So today I’m going to show you how I trim the bases of my pots and vases
All you’ll need is a standard trimming tool from your local pottery supplier! 😊
Here Are Some Tips!
1. Why Trim?:
Trimming is the process of carefully removing excess clay from the base of a thrown piece. When the clay is partially dry but still soft (leather hard), it becomes more stable, making it easier to work with.
Stability and Balance: By removing excess clay from the base, the piece gains stability, which is especially important for functional items like bowls and cups. A well-trimmed base ensures the piece sits firmly and doesn’t wobble. Trimming reduces the weight of the piece, making it more comfortable to use.
2. Adding Foot Rings:
Foot rings are raised ridges or circular platforms created at the base of a pottery piece during the trimming process.
Glazing: The foot ring provides a natural border where the potter can stop the glaze application, preventing the piece from sticking to the kiln shelf during firing. The foot ring is a good way to get your pieces looking very professional, even though it may seem hard or daunting to even try, with practice it become a lot easier and really sets your pieces apart
3. Finishing:
The finishing of a pot, whether that is trimming or adding foot rings or even general trimming of the walls, the final finishing of your pot gives a great “base” 😉 for you to work on when glazing plus after the bisque firing, you won’t have to worry about sanding your pieces to get a nice smooth surface.
Try to do as much as you can in the greenware stage to save you some time in the bisque stage
Conclusion:
The trimming stage are integral aspects of the pottery-making process. Whether creating functional wares or artistic pieces, Giving your pottery that little bit more love, helps stands out as a testament to you as a potter’s craftsmanship and artistic vision.
As always hope you enjoyed this post and Happy Potting!!! 🥳🥳
We will be back tomorrow with some more tips and ideas ❤️
