At first, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for my pitcher. As I was making it, I first wanted to do two pieces of clay spun together for a handle. Then I realized that would be too intricate since I hadn’t even made a handle before. I decided to go for a simple handle. I put a flowery pattern on the pitcher because I liked the pattern’s design. I really wanted a light pink glaze to match the springy theme of the flowers. 

I used the needle tool to cut out the outline of my pitcher. Next, I glued it together using slip. I used a wet sponge to smooth it out and used a coil for my handle. After my pitcher was fired once, I sanded it and coated it with three layers of glaze.

When an audience looks at this piece, I want them to think about beautiful spring flowers. I want them to think of many different colorful flowers blooming and their beauty. 

The most difficult part of this piece was the handle. It was my first time making and attaching one, so it was a new experience! The shape of my pitcher’s edge made things especially challenging. My handle ended up slumping a bit but I think it still looks alright! If I had to change anything, I would change the glaze color. I was wanting a light pink color glaze, but my glaze ended up being more orangey. My favorite part of this piece is the shape and patterns (minus the handle).

This was my first time ever working with clay. At first, I was going to try to make a small dog magnet. I couldn’t figure out how to do it, so I tried to make a pot. This was the result of that, although it looks more like some sort of funky pitcher. 

Since I had never worked with clay before, I didn’t know how to use any of the tools. I tried to use a roller to flatten the clay but it kept sticking. Instead, I flattened the clay with my hands and rolled it up into a cylinder. I used the needle tool to cut out the bottom piece and stuck it on. After it was fired once, I coated it 3 times with glaze. 

While I was making this piece, I was really only focused on trying to make it actually look like something. As a result, there is no symbolism. 

The most challenging part for me was trying to figure out how to make something with the little knowledge of pottery I had. I mostly just struggled through the whole ordeal. If I could change anything about it, I would definitely redo the making of it. Not the glaze, that looks fine, but it didn’t exactly turn out the way I wanted it to. My favorite part of this piece is the glaze. It’s a really pretty color with a dark green blue tone. 

I was inspired by koi fish to make this piece. My first idea was to make a fish head coming out of water. I decided to sketch the tail to explore other options. After finishing both sketches, I decided to go with the tail.

I first made the general shape of the tail. I was going to make the fins separate and attach them once I was done shaping. I ended up having to make the fin go in a little hole at the top of the body so it didn’t explode. 

The most difficult part of this piece was the tail fin. It was so hard to get the shape right. I tried to make it easier on myself by shaping the tail fin separate from the body. If I had to start over I would change the glaze color. I had wanted to make it cream and purple with gold accents. The glaze came out much differently than I thought it would.

I decided to make a mug because I wanted to try making one. I wanted something that I would be able to drink out of. 

First, I flattened my clay with a rolling pin. Then I cut out the shape I wanted. I put it together with a little slip and added the bottom. Lastly, I made my handle and added it on. My mug was fired for the first time. After this, I glazed it and it was fired again. 

The most difficult part of this piece was making the handle. This was my second time making a handle and I didn’t want it to look out of place. If I had to change anything about my mug, I would smooth out the bump at the bottom of the handle.