Page Kelly on fri 29 feb 08
I have been following this link with some interest, especially since I am
genetically predisposed (if this really means anything) to arthritis. I
am a general contractor who builds spec houses, and I specialize in paint
and tile. My hands and shoulders get a lot of abuse from these
activities, and then add this mud jones I have. I have been diagnosed with
everything from fibromyalgia to menier's disease and perhaps have only to
look forward to more challenges. However, my question is this:
How exactly do I make my clay soft enough to easily wedge and throw? I
purchase pre-bagged clay from my local supplier. I use several different
bodies because I am fortunate enough to work in different temps and
atmospheres. I thought initially that my bodies were simply cold from
sitting on the basement floor, but after attempting to warm up the clay
using a slo-cooker on warm to setting the clay bags ontop of heat
registers, I've discovered that while nicer to wedge because its warmer,
it is not necessarily easier. All of the clay seems exceptionally stiff.
After searching the archives, I've discovered the suggestion of throwing
the clay on the floor several times, and I admit I haven't tried this, but
are there any other suggestions that don't require my flinging 25 lb bags
around my very small studio? My fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders
thank you in advance.
Page Kelly
wishing I could join you all this year in Pittsburgh.
Victoria E. Hamilton on sat 1 mar 08
Steve -
Do you get your clay from Eastbay Clay? When I lived in California, that's
where I got my clay - mixed to order and just lovely!
Vicki Hamilton
Millennia Antica Pottery
Seattle, WA - not.....I repeat, not like California
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of steve graber
Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2008 7:12 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: Soft Clay - Potters Arthritis and other ailments
order it from your supplier as softer, higher water content slightly. i
forget their term, but they know when they make a batch if it's slightly
wetter or drier then their "normal". if you can, you can order it ahead of
time softer and they will make it for you or set it aside for you to pick
up.
like you i always "got clay" and didn't know i could order a batch the way i
wanted it like i can with pizza...
see ya
Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc
Claremont, California USA
The Steve Tool - for awesum texture on pots!
www.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com
----- Original Message ----
From: Page Kelly
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 8:41:20 PM
Subject: Soft Clay - Potters Arthritis and other ailments
I have been following this link with some interest, especially since I am
genetically predisposed (if this really means anything) to arthritis. I am
a general contractor who builds spec houses, and I specialize in paint and
tile. My hands and shoulders get a lot of abuse from these activities, and
then add this mud jones I have. I have been diagnosed with everything from
fibromyalgia to menier's disease and perhaps have only to look forward to
more challenges. However, my question is this:
How exactly do I make my clay soft enough to easily wedge and throw? I
purchase pre-bagged clay from my local supplier. I use several different
bodies because I am fortunate enough to work in different temps and
atmospheres. I thought initially that my bodies were simply cold from
sitting on the basement floor, but after attempting to warm up the clay
using a slo-cooker on warm to setting the clay bags ontop of heat registers,
I've discovered that while nicer to wedge because its warmer, it is not
necessarily easier. All of the clay seems exceptionally stiff.
After searching the archives, I've discovered the suggestion of throwing the
clay on the floor several times, and I admit I haven't tried this, but are
there any other suggestions that don't require my flinging 25 lb bags around
my very small studio? My fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders thank you in
advance.
Page Kelly
wishing I could join you all this year in Pittsburgh.
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here:
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You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
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Maid O'Mud on sat 1 mar 08
I have fibro, and have found "easy" ways around most things.
I dub myself (to my students) "the Lazy Potter".
When I have stiff clay, I put water in the bag (1/2 to 1 cup)
twist it back up and ignore it for a week. Water works it's
way through the pug w/o work, and it's softer and easier to
throw.
HTH
Sam Cuttell
Maid O'Mud Pottery
RR 1
Melbourne, Ontario
N0L 1T0
CANADA
"First, the clay told me what to do.
Then, I told the clay what to do.
