When you hold a ceramic mug, you're experiencing the result of a beautiful, careful journey. Making handmade pottery isn’t a one-step process — it’s a dance between clay, fire, creativity, and time.
Here’s a peek behind the scenes at the stages every handmade ceramic piece goes through.
1. Preparing the Clay
First, we wedge the clay — a bit like kneading dough — to remove air bubbles and create a smooth, even consistency. Good clay prep makes a huge difference!
2. Forming the Shape
Depending on the design, we use techniques like:
- Throwing: Spinning clay on a wheel to form symmetrical shapes.
- Hand-building: Sculpting forms using coils, slabs, or pinching by hand.
This stage is full of intention — considering balance, function, and beauty.
3. Drying (to Leather-Hard Stage)
After shaping, the piece dries to what's called leather-hard — firm but still a bit flexible. This is the perfect time to trim, refine edges, carve details, or add handles.
4. Drying (to Bone Dry)
Next, the piece must become bone dry — no moisture left inside. Slow, even drying is crucial to prevent cracks. This phase requires patience!
5. Bisque Firing
The first firing, called bisque firing, hardens the piece into a porous but sturdy form. Now it's ready to absorb glaze.
6. Glazing
We carefully apply glazes by dipping, brushing, or pouring. Glazing is both science and magic — colours can transform dramatically in the kiln.
7. Glaze Firing
The final firing melts the glaze into a glassy coating and vitrifies the clay (makes it non-porous). Temperatures often reach over 2,000°F (1,100°C)!
When the kiln cools and we open the door, it's like Christmas morning: unveiling the final, finished piece.
8. Finishing Touches
We check each piece carefully for quality, smooth out rough spots if needed, and give every item a loving final inspection.
A Labor of Love
It's a slow, meaningful process — and we wouldn't have it any other way.