Kiln Fire Blog
Whether you are an aspiring potter, or a business-minded individual, our blog aims to provide insights, knowledge, and appreciation for art and entrepreneurship within pottery and ceramics. Let's see what we can discover at the intersection of clay, creativity, and commerce.
Demystifying Clay Slip: Uses, Benefits, and Techniques
If you've dabbled in ceramics, you've likely heard references to "slip" without understanding what it actually is. Slip refers to a mixture of clay and water with a smooth, pourable consistency similar to heavy cream. In its various forms, slip...
Clay dust: Should I be worried? How to minimize risk
The magic of transforming clay into exquisite pottery captivates both artisans and enthusiasts. But lurking behind this creative process is a potentially harmful hazard - clay dust. Prolonged exposure to this insidious dust can long-term affect potters' lungs. Hence, for...
Finding Clay in Nature: Locating, Gathering, and Processing Natural Clay
While manufactured ceramic clay offers convenience and consistency, collecting your own native natural clay can provide satisfying hands-on experience and a sense of creative place. By finding clay yourself, you gain a deeper appreciation for this incredible artistic material formed...
White Clay in Pottery: Understanding Its Properties and Uses
While red and brown clays capture more attention, white firing clay bodies provide potters with distinct advantages thanks to their specialized makeup. Here is an overview of white clay’s defining traits and how they lend it to certain uses:CompositionThe white...
Setting Up a Clay Recycling System in Your Pottery Studio
One expense all ceramic artists face is the constant need to replenish clay supply. A ton of still-usable clay gets wasted between scrapped pieces, trimmings, leftover mixed clay, and reconditioned clay from aging projects.Implementing a clay recycling system allows you...
A Guide to Pottery Software and Apps
A new wave of software and apps are available to assist potters in their creative journey. Whether you're a seasoned ceramist or just starting out, this article is your guide to some of the newest offerings designed to elevate your...
The Clay Drying Process and How to Prevent Cracking
The drying process must be carefully controlled as an essential step between molding clay and firing finished ceramic pieces. Air and kiln drying can introduce stresses like shrinkage that manifest as cracks, fractures, and deformation.However, with attentive air drying habits...
Coloring Clay: Techniques and Tips
Plain white clay can feel boring. Adding vibrant color makes finished pieces pop. From subtle earthy tones to shocking bright hues, there are many ways to introduce color into your clay work.This overview will explore popular techniques potters and ceramicists...
Managing Clay Waste and Disposal
An inevitable byproduct of ceramic art is excess clay going to waste. Trimmings, discarded pieces, water from reclaiming clay - it adds up quickly. To maintain an efficient, eco-friendly studio, you need to handle clay waste properly.What are some responsible...
Exploring the Various Uses and Properties of Ceramic Clay
From prehistoric pottery shards to space shuttle tiles, ceramic clay has been integral to human civilization for millennia. Clay’s abundance and extraordinary versatility as a raw material make it ideal for realizing artistic visions and essential practical items.But what qualities...