Now, we co-operate."
sam 1994
http://www.ody.ca/~scuttell/
scuttell@ody.ca
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Page Kelly
Sent: February 29, 2008 11:41 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Soft Clay - Potters Arthritis and other ailments
I have been following this link with some interest, especially since I am
genetically predisposed (if this really means anything) to arthritis. I am
a general contractor who builds spec houses, and I specialize in paint and
tile. My hands and shoulders get a lot of abuse from these activities, and
then add this mud jones I have. I have been diagnosed with everything from
fibromyalgia to menier's disease and perhaps have only to look forward to
more challenges. However, my question is this:
How exactly do I make my clay soft enough to easily wedge and throw? I
purchase pre-bagged clay from my local supplier. I use several different
bodies because I am fortunate enough to work in different temps and
atmospheres. I thought initially that my bodies were simply cold from
sitting on the basement floor, but after attempting to warm up the clay
using a slo-cooker on warm to setting the clay bags ontop of heat registers,
I've discovered that while nicer to wedge because its warmer, it is not
necessarily easier. All of the clay seems exceptionally stiff.
After searching the archives, I've discovered the suggestion of throwing the
clay on the floor several times, and I admit I haven't tried this, but are
there any other suggestions that don't require my flinging 25 lb bags around
my very small studio? My fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders thank you in
advance.
Page Kelly
wishing I could join you all this year in Pittsburgh.
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.2/1305 - Release Date: 29/02/2008
6:32 PM
Clayart SCtag on sat 1 mar 08
Dear Page,
I also suffer arthritis and do take glucosamine *, but to the soft
clay...I have a couple 5 gallon pails and put a 25# bag of clay into each and do
this days ahead of needing the clay Sometimes, I put a cup of water into the
bag of clay,too ,as well.It does help to have a plaster slab to wedge the
clay on ,should it get too soft, but wedging soft clay does seem to help
aliveate my hand stiffness.Soft clay and throwing at least a bit every day helps
and is better than squeezing the ball in my fist.Both my hands are and deformed
,painful and stiff until I force them open in the morning.
Margaret in SC,
staying home from NCECA and everything since finding a thief regularly has
entered my home/studio on my departures
In a message dated 2/29/2008 11:30:46 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
zephyr.valley@HOTMAIL.COM writes:
I have been following this link with some interest, especially since I am
genetically predisposed (if this really means anything) to arthritis. I
am a general contractor who builds spec houses, and I specialize in paint
and tile. My hands and shoulders get a lot of abuse from these
activities, and then add this mud jones I have. I have been diagnosed with
everything from fibromyalgia to menier's disease and perhaps have only to
look forward to more challenges. However, my question is this:
How exactly do I make my clay soft enough to easily wedge and throw? I
purchase pre-bagged clay from my local supplier. I use several different
bodies because I am fortunate enough to work in different temps and
atmospheres. I thought initially that my bodies were simply cold from
sitting on the basement floor, but after attempting to warm up the clay
using a slo-cooker on warm to setting the clay bags ontop of heat
registers, I've discovered that while nicer to wedge because its warmer,
it is not necessarily easier. All of the clay seems exceptionally stiff.
After searching the archives, I've discovered the suggestion of throwing
the clay on the floor several times, and I admit I haven't tried this, but
are there any other suggestions that don't require my flinging 25 lb bags
around my very small studio? My fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders
thank you in advance.
Page Kelly
wishing I could join you all this year in Pittsburgh.
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here:
http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots2@visi.com
**************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/
2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)
Michael Wendt on sat 1 mar 08
Page,
This is a job for stack and slam wire wedging.
If you have an old copy of Pottery Making
Illustrated from Jan-Feb 2006 I think,
I wrote a description of the method which
allows you to easily add water to clay as
you wire wedge it... all low impact for
minimum joint strain. I've used it for over
30 years in production without wrist problems.
I also offer instructions on the DVD version
of :
Plates and Platters, the Rod and Restand Method
http://www.wendtpottery.com/clayart.htm
Regards,
Michael Wendt
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Ave.
Lewiston, Id 83501
U.S.A.
208-746-3724
wendtpot@lewiston.com
http://www.wendtpottery.com
http://UniquePorcelainDesigns.com
Lee on sat 1 mar 08
On Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 10:41 PM, Page Kelly wrote:
> the clay on the floor several times, and I admit I haven't tried this, but
> are there any other suggestions that don't require my flinging 25 lb bags
> around my very small studio? My fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders
> thank you in advance.
You might want to invest in a small pugmill. It is the easiest
way to add moisture to stiff clay.
