does anyone make pottery? ( I dont know how and would like to)

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i live in the clinton area of arkansas and i am noticing a large amount of clay in the soil here. i was wondering if i could use it to make dishes(among other things) for mostly decorative uses. i haven't ever made anything out of clay. i dont even know how to clean the clay so that it would be useable. i also dont have a kiln, but could possibly build one (maybe out of cob if that is possible). any information would be helpful and appreciated. thanks in advance, kathy p.

-- kathy p. (katiegirl176@hotmail.com), August 01, 2001

Answers

Sometimes adult education classes given at the local schools have courses on pottery making. Also check out your local library for how to books.Beyond these ideas, I am not very knowlegeable on pottery making. Kate

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), August 01, 2001.

Our local high school offered adult ed pottery and basket making. Check with your local system there.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), August 01, 2001.

Kathy~ There is a book by Bernard Leach, "Pioneer Pottery" that describes cleaning and separating clays. Also brick-making, firing, kiln building, the works. I have seen it at public libraries.

-- Ivey Nelson (iveynelson@aol.com), August 02, 2001.

The Foxfire series has some in it about digging a clay pit and making a kiln, don't know which one it is.

-- Stephanie Nosacek (pospossum@earthlink.net), August 02, 2001.

Hi Kathy I don't know anything about pottery just wanted to say hi,lol. We live just outside of Damascus,AR and don't often see any subject from this area. I doubt that the library in Clinton has anything on pottery making but you might try inter-library loan. Good luck.

-- Wynema Passmore (nemad_72039@yahoo.com), August 03, 2001.


Hi Kathy, is, or was there ever, a brickworks in your area? If so then that might be a fairly good indication that your clay would be suitable for pottery.

-- john hill (john@cnd.co.nz), August 03, 2001.

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