Making a Santa Fe Style Pot
Santa Fe style ceramic pots have a unique shape that requires special pot throwing techniques. Find out how to make your own pot with this free instructional ceramics video series.
Series Summary
Ceramics are art works made out of clay bodies that harden with the application of heat. Originating in Chinese, Cretan, Greek, Roman, and Mayan cultures, ceramics have a long history that dates back to the third millennium BC. Pottery was used to create food and water jars, decorative bowls, sacred urns, and religious idols. Potters most traditionally use their hands, but several tools have been developed to aid in the ceramic making process, including the potter's wheel. Ceramics range from functional vessels to decorative sculptures, and remain both a long loved craft as well as a fine art. A functional and decorative piece is the Santa Fe style pot. This pot has a narrow base and widens at the belly with a narrow opening. It is a great beginner's project to learn pottery techniques like collaring and shaping. In this free instructional ceramics video series, learn about the tools you need, as well as clay preparation techniques. Find out how easy it is to get started on the potter's wheel making uniquely handmade pieces of art and function.-
Santa Fe Style Pot Dismount
Dismount your Santa Fe style pot from the wheel with a simple wire tool. Learn pot dismounting techniques with tips from a master potter in this free ceramics video.
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Santa Fe Style Pot Clay Compression
For a Santa Fe style pot, clay compression reduces the possibility of air bubbles and cracks. See how to compress clay for pot making with tips from a master potter in this free ceramics video.
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Santa Fe Style Pot Throwing Basics
Basic pot throwing techniques for a Santa Fe style pot include first determining the size of the opening. Learn how to begin throwing a pot with tips from a master potter in this free ceramics video.
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Santa Fe Style Pot Shaping
Shaping a Santa Fe style pot can be done with a few pottery tools. See how to achieve a Santa Fe shape with tips from a master potter in this free ceramics video.
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Santa Fe Style Pot Smoothing Tools
Tools for smoothing a Santa Fe style pot include a potter's knife and metal rib tools. See how these smoothing tools work with tips from a master potter in this free ceramics video.
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Santa Fe Style Pot Throwing
When throwing a Santa Fe style pot, it is important to pull clay from the base to the belly. Learn correct clay placing methods with tips from a master potter in this free ceramics video.
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Santa Fe Style Pot Clay Wedging & Centering
Wedging and centering the clay for a Santa Fe style pot ensures a symmetrical finished piece. Learn how to center your clay on the potter's wheel with tips from a master potter in this free ceramics video.
