DIY Clay Kits & Firing at the Ceramics Studio.

To help keep you cheerful during the current restrictions we are offering firing of ceramic work to the public and our regulars alike.

Stewart’s triptych wall hanging - made at home : )

To keep things simple, we offer a package deal of clay, bisc firing then glaze firing including clear glaze for the price of £25 per kilo. We recommend you use underglazes to decorate your work then we can apply a clear glaze in between firings. This way you will only have to make two trips unless you would like us to post the clay or finished work out to you.

Step One

Choose from buff, terracotta or white clay.

Buff is strongest and fires pinky-beige. Good for all hand building and throwing.

Terracotta is lovely and red and medium strength. Good for everything if dried slowly.

White fires creamy white and is a little weaker for thinner pieces and joins and bends. It’s perfect for Christmas decorations and throwing.

Step Two

Choose some colour to decorate with. We can supply decorating slips alongside your clay, drop us a line if you are not familiar with the colours.

Or you can purchase underglazes to apply to the raw greenware pot which we recommend as the simplest and safest way (see links below).

Step Three

Email us to order through peoplespottery@gmail.com

Wait for us to confirm and then come and collect your parcel of clay from our garden collection shelves. It s lit at night so you can come anytime that suits you.

We have prepared 3 kg packs, you do not need to use all the 3kg, just return the scraps to us for recycling and we will weigh only the finished pieces and charge you accordingly.

Step Four

Have fun making at home. Check out our IGTV for help or visit our ‘Take-Away Pottery Advice’ sessions Tuesday & Thursday 3pm to 4pm.

Step Five

Drop your work back on to the collection shelves with your name clearly marked (don’t forget your scraps for recycling).

It s best to transport your wares leather hard so they are not too brittle and vulnerable. We will weigh them and send you payment details.

Then we dry them, fire them and apply clear glaze. Then we will email you to let you know they are ready : )

Super Gran, Shirley made this with her Grandson at home : )

A few notes:

Christmas decorations are very time consuming to glaze so we will provide you with a brush on clear glaze for you to do your own.

Coloured glaze. You may prefer to glaze your work with your own coloured glaze which must be ‘earthenware’ to fire in our general firing. ie. fire at 1040 degrees. Just let us know and you can collect and return.

Earthenware. We fire to 1160 for first firing (bisc) and 1040 for glaze firing making it earthenware. These firings are happening weekly so we can turn your pieces around relatively quickly.

Costs. People are often understandably surprised at the cost of firing, and it is the most expensive aspect of the ceramic process. To understand this, it is best to liken it to the expense of hiring a car; electricity, depreciation, maintenance and woman hours are all covered in the £25 per kilo charge.

Other temperatures. We do offer other temperatures such as stoneware. For this you will need to hire a kiln to yourself, get in touch for prices.

Links:

Scarva – earthenware glazes - https://www.scarva.com/en/Earthenware-Glazes--980C---1120C/c-288.aspx

Clayman – underglazes - https://www.claymansupplies.co.uk/Category/chrysanthos_ugs/160-

Once fire glazes for raw clay - https://www.claymansupplies.co.uk/Category/cafe_colours/163

Happy making! Gaye & Leyla x

DIY Pottery at Home