86 of 86 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great introduction to hand-build, wonderful projects, 12 July 2001
By Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hand Building Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Hardcover)
Another installment in the excellent Ceramics Class series, this is an excellent book for beginners who need detailed instructions a want great variety of projects.
The book starts out explaining the properties and types of clay as well as clay mixtures, maturing temperatures, porosity and tools used. Twenty projects follow using a variety of techniques including creating pinch pots, and building with coils, strips and slabs. For each technique there are four projects with clear step-by-step instructions. There is a color photo for each step that really helps show you what to do.
Some projects include a textured spherical vase, a coiled rectangular bottle, a cup built with strips and a slab-built wall. My husband collects rhinoceroses so I was thrilled to find instructions for building a detailed rhino sculpture. I liked an organic looking bowl and abstract giraffe shaped piece as well.
A brief explanation of kilns and firing as well as a glossary are included in the back. This book concentrates on the building process and is the perfect companion to the Glazing Techniques booking the same series.
56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Something for everyone, 8 Jan 2003
By MotherLodeBeth "MotherLodeBeth" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hand Building Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Hardcover)
I do pottery, mostly bowls and was pleasantly surprised at how informative this book was for someone like me who has been doing clay work for decades. I like the clear instructions and the fact that kilns were discussed since so many books on clay work I have read or own, do not discuss what one needs as far as kiln size, safety etc.
If you are the least bit curious and want to try your hand at clay work see if the library has the book or order it from Amazon where the price is extremely reasonable.
38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good techniques to incorporate to your style., 28 Jan 2000
By rafael geraldino - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hand Building Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Hardcover)
I was surprised to see how 64 pages could be filled wth lots of valuable information. All of which are short and to the point. In the clay section he offers two different clay recipes for each type of clay discribed. In the project section, each project is throughly explained with "how to" photographs. Most of the projects are worth the time doing since the techniques can be incorporated into the potters style.