Clay harp cutting tool

While I love to use the potter’s wheel to make work, I have found an equal affinity and enjoyment for hand building in the last 6 months.  I once had the opportunity to try a clay tool called a “harp” that a potter had purchased in the U.K. and I have been looking for the tool locally as well as online from US outlets every since.  It’s pretty cool and makes precise cuts on either pugged clay or pre-bagged commercial clay.  I found the tool online from a ceramic supplier in the U.K. and at this point, I might have to go ahead and bite the bullet and pay to have it shipped across the pond that divides the two countries.  The clay harp is notched on the sides and has a tension wire that adjusts up the notches or down as clay is cut.  I could probably rig something similar, but would really like to find this tool for my handbuilding work.  I apologize for the low res photo; it’s the only one I found on the internet.  So if you know of any U.S. store that carries something similar, please let me know – I’d be much obliged.

Love these colors - just threw this one in for fun

Meanwhile, the Colorado Potter’s Guild is hosting our annual Fall sale November 6, 7 and 8th – exactly 32 days from now.  After taking a bit of a studio hiatus, I need a plan to crank out some work in the next month to have a decent showing.  We’re allowed to bring a maximum of 105 pots, 10 of which can be sets of any size or kind.  I have about 10 pieces bisque fired so far, and have a lot of work to make in the next couple of weeks!

This morning, I pulled out my calendar in an attempt to figure out how I can make the remaining 95 pots in the next 15 days of working with wet clay in order to allow enough time to bisque and glaze the pieces.  This works out to roughly 6.33 pots a day if I don’t make any sets.  That sounds doable don’t you think?    I’ve allowed myself roughly 6 hours a day in the studio Monday – Friday for the next 2 weeks which will break down to about 9.5 pots a day if I don’t work on weekends.  I am making a list of basic forms that I’d like to include such as mugs, tumblers, bowls, platters, vases, covered boxes etc. and will try to come up with some reasonable numbers of each that I’d like to make for the sale in the next couple of days.  Given our current economy, I tend to think that smaller items will be bigger sellers than larger ones.  What do you think?

Earthenware bird by Carter 2nd grade

Meanwhile, my after school clay classes are coming along terrifically.  I opened the kiln Sunday and just love this piece.  I wish I could keep it!  Carter made this by making hollow sections out of pinch pots for the body and head – the other bits are solid.  The bird stands about 7 – 8 inches tall.

That’s it for today.  Have a great week,

~Cynthia