I am bringing in the sides by placing the clay coils on the  inside of the piece.I am aiming for a domed top which will be strong and comfortable to sit upon, will not hold water, and will provide a perfect surface for the detail.

This piece is coming on nicely, I love its shape so far. this image shows me joining the top coil to the body. The texture is made when I pull the top clay down joining it onto the base.

I pinch out a fist full of clay, Then I begin coiling, Adding layers on top of the ones beneath, joining it together with my thumbs.

It has been a very busy day in the garden today, but I managed to wedge the air out of about a third of the clay. It is now ready to use, so I had better get on with it!

I could have tried to mend it, but the likelihood of it re-cracking in the kiln is very high as its integrity is now severely compromised and I still have weeks of work left to complete it. I would prefer to make one that I know is strong (and perfect). It cracked where I brought […]

Using a steel kidney (placed on top) I scrape the raised clay into the undulations, compressing the surface as I smooth it.I’m generally on my knees doing this, feeling my way round the curves and creating a perfect smooth surface. The clay is lovely at this stage, It shines as I compress the surface.

Today I started work early so that I could get a lot done before the garden is filled with visitors. It is lovely being in the workshop this early, the birds are singing and the light is lovely. Now that the piece is built, i have a lot to do to create the surface and […]