How to Make a Stoneware Crock

Crocks are a good throwing project for a beginner.

Stoneware pottery is fired at a very high temperature, around 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, making it stronger than other types of pottery, such as ceramics which are fired at around 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit. Decorate stoneware with a decal or painted and clear coated, requiring a second firing. Due to its higher firing temperatures, stoneware such as a crock--an earthenware container--can go in the oven, dishwasher or the refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

• Stoneware clay
• Throwing wheel
• Water
• Glaze
• Kiln
• Sponge
• Cutting wire
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Press your clay into a wedge to remove all the air bubbles.

2. Place the clay on the wheel. Spin the wheel slowly and press the clay into a cone shape. Center the clay on the wheel.

3. Hold your thumb steady and press it into of the center of the wheel to create the opening.

4. Draw the sides of the clay up, with study even pressure on the inside and outside of the clay, at the same time. Repeat the pulling action until the walls are about 1/4-inch thick.

5. Separate the piece from the clay base on the wheel with a wire. Allow the piece to rest, until the texture is leather-like.

6. Turn the piece over and center it on the wheel. Secure the crock on the wheel with some spare pieces of clay. For a crock, trim only the inside portion of the base, leaving a half-inch rim for the piece to sit on.

7. Smooth the bottom rim with a damp sponge.

8. Allow the piece to completely dry, and bisque-fire for 9.5 hours in the kiln to finish drying. Allow the crock to cool for an equal amount of time.

9. Dip the crock in the glaze. Glaze fire the crock for 12 hours with a maximum temperature of 2,190 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the crock to cool, undisturbed, in the kiln before removing it. Sand the bottom smooth.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't allow any glaze to remain on the bottom of the crock when firing or it will fuse to the glazing rack.

References

• Gilmer Clayworks: FROM MUD TO MUG: how to make good quality handmade stoneware pottery
• J.H. Pottery: Throwing on the Wheel

Resources

• Sealey's Stoneware: What is Stoneware?