Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Oxford Clay
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 131. An Incredible Renewable Pottery Material | 18 Oct 2026 | 00:12:55 | |
Whilst most pottery materials are non-renewable there is one special ingredient that can be turned into pottery glazes with incredibly beautiful results - the ash from fallen leaves! Join me for this episode where I talk about how ash made from fallen leaves is a truly renewable pottery ingredient. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 130. A way to save a HUGE amount of Energy in Pottery | 04 Oct 2026 | 00:08:06 | |
Potters often need to dry their work quickly leading to the use of heat-guns for paint stripping and hairdryers! But what if there was a way to dry pottery quickly using minimal energy consumption. Join me for this episode of the podcast where I talk about a very easy way to dry pottery using a desk fan - saving HUGE amounts of energy. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 129. Can You Recycle a Pottery Glaze? | 20 Sep 2026 | 00:10:29 | |
Yes you can recycle a pottery glaze - before its fired! Join me for this episode of the podcast where I talk about two ways to recycle pottery glaze removed from the base of bisque-ware pots. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 128. How to Raw Glaze in Pottery | 06 Sep 2026 | 00:24:52 | |
Raw glazing is where a pot is glazed at the leather-hard or greenware stage before being fired straight up to glazing temperatures! Join me for this episode where I talk you through how I raw glaze pottery. You can watch a series about how to make and glaze a raw-glazed mug here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 127. What is Cornish Stone in Pottery and What Can You Use Instead? | 23 Aug 2026 | 00:12:17 | |
Join me for this episode of the podcast, where I talk about what Cornish stone is, what Cornish stone is used for in pottery, and some alternatives if you can't find Cornish stone from pottery suppliers near you. *Always use an FFP3 Face Mask when making Pottery Glazes to protect your lungs from the silica dust in pottery glaze-making materials. The glaze recipes used in this episode are: Recipe 1 40 parts - Soda Feldspar 40 parts - Sieved Hardwood Ash 20 parts - Quartz Recipe 2 40 parts - FFF Feldspar 40 parts - Sieved Hardwood Ash 20 parts - Quartz Recipe 3 (not good!) 40 parts - Sieved Hardwood Ash 60 parts - Quartz Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 126. 5 Reasons Clay May Not Be Centring on the Potter's Wheel | 09 Aug 2026 | 00:09:25 | |
It can be very frustrating when you're making a pot on the potter's wheel, and the clay is not centring! Join me for this episode of the podcast, where I talk about five common reasons clay may not be centring properly on the potter’s wheel and what to do about it. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 125. What is a Pottery Maker's Mark and How to Do One | 26 Jul 2026 | 00:12:12 | |
A maker’s mark in pottery tells everyone (including yourself!) that you made that beautiful pot! There are several different ways of creating maker’s marks on your pottery. Join me for this episode where I talk you through the different options. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 124. How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Ash Glazing in Pottery | 12 Jul 2026 | 00:17:04 | |
Ash glazing can have a negative environmental impact due to the particulates created when plants are burned. However, there are ways to reduce the environmental impact of Ash glazing in pottery. Join me for this episode, where I talk you through some things I think about when creating ash for ash glazing to reduce its environmental impact. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 123. How to Pick Your Clay When Making Pottery | 28 Jun 2026 | 00:14:26 | |
There are so many different types of clay out there. How do you know which one to use for your pottery? Join me for this episode, where I talk you through some different things to think about when picking your clay to make your beautiful pottery! Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 122. How to Pack a Pottery Kiln | 14 Jun 2026 | 00:17:04 | |
Packing a pottery kiln may seem like a tricky task, however, it's really very simple! Join me for this episode where I talk you through how I pack my electric kiln for a bisque and a glaze stoneware firing. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 121. How to Make a Pottery Glaze from Tomato Stalks | 31 May 2026 | 00:02:38 | |
There are many things that are normally thrown away that can actually be made into a pottery glaze! In this episode, I tell you about a stoneware pottery glaze I’ve made by collecting tomato stalks from vine tomatoes bought at the supermarket over a period of six months. Of course, you could use tomato stalks you’ve grown yourself, too! Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 120. Do you Need to Wash Ash for Pottery Glazing | 17 May 2026 | 00:12:52 | |
Some Potters wash or rinse ash before making ash glazes in pottery; however, do you really need to do this?! Join me in this episode some key points regarding the debate in pottery as to whether to wash ash or not for pottery glazing. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 119. A Total Beginner's Guide to Making a Pottery Glaze | 03 May 2026 | 00:23:29 | |
If you’ve ever wondered how pottery glazes are made, this episode is for you! In this episode of the podcast, I talk you through how to make a pottery glaze from start to finish, from where to find a recipe, how to get the ingredients to weighing them out, mixing them together and finally sieving and storing the glaze. The free glaze-making guide mentioned in this episode is here.
