Get ready to make a mortar and pestle.
Hi, Marie here. Welcome to Pottery Crafters you found
video number 24 in our beginner pottery wheel project series. Today you'll learn
how to throw decorate and glaze a Mortar and Pestle, and yes you'll see the
finished piece. If you like what you see please like the video and if you want to
support me or see new videos feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon next
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Before we get started here's a list of tools and supplies I use to make the
Mortar and Pestle 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'll be 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'm starting with 12
ounces of Amoco stoneware 38 white clay.
Press down with both thumbs to start opening your clay.
Then place your anchor hand on the side of the clay and use your fingers to
continue opening.
Stop to check the thickness of the bottom with your needle tool. A third of
an inch is good. Pull the walls straight up before forming the bowl. You want to
apply even pressure with your fingers as you're pulling up the clay. Don't forget
to compress the bottom and rim of the bowl.
To curve the bowl gently push outward on the inside with your left-hand while
supporting outside with your right.
Smooth out the outside of the mortar with the red rib and compress the rim.
Remove any water from the bottom with your sponge. I'm using a small chammy to
smooth out the rim.
Then making a foot with the Ultimate Edger. I have another 12-ounce piece of
clay centered to make the pestle.
Throwing on a small hump is the best way to make the pestle.
Cone up the clay a little at a time. If you go too fast or squeeze too hard you
can lose part of the Pestle.
I applied too much pressure to the top area so I'll squeeze off the top.
Keep applying slow and steady pressure until you get the desired shape.
Make sure you compress the top of the Pestle.
Smooth it out with the soft red rib and set aside.
Once your Pestle is no longer tacky you can remove it from the little hump with
the wire tool and round off the bottom of it.
You don't want to round it off too much because you want the Pestle to stand on
its own in the kiln. Let dry then into my Skutt Kiln they go for a bisque fire at Cone 04.
Wiping with the damp sponge is important to ensure the glaze will bond
nicely. Apply a little wax resist to easily get any glaze off the bottom of
the Pestle and Mortar.
Pour the Amaco Obsidian Glaze on the inside of the bowl and twist as you pour
the Glaze out.
Place the bowl upside down and apply a coat of Obsidian on the outside with the
small hake brush.
After the first coat dries apply a second coat of Obsidian on the outside
only.
Always mix your Glaze well before applying and pour it through a strainer to
catch any clumps or debris that may be lurking in the Glaze.
Dip the Pestle and Amaco Obsidian and set it aside, then let it dry.
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.
After the Obsidian dries Pour Amoco Indigo Float inside the bowl and brush a
coat on the outside with a small Hake brush.
Dip the Pestle in Amaco Float also.
Brush one more coat of Amaco Indigo Float on the outside of the bowl.
Let dry and dip the rim of the Mortar in Amaco Seaweed and the Pestle halfway
down. Once they dry give them both another dip in Seaweed. After they dry
dip them both in Amaco Oatmeal and let dry.
Dip them again in Oatmeal.
Once dry dip them in Oatmeal for a third and final time.
Let the Glaze dry and make sure the bottom is Glaze free before they go
back into my Skutt Kiln for a final firing at Cone 5.
Here's the finished Mortar and Pestle.
The glaze flowed right to the end. This is a cool Glaze recipe. I think it turned
out pretty good. What do you think? Feel free to post any questions comments or
even ideas for future videos 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 Mortar and Pestle. You can check out my other videos from Pottery
Crafters here and don't forget to give a thumbs up subscribe and hit the bell an
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video.