Chris Schafale on sun 2 apr 00
In the spirit of my own plea for summaries of off-list posts, here's
the summary of what I heard on the topic of how to teach a 6-week,
a little of everything class. Lots of people said it was impossible,
then very kindly instructed me on how to do it.
Most people agreed that it was best to start with hand-building,
then go on to the wheel, at which point some of the class probably
would be entranced with handbuilding and wouldn't be competing
for the limited wheels. Several mentioned the usefulness of having
detailed handouts that would help people work more independently
on handbuilding projects while I work with a subgroup on the wheel.
Any suggestions for simple but interesting hand-building projects?
I am not a hand-builder, and am least comfortable with this part of
the class. We will have access to a slabroller and extruder.
Thanks to all for your generous suggestions and offers of help.
Chris
Light One Candle Pottery
Fuquay-Varina, NC
candle@intrex.net
http://www.lightonecandle.com
Jan Brown Gleason on mon 3 apr 00
In response to some simple hand building ideas:
One was taking extruded shapes and making vases out of them by attaching a
slab bottom. The students were quite creative in how they individualized
theirs. Some attached multiple cylindars, some carved out interesting shapes
from them, some attached a thrown neck, etc.
Another idea was to show them how to make boxes, simple plates and templates
for the slab rolled clay.
After repeated sessions of wheel thrown classes, they were eager to try
something new. I simply showed them how to use the extruder, how to make
slabs, how to attach them together. I left some slabs and extruded pieces
out for them to experiment with. When they found that they liked it, they
were inspired to make more.
Rubenesqe@aol.com (Jan Brown-Gleason)
Expressions Pottery Workshop
Avon, Connecticut
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Any suggestions for simple but interesting hand-building projects?
I am not a hand-builder, and am least comfortable with this part of
the class. We will have access to a slabroller and extruder.
Thanks to all for your generous suggestions and offers of help.
Chris
Light One Candle Pottery
Fuquay-Varina, NC
candle@intrex.net
http://www.lightonecandle.com
Rod, Marian, and Holly Morris on tue 4 apr 00
Aside from the usual wallpockets, hump and slumped pieces, the one I have
lots of fun with is cut floppy slabs for candle holders and small vessels. I
wedge up some very wet clay, shape it into a cube about 6" x 6", then using
very thin dowels for spacers, (like 1/8" or even less), I use the wire to
cut thin floppy slabs. These are very flexible and can be manipulated into
all kinds of organic shapes. Some I wrap around a candle-sized dowel
covered with paper, then peel back the last 1/2 inch or so, and attach a
button sprig some I "gather" up and shape in to flowers, leaves, etc. With
some I flute the edges with a serrated dowel wood joiner. They make very
unique and easy items, and I use the floppy "out-of'controlness" of the
slabs to role model being joyful with shapes that "just happen." This gets
us off on a good experimental foot. Very good for beginners.
PLEASE POST THE RESPONSES! ALL OF US ARE LOOKING FOR NEW IDEAS!
Marian in Michigan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Schafale"
To:
Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2000 1:31 PM
Subject: teaching a 6-week class -- responses
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> In the spirit of my own plea for summaries of off-list posts, here's
> the summary of what I heard on the topic of how to teach a 6-week,
> a little of everything class. Lots of people said it was impossible,
> then very kindly instructed me on how to do it.
>
> Most people agreed that it was best to start with hand-building,
> then go on to the wheel, at which point some of the class probably
> would be entranced with handbuilding and wouldn't be competing
> for the limited wheels. Several mentioned the usefulness of having
> detailed handouts that would help people work more independently
> on handbuilding projects while I work with a subgroup on the wheel.
>
> Any suggestions for simple but interesting hand-building projects?
> I am not a hand-builder, and am least comfortable with this part of
> the class. We will have access to a slabroller and extruder.
>
> Thanks to all for your generous suggestions and offers of help.
>
> Chris
> Light One Candle Pottery
> Fuquay-Varina, NC
> candle@intrex.net
> http://www.lightonecandle.com
>
Mary Lou Lundgren on thu 6 apr 00
Dear All...
As an art teacher, who as a potter, particularly loves clay - this is an
example of a subject I would have liked to have had the oppportunity to
review.
I feel as tho I am missing alot when people reply privately to a person and
not the group. I would rather pass by things I won't want to read than not
read the things I do..........
Chris... thank you for posting this review of the messages you received off
the server - did you get any cool clay projects for elementary age kids?
Loving Clayart,
ML
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