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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Size Matters: Understanding Clay Contraction in the Kiln

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

Ever wondered why your pottery shrinks in the kiln? There's some serious science going on in there! Get ready to don your lab coats and safety goggles, because we're about to delve into the fascinating world of clay contraction and uncover the chemical shenanigans that cause your pottery to slim down during firing.
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Tile and Error: Learning from Your Ceramic Experiments

Beginners Guide, How Tos, Informative

Let's face it, the ceramics world is full of surprises. One minute you're gazing lovingly at a perfectly glazed piece, the next you're staring in disbelief at a volcanic eruption in your kiln. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? Every crack, crawl, and unexpected color explosion is a chance to learn and grow. And the key to unlocking those ceramic secrets? Test tiles, baby!
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The Wheel Deal: Taking Your Pottery Passion to the Next Level

Beginners Guide, Informative

So, you've taken your first pottery class, and now you're officially hooked? Welcome to the club! The feeling of clay transforming between your fingers is truly addictive. But what happens when that class ends and you're left with a burning desire to keep creating?
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Diving Deep into Electric Kilns with Freddy Fredrickson

Beginners Guide, Informative, Kilns

Lets explore the ins and outs of electric kilns, drawing insights from Freddy Fredrickson, a kiln expert with 36 years of experience, as featured on the "For Flux Sake" podcast.
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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

Featured Article, Informative

Understanding how these tariffs work and, more importantly, how to strategically respond, is crucial for the resilience and future success of ceramic artists and businesses.
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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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