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 118. 8 Top Tips for Making Pots on the Potter's Wheel | 19 Apr 2026 | 00:15:34 | |
In this episode, I tell you about eight of the most important things I’ve learned from years of making pots on the pottery wheel. Take what resonates in this episode and leave what doesn’t. ✨Do it your way that feels right for your body. ✨Wedge or knead your clay really well before making anything - this will help to centre the clay. ✨Anchor your arms on the wheel basin as you need a strong stance to be able to control the clay. ✨Water, water, water, water! ✨Clean the pottery wheel after centring the clay before you start shaping your pot. ✨Go at the right speed for the stage you’re making - fast for centring and slow for shaping your pot. When you start bringing the clay up go at the speed the clay wants to go at (usually slowly!). ✨Try throwing two separate shapes to create pots that would be difficult to make otherwise, such as vases with long necks and wide bases. The pieces can be joined at the leather-hard stage on the potters' wheel with slip. ✨Leave lots of time for tidying up the pottery wheel to make this part of the process as enjoyable as possible! Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 117. 3 Ways To Use Pottery Classes | 05 Apr 2026 | 00:13:23 | |
Pottery classes are wonderful and can be used in different ways according to what you want to achieve! Join me for this episode of the podcast, where I talk about three ways to use pottery classes. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 116. A Total Beginner's Guide to Making an Ash Glaze in Pottery | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:25:17 | |
Have you ever wondered how a pottery glaze is made from plant ashes?! Join me for this episode of the podcast where I talk to you about how pottery glazes are made from plant ashes - from start to finish! Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 115. Where to Get Ash for Ash Glazing in Pottery | 15 Mar 2026 | 00:15:05 | |
Ash glazes in pottery have been used for thousands of years and can create beautiful effects. Join me for this episode of the podcast, where I talk about some places to find Ash for Ash glazing in pottery. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 114. How to Make Your Kiln Firings More Efficient in Pottery | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:16:36 | |
Firing an electric pottery kiln is one of the most energy-intensive parts of making ceramics. But there are ways to make Kiln firings more efficient. Join me for this episode of the podcast, where I tell you about some things I think about when firing a pottery kiln to maximise its efficiency. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 113. How to find Vegan-Friendly Glazing Brushes in Pottery | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:02:43 | |
It can be difficult to find large brushes for pottery glazing that are vegan. Synthetic makeup brushes provide a fantastic alternative! Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 112. How to Cut Clay When Making Pottery | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:15:53 | |
Join me for this episode where I talk to you about some great ways of cutting clay! Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 111. 5 Mindset Shifts to Help You Learn to Make Pottery on the Potter’s Wheel | 18 Jan 2026 | 00:00:17 | |
Learning how to make pottery on the potters wheel can be quite a frustrating process! I’m still learning all the time, and these mindset shifts have really helped me: ⭐ There's no ‘right’ way - your way is the right way! Trust your body to make pottery the way that feels good to you. ⭐Making pottery is a creative process. You don't have to make pottery ‘perfectly’. There are opportunities to continue to craft your pot at the turning/trimming stage. ⭐The learning journey of making pottery on the potter’s wheel is not linear, it's normal to feel like sometimes your skills are ‘going backwards’ - but this is not the case! ⭐Don’t compare your skills to someone else’s ⭐Keep going!! - Don't let frustration get you down, one day, you will be able to make exactly what you want. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 110. A Great Way of Holding Slip Casting Moulds Together | 04 Jan 2026 | 00:02:25 | |
In this mini-episode, we’ll be talking about a great way to hold small slip casting moulds together…with a jersey hairband! Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) | |||
| 109. How to Fire an Electric Pottery Kiln | 09 Nov 2025 | 00:18:43 | |
