Handmade Ceramics

I am lucky enough to live in a city where ceramics and local artists are a big deal. There are a ton of ceramics resources here in Minneapolis. I am taking a ceramics class at the Powderhorn Park community center and I love it! Although my pieces aren't perfect (hey, it's ceramics!), I have created quite a few that I love. I've made a few mugs that I hope to give as gifts for people that help with the wedding. Here are some images of the process and finished work.

Starting with a chunk of clay

And all the necessary tools

Forming into a ball

Adding lots of water

Centering- the hardest to figure out but once you do, you're golden

Shaping the clay

Opening the clay up

Pulling the clay up into mug form 

Some finished pieces after being cleaned up

Pieces that have been bisque fired

Dipping the pieces into glaze

Finished pieces

If you are ever able to take a ceramics class, I highly recommend it! It's a relaxing, fun activity. The only ceramics experience I had before taking this class was in high school. I was definitely a beginner when I started. I found that I have more fun when I don't try to make anything- I just play with the clay until I form something that looks like it could be something beautiful once trimmed and glazed. It's amazing what you can make with a ball of clay!