September Fun with Clay

Members of the Port Hacking Potters enjoyed a little hand building at the September meeting with a little demo by Anna to get them started. The theme was the Nativity Scene, some made Angels and some made Wise Men.

Anna brought along a batt full of thrown bases (see photo)

Then explained to the meeting that the idea came from an old pottery book which illustrated how to make a Chess set.  

Taking this idea and a little imagination it is possible to make a Nativity scene with Angels, Wise Men and Shepherds as well as the central figures of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus and then the animals.

Anna started us off with an angel and then handed around her completed set so that members could see how they were put together.  The thrown bases are hollow which keeps the figures light and the additions of thin coils can give the appearance of clothing and facial expressions.  Very few tools are needed but Anna made good use of a small hand extruder with its varied dyes.  To allow more people to get going a tea strainer was used to push clay through with a spoon to simulate hair on the figures - including some wooly sheep.

Everyone had a go and the creations at the end of the night were amazing!  John will do a bisque firing and work will be returned to their makers.

Two events in one weekend - come along and support the Group

Members of our Group will be involved in two big events the weekend of 17th and 18th September 2011.
We would love to see you there.  If you are a member of the Group come along and see what your fellow members are doing lately.  If you are not a member yet then make yourself known and we will tell you more about our group.
First will be Saturday afternoon, 17th September at Hazelhurst Regional Gallery for the official opening of the exhibition, Bon Appetit, in the Community Gallery where several of our members are part of the Circle of Clay Friends - come along at 2pm and enjoy afternoon tea with friends as well.

 The second event is on Sunday 18th September 2011 at Menai.  Four of our Group have a market stall at Menai Community Market (look for their Facebook page) being held at Parc Menai from 9am to 3pm.  Lots of other stalls and entertainment so come over and check it out.  We will be selling all types of pottery from bowls and platters to vases and porcelain jewellery.

Wheel-thrown lidded container

Handformed brooches