Join me for the final episode in the making a raw-glazed mug on the potter’s wheel series! In this episode we’ll be talking about how to fire an electric pottery kiln. We’ll discuss the stoneware glaze kiln firing schedule, including ramp speed and soak time at the maximum temperature of 1260 °C. I talk about the duration of a stoneware glaze firing and describe the various stages of the kiln firing process. At the end of the episode, we’ll make a well-earned cup of tea in our finished mug!! Thank you so much for joining me for this series, it's been so much fun creating it and sharing it with you 💖 All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 108. How to Load an Electric Pottery Kiln | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:11:06 | |
We’ve glazed our mug and now it's ready to fire! In this episode, I show you how to load or ‘pack’ an electric pottery kiln, including our mug, of course. I’ll talk you through the kinds of things I think about when loading a kiln for a glaze firing. Such as checking the base of each pot for glaze residue, where to place each item and how to use kiln props and kiln shelves. All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 107. How to Raw Glaze Pottery | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:23:53 | |
Following on from last week's episode of the podcast, where we made a stoneware glaze suitable for raw glazing, join me for this episode, where I apply the glaze to the mug! Raw glazing is similar to glazing bisqueware pottery, but greater care needs to be taken not to over-wet the greenware, or it will disintegrate your beautiful pot! I talk you through how I glaze my bone-dry mug - (mostly carefully and slowly!) All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 106. How to Make a Pottery Glaze for Raw Glazing | 19 Oct 2025 | 00:22:37 | |
Join me for an exciting episode on the podcast this week, where I talk you through making a stoneware pottery glaze from start to finish! If you’ve ever wondered how to make a pottery glaze suitable for raw glazing, this episode is for you! The glaze in this episode can be applied directly to greenware pottery and fired straight up to stoneware temperatures - a pottery technique known as ‘raw glazing’. This glaze can also be used as a regular stoneware pottery glaze and applied to bisqueware pottery before firing to stoneware glaze temperatures (1260oc). Full details of the stoneware pottery glaze recipe made in this episode and the electric kiln firing schedule required to fire it can be found in this free guide. All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 105. How to Create a Flat Base and Maker's Mark in Pottery | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:11:06 | |
In this episode, I tell you about an easy way to create a perfectly flat base (or rim!) for your pottery using just a tea towel, a flat surface and some water. We also talk about maker’s marks in pottery and the importance of these in claiming your beautiful pottery and your creativity! All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 104. How to Attach a Mug Handle in Pottery | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:20:17 | |
Attaching a handle is a critical step in making a mug because if the handle cracks off when drying, it's very challenging (some might say impossible!) to re-attach. Join me for this episode, where I attach the handle we made in episode 102 to the mug. I'll talk you through just how to attach a mug handle without the dreaded cracking! All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 103. How to Turn or Trim the Base of a Pot | 28 Sep 2025 | 00:25:04 | |
Turning (also known as trimming) the base of a pot involves turning the pot upside down on the pottery wheel and carving a foot with a turning tool (or tools!). Turning / trimming is a great way to create a beautiful finish to the base of a pot. Join me for this episode where I turn the base of the mug and talk you through exactly how I’m doing it! All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 102. How to Pull a Handle in Pottery | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:14:35 | |
If you’ve ever wondered how to ‘pull’ a handle in pottery, this episode is for you! Welcome to the third episode of the How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel series, where we’ll be talking about how to ‘pull’ handles. I talk through the things I think about when pulling handles, and we’ll pull two handles live on this episode. ✨ The importance of wedging (also known as kneading) the clay really well before pulling a handle. ✨ How much clay to use for pulling a handle (not too much). ✨ The importance of using lots (& lots) of water when pulling handles. ✨ The importance of making a few handles, even if you only need one, in case one goes wrong. All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 101. How to Make a Mug on the Potter's Wheel | 14 Sep 2025 | 00:33:02 | |