In the meantime, wrap you clay block in a wet towel and put it
back in the bag. The towel helps the water enter the clay (if you
just pour water in the bag, you end up with a block that is all sticky
on the outside, hardly touched on the inside.
--
Lee in Mashiko, Tochigi Japan
http://mashikopots.blogspot.com/
"Let the beauty we love be what we do." - Rumi
steve graber on sat 1 mar 08
order it from your supplier as softer, higher water content slightly. i forget their term, but they know when they make a batch if it's slightly wetter or drier then their "normal". if you can, you can order it ahead of time softer and they will make it for you or set it aside for you to pick up.
like you i always "got clay" and didn't know i could order a batch the way i wanted it like i can with pizza...
see ya
Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc
Claremont, California USA
The Steve Tool - for awesum texture on pots!
www.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com
----- Original Message ----
From: Page Kelly
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 8:41:20 PM
Subject: Soft Clay - Potters Arthritis and other ailments
I have been following this link with some interest, especially since I am
genetically predisposed (if this really means anything) to arthritis. I
am a general contractor who builds spec houses, and I specialize in paint
and tile. My hands and shoulders get a lot of abuse from these
activities, and then add this mud jones I have. I have been diagnosed with
everything from fibromyalgia to menier's disease and perhaps have only to
look forward to more challenges. However, my question is this:
How exactly do I make my clay soft enough to easily wedge and throw? I
purchase pre-bagged clay from my local supplier. I use several different
bodies because I am fortunate enough to work in different temps and
atmospheres. I thought initially that my bodies were simply cold from
sitting on the basement floor, but after attempting to warm up the clay
using a slo-cooker on warm to setting the clay bags ontop of heat
registers, I've discovered that while nicer to wedge because its warmer,
it is not necessarily easier. All of the clay seems exceptionally stiff.
After searching the archives, I've discovered the suggestion of throwing
the clay on the floor several times, and I admit I haven't tried this, but
are there any other suggestions that don't require my flinging 25 lb bags
around my very small studio? My fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders
thank you in advance.
Page Kelly
wishing I could join you all this year in Pittsburgh.
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@visi.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
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Melissa Schooley on sun 2 mar 08
Hi Page;
I always mix my new clay with reclaim (50/50) for throwing.
Makes it nice and soft, easy to throw.
Also, if anyone is interested, both of my parents suffer from arthritis and have
switched from using glucosamine to using something called MSM. They both say
they prefer the MSM as it seems to work much better.
Melissa Schooley
Raging Bowl Pottery
www.ragingbowlpottery.com
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Soft Clay - Potters Arthritis and other ailments
From: Page Kelly <zephyr.valley@HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, February 29, 2008 9:41 pm
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
I have been following this link with some interest, especially since I am
genetically predisposed (if this really means anything) to arthritis. I
am a general contractor who builds spec houses, and I specialize in paint
and tile. My hands and shoulders get a lot of abuse from these
activities, and then add this mud jones I have. I have been diagnosed with
everything from fibromyalgia to menier's disease and perhaps have only to
look forward to more challenges. However, my question is this:
How exactly do I make my clay soft enough to easily wedge and throw? I
purchase pre-bagged clay from my local supplier. I use several different
bodies because I am fortunate enough to work in different temps and
atmospheres. I thought initially that my bodies were simply cold from
sitting on the basement floor, but after attempting to warm up the clay
using a slo-cooker on warm to setting the clay bags ontop of heat
registers, I've discovered that while nicer to wedge because its warmer,
it is not necessarily easier. All of the clay seems exceptionally stiff.
After searching the archives, I've discovered the suggestion of throwing
the clay on the floor several times, and I admit I haven't tried this, but
are there any other suggestions that don't require my flinging 25 lb bags
around my very small studio? My fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders
thank you in advance.
Page Kelly
wishing I could join you all this year in Pittsburgh.
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@visi.com
Eleanor on sun 2 mar 08
Margaret in SC said:
> but wedging soft clay does seem to help alleviate my hand
> stiffness. Soft clay and throwing at least a bit every day helps
Dear Page Kelly,
Let me add to the good advice you have already received:
Before you add water to the bag of clay, peel away the plastic and
poke some holes into the block--use a pencil, brush handle, stick,
whatever.
