Bottoms trimmed… one step closer to becoming “hybrid mugs”!
We just need to add some handles tomorrow!


Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play |
Bottoms trimmed… one step closer to becoming “hybrid mugs”!
We just need to add some handles tomorrow!


One step further in the “life” of my hybrid mug production. So tonight I dipped the textured slab portion of the mugs in a thin flashing slip that will change colors when these get soda-fired. The bottom part… the wheelthrown bottoms will remain raw clay for a nice contrast after soda-firing!



So here they are… wheelthrown on the bottoms, handbuilt on the sides! They still need some refining, trimming & handles… but they’re well on their way to a new batch of “hybrid mugs.” And see how well the patterns & textures from MKM Pottery Tools hold-up even when being manipulated into mugs!!!






A little early morning glazing session. Working on the newest batch of Christmas trees for next weekend’s SECOND HOLIDAY HOME SHOW! Trying to replenish the shelves for those missed-out the first time!!!

There’s been a forest “growing” in my studio… festive trees in line for some glazing fun tonight! Gotta get these moving if they’re going to be ready for my HOLIDAY HOME SHOW next weekend! That’s the plan anyway…


Handles attached & mugs are done for today! For now they’re under wraps for the night so they can “rest” and let the moisture levels even out before I open them up to dry fully. Then it’s into a bisque kiln… and then a glaze kiln… and then to my HOLIDAY HOME SHOW in less than two weeks! Giddy-up!




Giving them a little time to stiffen up a bit before I start attaching them to my stamped mug cylinders. At least this way the curve of the handle is 90% established before I even start attaching them!

Handles attached… mugs assembled!!! Now just a little cleaning-up, a little smoothing… and then some drying, firing, glazing & firing again! Coming along… but still a lot of steps in the process!


Prepping to make some mug handles… a little reminiscent of Stonehenge… err, Clay Henge???


Especially when you’re trimming with DiamondCore Tools that create these wonderful ribbons of leather-hard clay! Of course it helps when you’re pairing good tools with the Giffin Grip for quicker centering & stability while trimming! The perfect combo of my favorite pottery tools!



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Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
Lillstreet Studios ∙ 4401 North Ravenswood, Chicago, Illinois 60640 ∙ 773-307-8664 gary@firewhenreadypottery.com |