Welcome to the second episode of the How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel series! In this episode, we’ll actually be making our mug on the Potter’s wheel! I talk you through the different stages of making a pot on the potter’s wheel and the different speeds the wheel needs to go at for each stage. We’ll also cover the importance of using water and anchoring your arms when making pottery on the potter’s wheel. The stages of making a pot on the potter’s wheel: ✨ Fixing the clay on the potters wheel (maximum wheel speed). ✨ Centreing the clay (maximum wheel speed). ✨ Opening the clay out to start to make the pot (medium wheel speed). ✨ Bringing the pot up to make a cylinder, making sure the walls of the pot are an even thickness all the way up (slow wheel speed). ✨ Shaping the pot (slow wheel speed). ✨ Finishing the rim of the pot to make it nicely shaped and smoothed (very slow wheel speed). ✨ Cutting the pot off the potter's wheel (wheel is still). ✨ Cleaning the wheel after use to prevent clay dust. All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 100. How to Prepare to Make a Pot on the Potter's Wheel | 07 Sep 2025 | 00:16:05 | |
Welcome to the first episode of the How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel series! In this episode, I’ll talk you through the things I think about to prepare to make a pot on the electric potter’s wheel, such as: ✨The size of pot to make. ✨The type of clay to use. ✨The importance of wedging (also known as kneading) the clay before making anything on the potter’s wheel. ✨How much clay to use to make the pot. ✨Shaping the clay into a ball before starting to make the pot. ✨Having a bucket of water and a tea towel handy to clean your hands when you need to. All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 99. Introducing How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel | 31 Aug 2025 | 00:06:44 | |
To celebrate 100 episodes of the Oxford Clay Pottery Podcast, I’ve created a special series on making a raw-glazed mug, hand-thrown on the potter’s wheel! Raw glazing is where a pot is fired in a glaze firing without being bisque-fired first. Join me for 10 episodes in this series covering each part of the raw-glazed mug-making process: ✨ 1. How to Prepare to Make a Pot on the Potter's Wheel (Podcast episode 100). ✨ 2. How to Make a Mug on the Potter's Wheel (Podcast episode 101). ✨ 3. How to Pull a Handle in Pottery (Podcast episode 102). ✨ 4. How to Turn or Trim the Base of a Pot (Podcast episode 103). ✨ 5. How to Attach a Mug Handle in Pottery (Podcast episode 104). ✨ 6. How to Create a Flat Base and Maker's Mark in Pottery (Podcast episode 105). ✨ 7. How to Make a Pottery Glaze for Raw Glazing (Podcast episode 106). ✨ 8. How to Raw Glaze Pottery (Podcast episode 107). ✨ 9. How to Load an Electric Pottery Kiln (Podcast episode 108). ✨ 10. How to Fire an Electric Kiln (Podcast episode 109). All these episodes can be viewed as videos in the ‘How to Make a Raw-Glazed Mug on the Potter’s Wheel’ YouTube playlist here. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 98. How to Write Words and Letters in Pottery | 24 Aug 2025 | 00:17:27 | |
You might want to write on your pottery as part of the design, to create your maker's mark or to write a dedication to someone who will receive your pot as a gift. However, I’ve always found writing letters and words in pottery really tricky! In this episode, I tell you about 6 ways I’ve tried to write letters and words in pottery with varying success! ✔️Etching handwriting into clay at the leather hard stage using a pen or pencil. ✔️ Painting lettering with glaze or oxides. ✔️ Creating 3D letter sprigs in clay with silicone sugar crafting moulds. ✔️ Slip trailing lettering, bisque firing and glazing with a transparent glaze. ✔️ Pressing lettering into leather-hard clay using metal letter stamps. ✔️ Getting a bespoke lettering stamp made from 3D printed plastic. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 97. What is Rutile in Pottery and What are the Alternatives | 10 Aug 2025 | 00:19:21 | |
