Pottery is the ancient art of creating objects using clay. It is a transformative process where raw clay is shaped and formed into vessels, sculptures, and decorative pieces. With its roots dating back to prehistoric times, pottery has served both functional and artistic purposes throughout history. Skilled potters manipulate the clay, bringing it to life through intricate designs and textures. The objects are then fired in a kiln, oftentimes glazed, resulting in durable and beautiful creations. From delicate porcelain to rustic earthenware, pottery showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of its makers, preserving traditions and stories in every piece.

The pottery process is a fascinating journey of transformation and creativity. It begins with the selection of clay, which is then wedged and kneaded to eliminate any air bubbles or impurities. Once the clay is ready, it can be shaped into various forms using different techniques such as wheel throwing, hand building, or mold casting. The shaped pieces are left to dry until they become leather-hard. At this stage, intricate details can be added, and the surface can be refined through carving or smoothing. After the first firing, known as the bisque firing, the pottery becomes more durable but remains porous. Glazing, the final step, involves adding colorful and glossy coatings that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also seal the pottery and make it functional. Finally, the pottery undergoes a second firing, which completes the transformation, resulting in beautiful and unique pieces that reflect the artist's imagination and skill.

Pieces stand anywhere between 1 - 2 weeks to reach bone dryness before the bisque firing. After this, your pieces can take anywhere between 1 - 3 weeks, depending on the class you attended. Remember, the bigger the piece is, the longer it takes to dry.

A ceramics kiln is a specialized oven or furnace that is essential for craftsmen and artisans who work with clay. It serves as a transformative tool, converting raw clay objects into durable ceramics through controlled heating and cooling processes. By providing uniform temperatures, kilns enable clay and other materials to undergo chemical and physical changes, resulting in the creation of unique and functional pottery pieces. With their ability to reach extreme temperatures, kilns play a vital role in the creation of beautiful and long-lasting ceramic art.

Cone 06, known as the bisque firing, and Cone 6, known as the glaze firing, are both temperature ranges commonly used in ceramics and the only temperatures used in the studio. Cone 06 corresponds to a firing temperature of approximately 1830°F (1000°C), while Cone 6 corresponds to a higher firing temperature of around 2232°F (1222°C). The difference in temperature between the two cones affects the characteristics of the clay and glazes. The choice between Cone 06 and Cone 6 depends on the desired outcome and the type of clay being used.

Whatever clay is easiest to get our hands on and work with!

After the glaze firing, all items will be food and dishwasher safe.

Stuck in the Mud provides a variety of classes and workshops ranging from one-day two-hour sessions, to eight week courses.

Students enrolled in multi session courses will have the opportunity to glaze their own items, however items created in one-day classes will be finished and glazed by the studio.

Underglaze and glaze are both used in ceramics, but they differ in their application and final effects. Underglaze is applied before the glaze and is typically used for detailed artwork or designs, while glaze is a glass-like coating applied over the underglaze to give the ceramics a smooth, glossy finish and enhance its durability.

Doing pottery with long nails can be challenging because the nails can easily get in the way while shaping the clay, making it difficult to maintain precision and control. Furthermore, long nails can accidentally scratch or leave marks on the delicate surface of the pottery, ruining the final finish.

We are a workshop and class based studio and unfortunately do not offer memberships or open studio time.