Stage one
After wedging and weighing the right amount of clay each piece is made into a ball shape.
Stage two
When the clay has been centered on the wheel a dip is made in the middle of the spinning ball of clay then pulled outwards before the walls are formed by pulling the clay upwards. The shaping of the pot can then take place and once finished the pot is cut off the wheel with a wire.
Stage three
The pot is then left to dry for 24 hours before adding any handles, holes or ‘trimming’ the base. It is then left to thoroughly dry which can take up to 2 weeks.
Stage four
When dry the pot is fired in the kiln for the first time. This first firing is called a bisque firing and prepares the pot for glazing. The bisque firing reaches a temperature of approximately 1000 degrees C.
Stage five
Wax is applied to any parts to be left unglazed and then glazes are applied by either brushing, dipping or pouring.
Stage six
When the glazes are dry the pot can go back into the kiln for a glaze firing, reaching a temperature of 1250 degrees C and taking approximately 8 hours. The kiln then takes around 12 hours to cool down sufficiently to be opened.
