The Basics of Making Pottery

pottery

Pottery has been used for thousands of years to serve a variety of purposes. The beauty and durability of pottery have made it an important part of many cultures’ history and have led to economic growth in various times and places.

The first step in pottery-making is to prepare the clay body. This can be done either by vacuuming the clay with a pugmill or manually through a process called wedging. Once the clay has been de-aired and de-moisturized, it can be shaped in a number of ways. It is then ready for firing.

Firing is the transformation of raw clay into a ceramic material that has permanent properties. During the firing process, sintering occurs, which is when coarser particles in the clay become fused together to create a solid body of the desired shape. The higher the firing temperature, the harder the pottery becomes.

During the firing process, a potter may also choose to decorate their pottery. There are a number of different methods of decorating including painting, carving, and stamping. Once a potter has decorated their piece they will put it back in the kiln for a final firing to set the glaze.

During this last firing, the glaze will be permanently fused to the pottery. Pottery can be glazed in a wide range of colors and patterns, but speckled and dual glazes are popular options for promoting an organic look to home decor. Pottery can be used to house plants, herbs, and flowers. Adding greenery to a room increases indoor air quality while providing an appealing visual element. When choosing a pottery pot for your home, make sure it is the right size and shape to support your plant’s growth.