As a potter who loves creating beautiful and functional pieces, I’ve spent years perfecting my craft. One of the most rewarding challenges has been designing and producing a stunning tableware collection. Along the way, I discovered that the key to achieving consistency and professional results lies in repeat throwing and using a gauge.
While I adore crafting unique, free-form pieces, tableware requires a different approach. When using a set of plates or bowls, a sense of uniformity and stackability is essential. Imagine a tower of bowls tumbling down during breakfast – not the ideal start to the day!
The Beauty of Repeat Throwing
Some potters thrive on the spontaneity of free-form pottery, embracing variations in size and shape. While charming, this approach may not be suitable for every piece. As an advocate for “handmade but well-made” pottery, I believe that customers who invest in a piece should have the option to purchase matching items later. Repeat throwing ensures consistency in size and form, making it ideal for crafting cohesive tableware sets.
Finding the Perfect Size for Your Pottery
Before diving into repeat throwing, establishing the ideal size for your tableware is crucial. Early on, I learned this the hard way when my first batch of mugs resembled something out of Hobbiton – shrinkage is real!
To determine the right size, I often turn to my favorite existing pieces. Let’s say I want to replicate a beloved mug:
- Measure: Using a ruler, carefully measure the mug’s height and rim diameter in millimeters.
- Calculate Shrinkage: With a clay shrinkage rate of 13%, I multiply the measurements by 1.13. This accounts for the reduction in size during firing.
- Convert to Inches: For ease of use while throwing, convert the millimeter measurements to the nearest quarter-inch.
- Estimate Clay Weight: Determining the appropriate clay weight is crucial. Too much results in bulky pieces, while too little can lead to fragility or collapse during throwing. The table later in this article offers helpful starting points for various pottery types.
Mastering the Gauge for Consistent Pottery
Now, let’s talk about gauges. While specialized pottery gauges exist, I prefer a more budget-friendly approach: a simple lump of clay and a wooden skewer.
- Set the Gauge: After throwing your ideal clay weight to the desired height and diameter, firmly press a wooden skewer into a lump of clay attached to your splash pan. Position the skewer’s end just outside the rim of the freshly thrown piece.
- Repeat and Replicate: With the gauge set, replicating the first pot’s dimensions becomes effortless. This method ensures consistency without needing to re-measure each piece.
Clay Weight and Size Guide for Tableware
Over time, I’ve meticulously compiled a chart of clay weights and sizes for different pottery pieces. This invaluable resource has been instrumental in my journey to creating consistent and well-proportioned tableware.
| Pot Name | Pot Weight (g) | Height (“) | Rim Diam (“) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Dip Pot | 100 | 1 ½ | 3 | |
| Medium Dip | 175 | 2 | 3¾ | |
| Small Vase | 400 | 5 | ||
| Tea Caddy | 600 | 3½ | ||
| Tea Caddy Lid | 300 | 3½ | ||
| Spoon Rest | 150 | 1 | 4 | |
| GP Bowl | 460 | 3 | 6 | Rolled rim |
| Salt Pig | 350 | 4 | 4 | |
| Dinner Plate | 2000 | 1½ | 12 | 1″ rim width, ½” deep base, 8½” flat center, Trim foot ring |
| Side Plate | 1000 | 1¼ | 9 | ½” thick base, 6″ flat center, 5½” foot ring, Trim foot ring |
| Pasta Bowl | 850 | 1¾ | 9 | Throw 6½” x 3″ cylinder before pulling out, Trim foot ring |
| Bellied Mug | 375 | 4¼ | 3¾ | |
| Tumbler | 400 | 5 | 3 | |
| Small Plant Pot | 700 | 5 | 5 | 5″ inside diameter |
| Yarn Bowl | 1300 | 5 | 7 | 6″ base diameter |
| Olive Oil Bottle | 800 | 15/16″ inside neck diameter | ||
| Small GP Bowl | 350 | 2½ | 5 | |
| Egg Cup | 75 | 2″ inside diameter | ||
| Olive Dish | 325 | 1¼ | 5¼ | Handle 2½” long ½” Diam sausage |
| Rough Mugs | 375 | 4¼ | 3¾ | 3″ base diameter |
| Espresso Cup | 150 | 2½ | 2¾ | 1¾” base diameter, curved profile |
| 6oz Coffee Cup | 280 | 3½ | 3½ | 2¼” base diameter |
| 8oz Coffee Cup | 325 | 3¾ | 4 | 2¾” base diameter |
| 6oz/8oz Saucer | 350 | 1 | 5¾ | 1cm deep base |
| Utensil Holder | 1750 | 9 | 4 | Straight sided |
This table represents years of experimentation and refinement. Remember that these measurements are a starting point, and you may need to adjust them based on your clay type, shrinkage rate, and desired aesthetic.
Creating Your Own Handmade Tableware Collection
Crafting a cohesive and beautiful tableware collection is an incredibly rewarding experience. By embracing repeat throwing and utilizing a simple gauge system, you can achieve remarkable consistency in your pottery. Don’t hesitate to experiment, adjust, and personalize these techniques to develop your unique style and create stunning, functional pieces.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite pottery pieces to create? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And if you’re interested in owning a piece of handmade tableware from my collection, be sure to explore the unique pieces available on Robert Kline Art. Each one is crafted with passion and precision, making them perfect for gifting or adding a touch of handmade elegance to your own table setting.