10 Tips for Carving Pottery

Here Ann details 10 Tips For Carving Pottery - the clay, the tools. the techniques. Follow along with Ann to learn or enhance your carving skills. Ann also shares how she adds design features (in this case a cute bird) to your pottery. Its also a relaxing pottery video to just sit back and enjoy!

HERE ARE THE LINKS TO SOME OF THE TOOLS ANN USES:

(If you buy stuff from one of these links, either a winning lottery number will come to you in a dream or your phone number will come to a telemarketer in a dream)
Xiem Tools X-Bevel Bevel Cutter for Pottery and Ceramics:

ALL of the music used by Little Street Pottery is legally licensed from Artlist

[annruel]

NOTE: If you try these techniques on a grogged clay, wiping with a sponge or wet brush will result in washing away the smooth top layer of clay to reveal the gritty grog underneath and may disrupt the smoothness of the design.

[knightclan]

I just started pottery and really love to carve my cups and small bowls. Since I can't throw very thin walls yet, carving lets me salvage a heavy wobbly cup into something worth giving away.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience
I'm subscribing!

[tricialee]

Thanks for the detailed, easy-to-understand instruction. Since it's not possible (for me) to complete all the carving steps in one sitting, what is your suggestion for keeping the clay 'workable'? Damp box and covering with plastic? Would you ever lightly spritz the piece with water to hydrate? Especially helpful is your method of adding a sprig of clay where deeper impression is indicated. Can't thank you enough for your kindness in sharing your skills and creativity.

[jeennie]

This was so interesting. I never would have thought to make one side of the leaf more detailed than the other. I really enjoy your videos!

[Mariede]

Thanks Ann, I am especially thankful for you showing how to use the BACK side of that tool! dont know why Ive never tried that before...but here is shows that there is ALWAYS something to learn, no matter how long you've been doing stuff (I've been carving for about 5 yrs and NEVER honestly NEVER thought of using this tool that way) Thanks Ann!

[angelbiscuits]

This video has been more helpful than my college ceramics professor's lectures. Thank you!

[micheledickey]

Wow! Once again you have shown me that something is doable that may look too hard! Taking it one step at a time makes it so much less overwhelming than looking at a finished piece and saying no way can I do that!! I had no idea about taking the clay away from the object that is supposed to stand out. Sound silly but I never realized that was how it was done! Thanks you so much. Can’t wait to see the vase finished!!

[sandybird]

That is amazing!! Thank you for sharing the video and techniques...I'm new to pottery and discovered I like carving into what I'm making, this gives such inspiration :

[violetthacker]

Fantastic video. I would love to see more like this.

[jacklynstoklas]

Thank you. I love carving, but I'm self taught. It's so nice to get instruction.

[embee]

Your videos are consistently excellent. This one is no exception!

[stephaniebart-horvath]

I’ve been binge watching your videos all morning. I learn something new each time I see them. I love watching your carving techniques and appreciate the helpful hints about everything from clay bodies to drying to tools that achieve different effects.

Question: when you get a chance, could you go over how to tell when the clay is at the perfect stages of dryness. I still have problems with that.

Thanks so much, Ann!

[cbisme]

I've just found your channel and this is the second I've watched, I absolutely loved it, took me back to a four week workshop I did and forgot about. When I finished the teacher suggested I enter mine in a state exhibition, I visited the exhibition and came across mine with a Ribbon and 3rd Place, I was blown away. I'm retired now and looking at videos but now I want to have a go again, it must be at least 30-35 years since. Thank you 👐

[maggiefranks]

I appreciate detail and small work like this. Happy accidents are great but intentionally capturing nature in sculpture is something I strive for. Well done!

[gailfeinman]

Thank you Ann! Love watching you carve reliefs and modify thrown forms. Would love to see more carving. Also, could you update the link to the brushes you use? It doesn't bring them up. Thanks again, Gail.

[martinraeside]

Wow, this looks like a great way to add interest and dimension to objects without adding bulk and weight. I sometimes make flutes, and you don't want them too heavy, so this could work.

[zoekane]

Love the piece. Looking forward to seeing it finished! TFS!

[ApocalypseLounge]

Amazingly informative video! One of the best instructional pottery videos on YouTube!

[raygeorge]

Ann your work is just 'Patience is a virtue' and sure have it ! Just great tutorial, thank you😍

[Nana]

This video is so informative and relaxing at the same time. Thank you