07/18/2026
Indulge me and please read how I make my pottery. It is at Local Focal Marketplace in Salisbury.
1. Cut clay slab , prep by using a rib (like a credit card) to smooth out the clay on both sides) Decide what i am making, if i am going to use texture or leave piece smooth, if using texture then apply then. Use template to cut out piece, put piece together by joining edges making sure everything is even. Openings are round. If making mug attach bottom and cut out handle you want to use. Cover entire piece with plastic and place in airtight container or greenhouse). Do this step for EACH piece you are making. Several hours of your day is spent in this step.
2. Dry to leather hard state. Check for this daily while making decisions on what items to make next. Start prepping clay for those pieces.
Once leather hard, attach handle i made. Add carvings if i desire.
3.Underglaze to prepare my “canvas” for handpainted art.
4. Dry until absolutely bone dry. (Drying time can depend on weather).
5. Bisque kiln cycle. Electric kiln rising to around 1950F degrees then cool down. Approximately 24 hours start to finish. Rinse to remove any dust and lightly sand rough edges if needed. Determine cost of Bisque fire.
6. Apply overglaze. Depending on how many pieces 5-6 hours from start to finish.
7. Back to kiln. Approximately 2300 degrees. 19-24 hours start to finish. Determine cost of Glaze Fire.
8. Unload kiln. Sand mug bottoms.
10. Pray that they are all show quality.
Pricing for supplies..
Clay 30.00-45.00 per 50 lbs
Glaze 25.00 per pint
Electricity used varies but around 15.00 per firing.
This does not include my time spent doing what I love. I will say heating pad comes in handy after hours of working in studio.
So for me, during this particularly unusual time I wonder why I still have a booth.
Yes it is summer not too far from school opening. Life is cyclical and right now on the down swing. It makes me sad that some of my best pieces have no home just sitting on shelves.
This is the first time for me. I honestly don’t know what else to do. There is always Christmas to look forward to!!
And don’t forget this too!!
What the customer gets is a non-toxic, food safe (do we know that about mugs made in China?) piece of functional art that won’t scorch your hand when you take it out of the microwave. AND you can put it in a dishwasher.
