How I make my ceramics
All my ceramics are individually handmade by me in a tiny garage studio in Hertfordshire, UK.
I make small batches of around 30 pieces which, start to finish, take around 1 month. Each piece no matter how big or small, goes through the same 13 step process –
Throwing
- The clay is prepared - weighed out and "wedged" to remove any air bubbles.
- The initial shape of a piece is created by being "thrown" on the potters wheel.
- Drying time (1-3 days).
- When partially dry the shape is refined by being trimmed on the wheel and mugs have their handles made and attached.
- Drying time (2-10 days).
First firing
6. The first (bisque) firing – the kiln will reach 950°C which takes 13 hours.
7. After cooling for 24 hours, pieces are unloaded and wiped over with a damp cloth to remove clay dust and prepare for glazing.
8. I add my makers mark to each base using a custom stamp and black underglaze.
9. Wax is applied with a brush to the base of each piece to prevent glaze from absorbing there - this is so they don't fuse to the kiln shelf!
Glazing
10. Glazing time - each piece is dipped in or painted with glaze.
11. The bases are cleaned to ensure no glaze is on the base/wax.
12. The kiln is loaded for the final time, this time for the glaze firing which will reach 1250°C and takes around 8 1/2 hours.
13. Around 24 hours after the kiln has finished it's time to unload it. Each piece is sanded and finally finished!
It's a long process
When pieces are finished that's not the end of the process as they need to be photographed and uploaded to the website!
As you can see, completing even a small batch of ceramics is a lengthy and time-consuming process, with plenty of chances for things to go wrong. But it's always worth it, and despite the hard work, I’m excited to begin the next batch!
A sustainable business
I aim to keep the making and shipping process as eco friendly as possible. Here are some of the ways I adopt sustainability -
- Only firing the kiln when it is completely full.
- All used clay which doesn't make it into the kiln is reclaimed so it can be used again.
- Using recycled water for throwing, washing equipment, reclaiming clay and cleaning glaze.
- Using recyclable and compostable packaging.