9. How To Make Pottery
A bed of clay can be found in almost any locality, from which to draw raw material, to be turned into objects of utility and beauty. If there is a brick yard, or commercial pottery in the neighborhood, ready prepared clay can usually be procured from them.
If you are fortunate enough to find clay in your yard, or in a field nearby, take about half a pailful and fill with water. Let it soak, until the clay softens and becomes about like thick cream. Then stir it well with a stick or large spoon, and pass through a sieve about 1/8 in. mesh into another pail. Wire from an old window screen will do. This will make it smooth and remove any stones. By leaving in the pail the clay will thicken from evaporation in a week or so, or when it has some consistency it may be spread on a board in the air. Frequently turn over, and work to keep from caking. When it is quite firm, make into lumps, and knead like loaves of bread. To keep in good condition, wrap in wet cloths. You have now some beautifully prepared clay, ready for shaping.
To make a simple piece like a bowl, take a lump of clay, and pressing the thumbs in the center, work smooth, and fashion into the shape in your mind. Now and then, when the wall becomes too thin in a place, add more clay to that part, being sure to pinch it on and weld it until you are sure it has united with the lump, which is now the beginning of a bowl. When it has the general outline, which you desire, do not try to refine it too much, but set aside until the next day, when it will be drier and stiffer, or what is known as "leather-hard." It will be easier to work with now, and you can smooth it some more, or alter the shape a bit if you wish, and trim off the rim with a knife.
Another way is to make a long roll of clay as large around as one of your fingers, and coil it into a mat for the bottom, and then up the sides, afterward working and welding together. Handles may be added by making them first, and allowing them to get firm, then moistening the ends in creamy wet clay, known as "Slip." One can keep a little Slip in a cup for this purpose, made by adding water to your prepared clay.
The simplest way of decorating is by incising - marking with a line, cutting in slightly with a dull stick or pencil. Any design may be worked out this way, and your fancy will usually suggest a decoration which falls into the line of the piece, so that it seems a part of it. A raised or modeled design is more difficult, but can be mastered by adding bits of clay to fill in the pattern, afterward clearing it out, and smoothing it. Do not be too afraid to show your method of workmanship, or the marks left by your fingers or tools. This is what adds a charm to hand-built pottery, as you surely would not want your pieces finished and polished to the point that they would look like a machine made product. Rather let your own individuality express itself in every shape and design.
Many beautiful results are obtained by merely firing the clay without a glaze, especially in tile, ferneries and jars for outdoor use. Sometimes the surface may be rubbed down with floor wax or oil, to bring out the color, and add a texture.
If one desires to use glazes simple ones may be prepared, or may be purchased ready for use. A few colors which develop at a low fire give variety and interest.
For a decoration in color underglaze paints must be used, and are usually applied directly upon the clay. In this case they are fired first, and covered with a transparent glaze in a second firing.