Rutile is a form of Titanium ore with Iron deposits and is used in pottery to create brown, orange and yellow colours in pottery glazes. Rutile is also used to create beautiful speckled effects in glazes. However, there are some issues with the global Rutile mining industry, such as high energy consumption and the displacement of people from land, in order to mine Rutile. If you didn’t want to use Rutile in your pottery, there are alternatives to using Rutile in glazes! Plant ashes (particularly ash from fallen leaves), for example, often create rutile-looking pottery glazes. Here are 4 of my favourite eco-conscious Rutile-like pottery glaze recipes. All the recipes in this episode are from the book: eBook Eco-conscious Pottery Colour — Oxford Clay Handmade Ceramics ✨Recipe 6 from ‘Eco-Conscious Pottery Colour’ 40 parts - Cornish Stone 40 parts - Indian bean tree leaf ash (from naturally fallen leaves in the Autumn) 20 parts - Quartz rock ✨Recipe 63 from ‘Eco-Conscious Pottery Colour’ 40 parts - Cornish Stone 40 parts - Rhubarb leaf ash (naturally died back in the Autumn) 20 parts - Quartz rock ✨Recipe 64 from ‘Eco-Conscious Pottery Colour’ 40 parts - Cornish Stone 40 parts - Rose bush leaf ash (from naturally fallen leaves in the Autumn) 20 parts - Quartz rock +1% - Hymod Ball Clay +1% - Red Clay +0.2% - Verdigris ✨Recipe 78 from ‘Eco-Conscious Pottery Colour’ 40 parts - Cornish Stone 40 parts - Fig tree leaf ash (from naturally fallen leaves in the Autumn) 20 parts - Quartz rock + 3% - Verdigris The journal articles referred to in this episode are: Farjana, S. H. et al. (2018) Towards sustainable TiO2 production: An investigation of environmental impacts of ilmenite and rutile processing routes in Australia. Journal of cleaner production, 2018-09, Vol.196, p.1016-1025. Sigismond A. Wilson (2019) Mining-induced displacement and resettlement: The case of rutile mining communities in Sierra Leone. Journal of sustainable mining, 2019-05, Vol.18 (2), p.67-76. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 96. 5 Surprising Sources of Inspiration for Pottery | 27 Jul 2025 | 00:20:29 | |
Being inspired in pottery can happen anywhere, at any time! In this episode, I talk about 5 surprising sources of inspiration for making pottery that I’ve experienced as a Potter: 💡 - Archaeology books - depicting the shapes and surface decoration of ancient pottery. 💡 - Books for collectors of pottery - (or glass!) about a specific pottery industry. 💡 - Food packaging - which often has beautifully designed and functional shapes. 💡 - Cookware - such as casserole dishes, saucepans and enamel pie dishes. 💡 - Charity shops - often have beautiful pieces of pottery from many different eras that can be picked up cheaply for inspiration. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube ———————————————- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 95. How to Make Holes in Clay | 13 Jul 2025 | 00:12:18 | |
Making neat holes in pottery can be really tricky! In this episode, I talk about the importance of making holes in your pottery at the leather hard stage and tell you about my favourite way of making neat holes in pottery - with a drill bit! You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 94. Simple Ways to Fix Imperfections in Fired Pottery | 29 Jun 2025 | 00:22:06 | |
Imperfections are a natural part of pottery, and many of these only manifest after a pot has been either bisque or glaze fired. But you don’t need to throw a pot away just because of a minor imperfection! In this episode, I talk about four very common imperfections in fired pottery and simple ways to fix them: ✔️Hairline cracks appearing in pieces of pottery after the bisque firing, in pieces of pottery that have been joined together ✔️A rough surface after a pot has been glaze-fired, created by a too-thin layer of ash glaze, e.g on the rim of a mug. ✔️A rough surface on the base of a pot caused by tiny pieces of kiln shelf sticking to it after the glaze firing. ✔️Bubbles in a glaze that become sharp once a pot has cooled after being glaze-fired. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 93. How to Make a Pottery Glaze From Grape Stalks | 15 Jun 2025 | 00:02:33 | |
I’ve got very interested recently in making pottery glazes from things that would normally be thrown away. In this episode, I tell you about a stoneware pottery glaze that I’ve made from grape stalks collected over six months from bunches of grapes bought at the supermarket! You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 92. Can you Colour Clay Using Verdigris? | 01 Jun 2025 | 00:19:01 | |
Some potters create coloured pottery by mixing oxides and stains into the clay itself before firing. A technique that uses this is called agate, where different coloured clays are combined in layers and mixed, to create a design. Recently, I’ve been wondering whether this would work with the home-made pigment verdigris created from recycled copper. In this episode, I talk about some experiments I’ve done adding verdigris to clay at a ratio of 3% and 5% dry powdered verdigris to wet clay. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 91. How to Recycle Waste Incense Stick Ash Into a Stoneware Pottery Glaze | 18 May 2025 | 00:02:08 | |
