Introduction

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Setting a Foundation for Success workshop series…a series designed to kickstart your pottery journey with confidence! Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to brush up on the basics, I’ll guide you every step of the way - in a low pressure, fun, welcoming vibe.

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First up, you’ll dive into The Clay Chronicles: My Journey in Clay, Influences and Ideas, and Curious Tools. I’ll share with you the story and images of my 50+ years in clay: from my teenage clay years to global pottery student and teacher. I’ll share the eclectic inspirations that impact my work and the ways I stay motivated… plus the quirky tools I can’t live without. It’s a great way to get to know me, your instructor, and maybe pick up a creative spark or two along the way!

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Next up is Preparing Clay, where I’ll walk you through the essential steps to get your clay ready for the wheel - the perfect start for setting you up for success. Then, on to Throwing Basics, a lively 4-part lesson where I’ll guide you through the making of a simple bowl and a cylinder-shaped cup. I’ll cover the whole process - from centering techniques and hand position to tool use, moving pots off the wheel, trimming, finishing, and lots of handle-making options. It’s hands-on, packed with tips and detailed instructions to make your time at the wheel feel natural and fun. This series is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a refresher on clay prep and wheel basics. So, gather your tools, grab your apron, and let’s get our hands wet and dirty! 

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Get to Know Me

• My Journey in Clay... the Story (72 min.)

Everyone has a story to tell about how they got into clay. And they're all different and they’re all interesting.

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So, here I share my story with you which begins when I was a 15-year-old high school student. Now more than 50 years later having traveled the world to learn and teach the craft of clay, the story continues.

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I hope you enjoy your journey as much as I have mine.

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Influences and Ideas

• Influences and Ideas (6:00 min.)

Where do we get our visions, our ideas of what we want to make in clay? For me there are lots of sources and in this info-lesson of where to look I'll share with you my main sources of influence. It's an eclectic mix of ‘Wow, look at that!’ which collectively leads me onward. There’s so much to see and record as influences and it's truly never ending if one looks outward. So, here's my outward look…

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Curious Tools

• Curious Tools (42 min.)

• BONUS: How-to Tool Videos

All potters need a few tools on hand when making pots and in this segment of the workshop I'll share with you some of my most useful tools. Some of them common and some of them are a bit odd. Curious? Let me show you…

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Preparing Clay

• Preparing Your Clay (17 min. )

• BONUS: More Helpful Clay Prep Ideas

Using well prepared clay can contribute greatly to your success at the wheel. Wedging versus kneading? They're different. Air pockets? They're not helpful.

 

Watch as I break down and simplify the how-to of good clay preparation… the basics of where it all begins.

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Throwing Basics

•  Introduction

In this 4-part lesson I'll demonstrate and describe in detail how to make 2 types of pots: the simple bowl and a cylinder-shaped cup. And each demo begins with centering options for you to try.

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Plus: hand and finger positions, water and tool use, moving pots from the wheel head, finishing and trimming steps, and lots of handle-making options… and much more. So, let's get started…

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• Part One - The Bowl (29 min. )

• Part Two – Throwing Cylinders: The Cup (13 min. )

• Part Three – Finishing (25 min. )

• Part Four – Handles (22 min. )

• BONUS: Photo Gallery​​

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Bonuses​

• Weights and Measures

• Glaze and Slip Recipes - Cone 6

• High Fire Reduction Glazes

• Wood Fire Slips and Glazes

• Magic Water Recipe

• Influential and Useful Books

• Resource Guide