Let's Talk....Exploring Pottery Texture

You know you can't leave that clay blank! Example Videos Below!

Surface decorations. I know you know. That's the deep well where we both get lost and inspired into an oblivion. To my minimalist friends, yes, there is a time and place to leave well enough alone (sigh) and I promise to let you know when I find it.

Sooooo...what's a texture-aholic potter to do? GO CRAZY and if you haven't tried it yet, give it a go and have fun exploring pottery texture! You can carve it, stamp it, roll it, slap it, throw it, alter it, coil it and unapologetically leave the ridges. Grab of your 100 rolling pins and get to work. Whatever you do, try as many techniques as you can. Best part is you don't have to burn a perfectly good pot. My suggestion: KEEP IT SIMPLE POTTER. And try more than once! I think it takes at least 3 attempts before you can know for sure if you like something or not. I'll leave a bunch of texture ideas and videos linked below for you.

Here's an easy way to explore texture.

1. Roll out a slab to your working thickness. 1/4" is a standard starting point.

2. Cut your slab into rectangles (our Petite sized Nesting Mugs or Pony Jigs rock for this kind of project).

3. Try a different surface decoration technique on each slab. Remember to keep your slabs covered so you don't feel a time rush.

4. Make these test pieces a "Collection" of sorts. You can marry different surface decoration techniques by using the same glaze across the board. Think bridesmaid dresses, they don't always match in style, but if they match in color they somehow come together cohesively!

5. Take notes...ahem...or pictures if you're anything like me. Note your favorites and anyways you can improve on those techniques.

6. Tag me in your test pieces!! You know I love to see what you're all working on! @alexandriapotterytools

Here are some surface decorating techniques to try!

• Sgrafitto (see video here)

• Fluting (see video here)

• Water Etching (see video here)

• Carving Lines (see video here)

• Carving Organic Shapes (hint, just let the tool move across the clay)

• Stencils (check out our selection here and video here)

• Stamping (see video here)

• Continuous Patterns (Rolling Pins/Texture Rollers)

• Slip Trailing

• Stippling

• Pinching or Poking

• Impressing Objects (rocks, buttons, seashells, combs, toothbrush, rope, etc.)

• Sponging (with water or slip)

So many fun ideas! Don't forget to save this post so you can reference it when needed! I'd love to hear about any additional ways you texture your clay, if you care to share. Happy Making y'all!

Bonus: Nesting Mug (Photo in article) Free Tutorial HERE!

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