lid and the handle to ensure the clay bonds well together.
Smooth out the handle with the modeling tool and set the lid aside to dry.
Once the lid is bone-dry I'm under glazing one of the twisted coils with
speedball medium blue using the small detail brush.
If you're new to glazing check out my article on 27 Glazing Tips for Beginners.
I left a link for you in the description below for
you.
Then underglaze on the second coil with speedball medium blue. Make sure you mix
the underglaze well if it's too thick just add a few drops of water at a time
so the underglaze doesn't get too thin.
Let dry and into my Skutt Kiln it goes for a bisque firing at Cone 04.
After washing the Sugar Bowl carefully apply wax resist to the rim of the lid
to make sure the glaze easily wipes off the lid.
Then do the same for the bottom of the bowl. I'm decorating the bowl with
speedball medium green and medium blue under glaze using the hog bristle brush
because these bristles are stiffer and gives a wispy effect for this design.
Ideally, you want to brush the under glaze with one stroke two if you have to.
Dip the lid in Amaco Satin Clear Glaze.
Always mix the glaze well and pour it through a strainer to catch any clumps
or debris to help ensure the glaze bonds to the Clay.
I'm pouring Amaco Clear Glaze inside the Sugar Bowl and
placing upside down so the glaze doesn't pool on the bottom. Then apply a coat of
Clear Glaze on the outside with the mop brush.
After the first coat is dry apply one more coat on the outside only.
Wipe off any glaze on the bottom and rim of the lid, let dry and into my Skutt
Kiln I place both the bowl and the lid separately for the final firing at cone 5.
Here's the finished Sugar Bowl.
The gallery and the lid fit perfect together I like how the glaze turned ou.t
No crazing, very nice and I love the underglazes. Only one coat of underglaze.
I think it turned out pretty good. What do you think? Feel free to post any
questions or comments in the comment section below. Some of the best tips and
feedback come from you. Also in the comment section are more show notes and
pottery-making info. I hope you've learned a thing or two to make your own
Sugar Bowl. Check out my other videos from Pottery Crafters and don't forget
to Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell icon to get notified when a new video comes
out. I'll see you in the next video.