In this mini episode of the podcast I tell you about a beautiful greeny-brown coloured stoneware pottery glaze I’ve made with ash recycled from incense sticks. Rather than throwing the incense ash away after burning, it can be collected and recycled into a pottery glaze coloured only by the natural trace metals in the ash! The stoneware pottery glaze recipe used in this episode is: 40 parts - Sieved Incense Ash (sieved with a 100 mesh size sieve) 40 parts - Cornish Stone 20 parts - Quartz You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 90. 3 Simple Ways to Experiment in a Pottery Class✨ | 11 May 2025 | 00:15:55 | |
In a pottery class you might have a defined project to work on, but you can still experiment lots! In this episode, I talk about three ways to simply and easily experiment with surface decoration in a pottery class by; ✨ - Pressing an object into the surface of the clay ✨ - Making a bespoke tool to create a specific mark in your pottery, for example, fish scales! ✨ - Leaving areas of your pottery un-glazed to create interesting colours and surfaces. The workshop that inspired this episode was run by Ruth Harris at Catkin Tree Studio. You can view workshops here: https://www.catkintreestudio.co.uk/events/workshops/ You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 89. 13 Amazing Reasons to Make a Pottery Glaze from Fallen Leaves. | 04 May 2025 | 00:24:56 | |
It's Spring in the UK, and this is an ideal time to identify deciduous trees that will drop their leaves in the Autumn. Or perhaps you live in the southern hemisphere, where deciduous trees are doing this right now! Did you know that any plant material can be burned into ash and made into a pottery glaze! Leaves are no exception to this, and many beautiful pottery glazes can be made with leaves that fall naturally as part of a plant’s growing cycle. As Potters, we can collect these leaves, create ash from them and make them into a pottery glaze. The episodes referred to in this episode about how to make a pottery glaze from leaf ash are here: 🍂70. How to Make a Pottery Glaze with Fallen Leaf Ash - Creating the Leaf Ash 🍂71. How to Make a Pottery Glaze from Fallen Leaves - Making the Glaze In this episode, I talk about 13 amazing reasons to make a pottery glaze from fallen leaves. 🍂 - Connects you to an ancient pottery tradition. 🍂 - Ash glaze recipes are often very simple and easy to make. 🍂 - Leaf ash creates many unique and special-looking pottery glazes. 🍂 - Leaf ash glazes work really well with colouring oxides. 🍂 - Fallen leaves are free and abundantly available. 🍂 - Leaf ash can be locally sourced. 🍂 - Leaf ash made from fallen leaves is a renewable glaze-making ingredient. 🍂 - Using ash reduces a Potter’s reliance on mined pottery materials. 🍂 - Fallen leaves create more ash for glazing than wood does. 🍂 - Using fallen leaves stops trees from being felled for ash. 🍂 - Leaf ash glazes are naturally coloured with trace metals in the ash. 🍂 - Foraging for leaves in nature is good for your well-being. 🍂 - Foraging is a natural activity for humans. The pottery glaze recipe for a stoneware leaf ash glaze is: 40 parts - Sieved Leaf Ash 40 parts - Cornish Stone 20 parts - Quartz You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 88: How to Support Your Joy as a Potter | 27 Apr 2025 | 00:16:54 | |
Doing pottery brings so much joy! Join me for this episode of the podcast where I talk about some mental re-frames that can support your joy as a Potter even more! 🌈 - The importance of enjoying making pottery in the present moment 🌈 - Seeing ‘failure’ as an opportunity for learning 🌈 - The importance of not judging your early work and instead celebrating the evolution of your pottery skills. 🌈 - Allowing yourself to play and experiment in your pottery and how this can inspire your creativity. 🌈 - The importance of following your curiosity and the things you enjoy learning about. 🌈 - Allowing yourself to make things your way, however that feels right for you in your own body. 🌈 - How the pottery learning journey isn't linear, and that's ok - you're doing it right! You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 87: How to Make Perfectly Flat Pottery | 13 Apr 2025 | 00:14:23 | |
Flat rolled out clay has a very annoying tendency to curl up as it dries! In this episode I talk about the three things I do in my pottery to make ‘perfectly’ flat (although nothing in pottery is ever perfect!) drinks coasters. ✔️ Wedging (or kneading) the clay very well before making anything. ✔️ Rolling the clay out at an even thickness using rolling guides. ✔️ The importance of gently compressing the wet clay as it dries. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 86: Can You Use a Silicone Mould in Pottery? | 06 Apr 2025 | 00:15:55 | |