Close the bag and set it aside for a week or so. Be sure to turn the
bag from time to time so that the water reaches different surfaces of
the clay.
No matter what you do, the outer surfaces of the clay will be softer,
sometimes much softer, than the interior of the block. So when you cut
off a piece to work on, you have to knead it to even it out. This will
result in a nice, soft clay.
If you have a plaster wedging board, this is a good place to knead. If
not a large plaster bat will do. I use a 16x16 concrete paving block
for wedging/kneading. After kneading, you can wire-wedge a few times
(if you have the wire); this helps eliminate air holes.
My husband has very bad arthritis; he refuses to take medications of
any kind, even aspirin. He says that exercising, that is, using the
joints, makes them feel better---after a while.
Stay with it. Activity is a good distraction.
Eleanor Kohler
Centerport, NY
Bonnie Staffel on sun 2 mar 08
One of the best piece of equipment I ever purchased was a pug mill back =
in
the 70's. It has saved me many hours of kneading the clay as well as =
making
it useful in adding my soft scraps to reconstitute the clay to fit my
ability to throw as I grow older. Am XXX my fingers as this same pug =
mill is
still operating and allowing me to continue to make my clay softer. I =
just
looked at the Peter Pugger ad and saw what marvelous things that it can =
do.
It is too late in my life to invest the money, but it looks like it is =
easy
to operate, easy to clean. I only use one kind of clay so have never =
had to
take my Bluebird apart except once to change the "spider" connecting the
shaft to the motor. I am always careful not to strain the mill but let =
it
take its own time to mix. I also do not have a deairing mechanism but =
with
running my clay through three times, have had minimal problems with =
this.
Another way to handle your situation is to put very wet towels into the =
bag
trying to surround the block of clay as much as possible. Close the bag =
up
and leave it sit overnight. This has worked when I was in another =
potter's
studio. You can find bundles of terry cloth towel wipes in many stores. =
=20
Bonnie Staffel
http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html
DVD Throwing with Coils and Slabs
DVD Introduction to Wheel Work
Charter Member Potters Council
Liz Willoughby on sun 2 mar 08
Dear Page Kelly,
I have a lot of old hard clay in my studio. The easiest thing to do,
is to take your bag of clay and put it in a bucket of water
overnight. The next day your clay will be perfect for throwing.
There is no need to put holes in it, or wrap it in wet cloths, or
even put a cup of water in the bag. It works perfectly for getting
the clay soft in about 24 hours.
Liz Willoughby in Grafton, Ontario, Canada
> However, my question is this:
>How exactly do I make my clay soft enough to easily wedge and throw? I
>purchase pre-bagged clay from my local supplier. I use several different
>bodies because I am fortunate enough to work in different temps and
>atmospheres. I thought initially that my bodies were simply cold from
>sitting on the basement floor, but after attempting to warm up the clay
>using a slo-cooker on warm to setting the clay bags ontop of heat
>registers, I've discovered that while nicer to wedge because its warmer,
>it is not necessarily easier. All of the clay seems exceptionally stiff.
>
>
>Page Kelly
>wishing I could join you all this year in Pittsburgh.
Darlene Yarnetsky-Mudcat Pottery on sun 2 mar 08
Hi Page Kelly!
After two or so years of fussing, they tell me I have fibromyalgia and
arthritis and a host of other odds and ends. After 30 years of
migraines, it takes a lot to stop me, but it does slow me down.
Swimming has been my best ally.
When you can afford it, get a peter pugger - it took me 12 years, but
it has been well worth the wait and the cost. I can get the clay
exactly the way I want it! In the meanwhile, wrapping a wet towel
around the block of clay then wrapping it back in the plastic bag for a
while does wonders. Some suppliers will mix a batch extra soft for you
if you order enough at a time. There may even be a potter in your area
willing to run your clay through a pugmill for you to soften it for
you.
As for throwing the clay on the ground to soften it, it can be useful
for certain types. No reason you can't cut it into smaller pieces
first.
When needing to wedge a big ball of clay for large pieces, I learned to
wedge smaller balls and then just put them together for the large ball.
I would always cone it up and down a few times to give it an extra mix
though before opening up.
Hope this helps!
Darlene Yarnetsky
Mudcat Pottery, Madison Indiana
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