Differnt Uses For Pottery

If you are just beginning to collect pottery I will let you in on a little secret that avid collectors know all too well: pottery is infinitely useful and extremely versatile. This means that most pottery can function in more than one capacity. You do need to make sure that there aren't certain restrictions on the pieces you purchase though most dealers will let you know the necessary care instructions and precautions that should be taken when you make the purchase.

That being said most pottery is dishwasher and microwave safe (depending on the glazing method-Raku pottery is not), food safe (again this depends largely on the glazing method and any paints that may have been used), safe for use in the oven, and able to hold liquid. This means you have a lot of options with most pottery pieces that go well beyond the uses for which the specific piece may have been designed to carry out.

Storage. Vases are great for holding things. They are by no means limited to flowers. Small pottery pieces are great for holding perfumes, particularly those with stoppers, or oils, and countless other small treasures you have lying around. Larger pieces are great for storing large stores of food. And various medium sized pottery pieces make excellent canisters in the kitchen for storing all manner of items.

Display. Of course there are many pottery pieces that we want to showcase and display but did you realize that pottery could also be used to display other items you want to show off in the home. We have a pottery spoon rest that we decided to use in the bathroom as a soap dish. It's great for displaying the special hand soaps in the bathroom and adds a little splash of color to the bathroom counter top.

Cooking. Believe it or not, pottery can withstand fairly high temperatures with grace and style. This makes it an excellent choice for cooking in many households. We use pottery in the microwave and the oven, though never stove top for preparing and serving all kinds of dishes. If you are wary about using these beautiful pieces for cooking, they do make excellent choices for serving food.

Dining. Stoneware is a very popular style of casual dinnerware these days and with good reason. Not only is it a beautiful addition to any table but it is also quite versatile. You may also find mugs, plates, and bowls that are thrown or hand built for your dining pleasure. Regardless, most tables are greatly enhanced by the addition of pottery rather than many other choices on the market today.

As you can see there are many things that may be done with pottery today. Be careful that you do not establish molds for your pottery to conform to or you will miss out on much of the versatility that many find the primary incentive for investing in pottery for the home. Pottery is a beautiful addition to any home and should not be hidden away but used fully and regularly in order to enjoy the true value of the pieces and get your money's worth from the use of these pieces. The true value in pottery is in how much it enhances your life; it won't enhance your life very much if kept locked away in the kitchen cabinets.

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Raku Pottery

Handmade Raku Cross Magnet with Gemstone by Raku Potteryworks $10.50 Raku Potteryworks - unique raku creations that make great gifts. Raku generally refers to a type of low-firing process that was inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing. Western-style raku usually involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials....

Throwing American Style Raku Pottery: for the beginner $29.99 This video teaches the beginning student how to throw Raku and other types of pottery on the potter's wheel. Your host Robert Briggs demonstrates the techniques quickly and professionally with a sure-fire, accelerated approach! Robert Briggs has worked as a professional graphic and fine artist in the Southwest Missouri area for over 20 years. His attention to the natural surroundings has given him...

Beginning Handbuilding (DVD) $49.00 Graham Sheehan introduces beginning potters to basic hand-building techniques. After showing how to make simple pinch pots, he demonstrates coil and slab building methods using five different projects of increasing complexity. The video features close-ups that provide details about how clay should be prepared, how it can be joined to another piece and how glazes can be used to decorate forms. The ...

Variations on Raku (DVD) $48.00 In this DVD, Gordon Hutchens provides options to potters who have mastered basic raku processes. Working shots capture each stage of the process, including clay preparation, glaze mixing and application, firing and post-firing techniques. He demonstrates the use of slip resists, terra sigillata, saggars, found objects, fuming and a variety of glazes to create variations on traditional raku techniq...

Faux-Raku Bird Feeder Craft Kit (Makes 24) Create replicas of the raku pottery of ancient tradition. Kids can use these handy finished projects as either a bird feeder or a planter. Includes foam bowls, non-toxic decoupage, jute twine, assorted tissue strips, brushes and instructions.; ; Our Gee-Perz-brand products make planning easy.; All supplies are included everything your group needs for Right Out of the Box Fun! That means MORE brush...