Yes you can! In fact they are an amazing way to add beautiful decorative details to pottery. Silicone sugar craft moulds from cake making can be used by Potters who want to create intricate surface decorations for their pots. Clay is simply pressed into the mould, left to dry a little, removed from the mould and then attached to pottery as a sprig decoration. I use silicone moulds in my pottery to make dragonfly, butterfly and bird decorations that I then attach onto my pottery with slip. In this episode, I share with you 5 tips I’ve learned when using silicone sugarcraft moulds in pottery: ✨Dust a little cornflour into the mould before using it to help the clay sprig decoration release from the mould. ✨Add a little paper pulp to the clay you’re using to press into your mould. Paper makes clay super strong and prevents the clay sprig decoration from breaking when being removed from the mould. ✨Use vinegar (applied to the main body of the pot), and slip to attach the decoration to the pot. ✨Dry your pottery slowly in a plastic storage box to prevent the sprig decoration from cracking off the pot. ✨Press out your designs from the mould onto a folded cloth or tea towel so the clay decorations are not damaged as they are removed from the mould. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 85: How Potters Can Use the Circular Economy | 30 Mar 2025 | 00:19:55 | |
For the last 200 years, industrial society has used a linear economic model that takes raw materials, makes them into products, sells them to consumers who then eventually throw them away. Natural resources are ‘lost’ in this process and this model is widely regarded as unsustainable. Contrastingly in the circular economic model, resources are continuously reused, recycled and retained in the supply chain. In this episode, I talk about some opportunities for Potters to use the circular economy model and reuse materials in their work, such as; ♻️ - Copper from electrical waste ♻️ - Rusting iron ♻️ - Post-consumer glass (you could also use sea glass found on the beach!) ♻️ - Ash from wood-burning stoves and heaters ♻️ - Leaves naturally fallen from trees and shrubs The book that inspired this episode is called ‘Doughnut Economics: Seven ways to think like a 21st-century Economist. By Kate Raworth published in 2017 by Random House. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 84. Is This The Most Useful Pottery Tool Ever?! | 23 Mar 2025 | 00:15:50 | |
In this episode, I talk to you about the 6 different ways in which I use my favourite pottery tool - a cotton tea towel! 💡 - To reclaim wet clay on.
💡 - Between pieces of wet flat clay as it’s drying. 💡 - In a technique to make a perfectly flat rim or base of a pot. 💡 - To remove condensation in a damp box when drying clay slowly and evenly. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 83. Choosing Your Thoughts To Best Support Your Pottery Making | 16 Mar 2025 | 00:18:06 | |
Some thoughts created by our brains, support us when making pottery, and some definitely less so! Join me for this episode where I talk about some thoughts I've had in pottery that haven’t supported my pottery such as ‘I’ll never be good at pottery’, ‘I’ll never be as good as them’ (in an evening class setting) and ‘I don't like my finished pot’! I talk about some alternative thoughts you can replace these with to truly support yourself in your pottery-making and make your mind a safer and kinder space to learn. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||
| 82. How To Write a Pottery Book (Or Any Book!) | 09 Mar 2025 | 00:17:10 | |
I created this episode for anyone who thinks they might like to write a book but hasn't yet - you can do it! The world needs to hear your ideas and unique voice! In this episode, I talk about how I follow my curiosity to write books on pottery. I speak about how my ideas form, and how I experiment, research, write and format my books before publishing. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. ✨Support the Podcast: https://www.oxfordclay.co.uk/support ------------------------------- Resources for Potters: ⭐ Pottery Paperback Books available from Amazon Free Pottery Guides: 🆓 Download the Free How to Make a Pottery Glaze Workbook (suitable for beginners): 🆓 Download the Free How to programme an Electric Kiln for bisque and stoneware glaze firings (includes full kiln firing schedule) ------------------------------------ | |||