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Ikea Genomsnitt Scale

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  There are a few tools which seem to be more versatile in the ceramics business than a scale. I originally purchased this scale from Ikea  so I could weigh my clay in an attempt to make pieces more similar in shape. Starting with the same size ball of clay has done wonders for my craft; possibly even a borderline superstitious obsession but, has no doubt assisted me in improving my technique over time. By taking the same amount of clay and seeing how far you can stretch the walls up without making them too thin, or working on making sure the clay makes its way from the bottom to the top in nice even lines. It's all part of the craft and can be both magical and defeating.  I did however, end up using my scale for many more things including weighting out glazing materials, weighing my finished pots for online sales/shipping costs. I also used my scale to take measures for pricing out my pottery by documenting the amount of glaze and clay each piece takes. This particular m...
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XL Spiral Pro Mixing Paddle

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Of all of the tools I have contemplated adding to my studio, the XL mixer should have been sooner on the list. I take all my greenware scraps (pieces not yet fired in the kiln) in various states of dryness from trimming, failed throwing and other miscellaneous pieces I'm not happy with, for whatever reason, and throw them into a bucket with water (usually the remnants from throwing).  Once the clay has had a chance to reabsorb the water,  I use this tool to mix my reclaim into a buttery consistency before dolloping it out on plaster bats to dry out. Using a mixer means I have to add quite a bit of water and the reclaim has to sit out for longer to dry but I chose a mixer this size on a corded drill so that I would have more power. The paddle itself has too large of a circumference for most corded drills which meant I actually saved when I bought my corded drill instead of a battery operated one.  Using a mixer means significantly less wedging. It's also really helpful for...
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Skutt Kiln KM-1027

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  Let me preface this post by saying my knowledge of kilns is, well, lacking. Acquiring a kiln, in my mind, is one of those rights of passage as a potter that takes you from a hobbyist to something a bit more serious. Don't get me wrong, I am sure there are plenty of potters who have a successful business who do not fire their own pieces and I am certain there are plenty of kilns collecting dust in garages or basements somewhere, but for me it means just a little bit more to have one of my very own.  Having the ability to fire my own pieces, on my own terms, has been a dream of mine since I first started to play with clay and I am just so grateful.  These things reach temperatures of well over 2500F. It's intimidating, space occupying, and frankly a luxury.  I was fortunate enough to find my Skutt KM1027 used, and she's been good to me.  I really couldn't tell you if its the best or most versatile or whatever, but I can tell you I am extremely proud.  ...
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