Informative

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About Informative

Expand your ceramic knowledge with Ceramic Materials Workshop’s informative blogs! From beginners just starting their journey to seasoned professionals seeking deeper insights, our blog covers a wide range of topics, exploring the science, art, and techniques behind ceramics. Discover new ideas, refine your skills, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the ceramic world. Explore our blog posts below and unlock a wealth of information to elevate your practice.

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From Plucked to Polished

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

Ever had that moment when you open your kiln, brimming with anticipation, only to find little chips or divots missing from the foot and your otherwise glorious glaze? Well, my friends, you've just encountered the curious case of "plucking"!

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Glaze Detectives: Cracking the Case of Studio Waste

Beginners Guide, How Tos, Informative

Ah, the public pottery studio: a haven of creativity, camaraderie, and… mystery glazes? Yep, those colorful concoctions lurking in communal buckets can be a source of both excitement and trepidation. And then there's the question of glaze waste – what to do with those drippy buckets and rinse water?

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Hammerly Ceramics Gets a Slip-tastic Solution! 🚀

Consulting, Featured Article, Informative

The team here at Ceramic Materials Workshop recently had the pleasure of partnering with the brilliant folks over at Hammerly Ceramics, and let's just say, sparks flew (the good, non-kiln-malfunction kind!).

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A Guide to Kiln Peeps (the Non-Marshmallow Kind)

Beginners Guide, Informative, Kilns

Kiln peepholes – those mysterious little portals into the fiery depths of your kiln – are more than just a way to sneak a peek at your pottery's progress. They're crucial for controlling the kiln's atmosphere and ensuring your masterpieces emerge in tip-top shape. But when should you use them, and how do you avoid turning your kiln into a ceramic popcorn popper? Let's shed some light on these fiery peepers!

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Navigating the Shifting Landscape: How Potters Can Respond to Tariffs

Slip It Real Good: Mastering the Art of Casting

Clay, Informative

Ever wished you could clone your ceramic creations? Well, with slip casting, you practically can!

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Mud Wrestling 101: Surviving Your First Pottery Encounter

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

So, you've signed up for your first pottery class? Get ready to get your hands dirty – literally! Pottery is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity, de-stress, and maybe even discover a hidden talent. But before you dive headfirst into a mound of clay, here's the lowdown on what to expect and how to make the most of your first pottery class.

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Chill Out, It’s Just Lead: A Sensible Look at Glaze Safety

Beginners Guide, Glazes, Informative, Myth Busters

Hey there, ceramic enthusiasts! Let’s tackle a topic that often causes confusion and concern: lead in ceramics. It’s time to clear the air and separate fact from fiction, so you can confidently create and enjoy your pottery!

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Cracking the Kiln | The Science of Phase Separation

Glazes, Informative

Ever wondered why some glazes create wild, streaky, swirling effects while others stay perfectly smooth and uniform? That mesmerizing glaze movement—where colors shift, streaks appear, and areas go from transparent to opaque—is called phase separation, and it's not magic... it’s chemistry!

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Ever gazed at a piece of pottery and wondered about the magic behind its glossy, vibrant surface? That's the power of ceramic glazes, and you might be surprised to learn how accessible creating your own can be. Forget the limitations of store-bought glazes; it's time to dive into the exciting realm of crafting custom finishes that reflect your unique artistic vision.

Glaze Mixing Demystified: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (and a Few Pro Tips Too!)

Beginners Guide, Glazes, Informative

Ever gazed at a piece of pottery and wondered about what gives it its glossy, vibrant surface? That's the power of ceramic glazes, and you might be surprised to learn how accessible creating your own can be. Forget the limitations of store-bought glazes; it's time to dive into the exciting realm of crafting custom finishes that reflect your unique artistic vision.

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Sodium Flashing: Unmasking the Ghostly Glaze Mystery

Clay, Glazes, Informative

Ever opened your kiln to find weird white marks marring your beautiful pottery, like some ghostly glaze has decided to haunt your creations? Don't worry, you're not alone! This eerie phenomenon is called sodium flashing, and it's more common than you might think.

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