Entries by Paul Thornton

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Title: Crafting Beauty with Purpose: The Allure of Functional Sculptures in Pottery

Functional sculptures in pottery stand as a testament to human ingenuity, creativity, and the unbreakable bond between art and daily life. As we integrate these exquisite pieces into our routines, we embrace the extraordinary within the ordinary. These functional sculptures blur the lines between aesthetics and practicality, enriching our lives with beauty, purpose, and the magic of artistic expression in every use.

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Exploring Elegance: The Allure of Ceramic Jewelry

In the realm of artistic expression, ceramics have long held a prominent place, transforming raw clay into magnificent works of art. Beyond functional pottery and sculptural creations, ceramic artists have embraced a new avenue of creativity: ceramic jewelry. The fusion of delicate craftsmanship, intricate designs, and the allure of ceramics has given rise to a captivating genre that seamlessly marries art with adornment.

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Handle It with Style: Unveiling the Art and Science of Handles!

The shape of handles in pottery holds significant importance as it greatly affects the functionality, aesthetics, and comfort of a pottery piece. Handles serve as not only a practical means of gripping and lifting pottery objects but also contribute to their overall design and visual appeal. Shaping handles requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that they are functional, visually appealing, and comfortable to use

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The Great Mug Mystery. Understanding Why My Awesome Mug Leaks

If you’re experiencing the disappointment of a leaking pottery mug, you’re not alone. It can be perplexing to discover why a well-crafted piece of pottery is failing to contain your favorite beverage. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of pottery to uncover some common factors that can cause pottery mugs to leak. From craftsmanship to design, glazing to firing, we’ll explore the potential reasons behind this issue, providing insight into the possible causes and offering guidance on how to address the problem. So, let’s embark on a journey of pottery exploration to understand why your cherished mug may be dribbling, and how you can find a solution to keep your sips spill-free.

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Mug Magic: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Clay for Mugs and Cups

If you’re someone who enjoys their daily coffee or tea, you understand the significance of a perfect mug in enhancing your beverage experience. When it comes to crafting mugs, selecting the right type of clay is essential to ensure that your mugs are not only functional, but also durable and visually appealing. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of clay and explore the best types of clay for creating mugs, as well as the factors to consider when choosing clay for your mug-making projects

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Creating a Mold for Slip: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a ceramic artist or potter looking to explore slip-casting, having the skill to create your own molds can be incredibly valuable. Slip-casting is a technique that involves pouring liquid clay, also known as slip, into a mold, allowing it to set, and then demolding to reveal a ceramic piece with consistent shape and details. In this comprehensive blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your own slip-casting mold, empowering you to expand your ceramic artistry.

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Unfired Canvas: When to Apply Color and Embellishment in Pottery?

“Enhancing Pottery with Artistic Flair: Choosing When to Add Surface Decoration. Surface decoration is a thrilling and creative part of pottery making, allowing artists to infuse their pieces with unique visual appeal. But the question of whether to decorate before or after bisque firing often arises. In this informative blog post, we explore the pros and cons of each approach, providing insights to help you decide when to add embellishments to your pottery projects.”

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Recycle, Reclaim, and Create: Repurposing Old Clay in Pottery

As a skilled potter, you may encounter situations where you have surplus clay scraps, dried clay, or pottery pieces that didn’t turn out as planned. The great news is that clay is a flexible and recyclable medium, and there are numerous ways to repurpose clay in your pottery endeavors. In this blog post, we will delve into different techniques for effectively and sustainably reusing clay in your pottery practice. Join us as we explore creative methods to make the most out of your leftover clay and minimize waste while creating beautiful pottery.

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Some Interesting facts about pottery

Pottery has a rich and diverse history, with evidence of its existence found in archaeological sites all over the world. It has played a crucial role in human civilization, serving not only as functional vessels but also as artistic expressions, religious artifacts, and cultural symbols. From ancient civilizations to modern contemporary ceramics, pottery continues to captivate us with its versatility, durability, and artistic possibilities, making it a timeless craft that has stood the test of time.

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Forming Beauty: A Pottery Timeline from Start to Finish

Pottery, the art of creating ceramics from clay, is a multi-step process that requires time and skill. Curious about how long it takes to complete a pottery project from start to finish? In this blog, we’ll provide a rough timeline for each stage of pottery making, giving you an idea of the time commitment involved in crafting beautiful pottery pieces. Let’s dive into the world of clay and kilns, and explore the timeline of pottery creation!

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