We're almost to February. I haven't had time for the January challenge, but was inspired by a Reddit post to offer this for February. Hear me out! Many new potters post, "How do I make this?" And that's fine, but to me, one of the joys of pottery is figuring things out. So, here's my challenge to you, with time to plan in advance, 'cause it may be a hard one. Find a tutorial video on YouTube or wherever. Then figure out a different way to make the item. Post the link to the tutorial and "making" images from your altered method. Think outside the box! For instance, Tiffinie Helmer (Hobble Creek Pottery) posted a video of hand-building a canteen. I don't have a lot of space to handbuild (and frankly, I'm not so good at it!), so I thought, "How can I make that on the wheel?" I threw two wide, shallow bowls with straight sides and joined them. Then I added pieces for the strap to go through, and a neck for a stopper. BOOM! A wheel thrown canteen. Images for inspiration. This was thrown with Laguna Frost cone 6 porcelain, relief carved, decorated with Colors For Earth Color Concentrates, and glazed with Kitten's Clear or Hanson's 20x5 (don't remember which!). It's got an adjustable strap and I used a rubber band glued to the stopper so it's actually functional. The only thing I'm not thrilled with is the "chain" attaching the stopper to the canteen. I'm excited to see what y'all come up with. There's a hundred ways to make a form. Let's expand our horizons and have some fun!

I’ve tried something new on my YouTube channel. I just posted a long format video (79 minutes) of me glazing and telling stories. My intention was making a video that could be played in the background to keep someone “company” if they work alone in a studio like I do. It was fun to make but took longer to upload and edit. My iPad microphone had some glitches which I need to figure out. That notwithstanding, I would value your feedback on this video before I try another one. I put in lots of chapters if someone just wanted to hear stories. Anyway, thanks in advance to anyone who wants to give me constructive feedback. Studio Ambience: 79 minutes of Calm Glazing, Aviation Stories and Wild Buffalo in Pawhuska https://youtu.be/ErYuxzILqvM

Hello Pottery People! What a wonderful community. I am in Upstate New York, United States. I have always loved the pottery community and this forum that Suza built for us just proves why. I did some pottery as a kid but stopped when I went to college. I have either studied or worked in a “practical” technical field since, burying my artistic side. After hitting my mid-life unraveling, I took a pottery class in 2019 and have been hooked since. I joined my local Pottery Guild (Collar City Clay Guild) and have learned from that community as well. I’m thankful to be part of this network and looking forward to connecting. Happy potting!

Hi!

Working on more smalls and spending time with my friends! I’m looking forward to seeing the donkey glazed!