To Hand-Build or Not To Hand-Build; That is My Question

Fern Platter–My initiation to hand-building

When I took my first pottery lesson, I was encouraged to try hand-building THEN throwing, but I wanted on the wheel. Until this year, I said I would get around to hand-building, but I didn't want to sacrifice time at the wheel for fear I would forget how to throw! But, it was time, so I made hand-building one of my pottery goals for the year, and I've been very slow to start.

My first project was a platter brought about by necessity. My darling husband broke our one large platter that we use each Thanksgiving for the turkey; he neglected to mention this until I noticed it was missing. So, when some friends were about to build platters earlier in the year, I decided it was a good time to work on my goal. Debbie still talks about how I complained through the project! It was the glazing that was so time-consuming. I swore I'd never do another (and I haven't done another platter).

Hand-built Button Vase

I often use a little hand-building to form decorative accents to my wheel-thrown pottery, but I just couldn't seem to commit to the art for its own sake. Other potters I know who are primarily hand-builders do beautiful work, but I didn't have the patience to join them.

Recently, I was unable to use the wheel one night, so I decided to hand-build a vase. This is definitely one hand-building project I'll repeat! Originally, I wanted to use a fig motif, but this particular vase wanted to be something else. As I was adding ruffled edges, I thought about a woman's blouse and used the stamp I had just made to add "buttons". Overall, I'm pleased with the result (Debbie says I'm never 100 percent pleased with anything; I just see where improvements could be made).

Button detail

I am thinking about making more vases using botanical themes following the seasons. I still want to do a vase with the fig motif, and my figs are not yet ripe, so now would be a good time to make one. These vases are a nice little diversion when fitting lids to honey pots and butter crocks becomes too tiresome.

I'm also working on a wind chime with hand-built turtles and snails. The turtles are adorable! I'm trying to think of more reasons to make more turtles! The snails are in the kiln; I hope they come out as cute. Sometime this week, I'll have to construct it. I'll post a picture when I figure it out!