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Today on the Bailey Blog we'll show you how to create ceramic animals! In this five minute video we'll demonstrate making an animal figurine from start to finish. You'll see how we do everything from forming the clay to applying glaze and firing in a test kiln. And, we'll be sharing our material choices with you so you can be ready to put this project to use with your class or at home! This project would be excellent for children or young adults. We hope you enjoy! 

The potter's life as lived by Gerry Williams was exceptional. Gerry Williams will always be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the field of ceramics.

Forty years of innovative ceramic work began with functional earthenware made with red clay he dug from New Hampshire's mudflats. Always changing and evolving, his lifetime body of work includes red earthenware, porcelain, and stoneware; gas-fired and wood-fired; functional ware, sculptural forms, wall plagues, and bold political sculpture. His original research in wet fire technique and his photo resist technique were groundbreaking.

Co-founding both Studio Potter and Phoenix Workshops with his wife Julie in 1972, the Williams were able to share Gerry's love of and enthusiasm for our humble medium worldwide. A potter's life well lived, indeed.

It’s spring but it’s hard to know what to do some days in these times of COVID-19. With social distancing and the complete disruption of our work and play schedules, some days are just plain difficult. Here in our local community, we have found ways to take care of each other and to make sure people at risk are getting what they need while confined to their houses. We've included links to resources.

Create something meaningful that you or someone you know will treasure. Make an impression in clay using your own hand or foot, your child's or your pet's. You can also turn this into a Spring project by making imprints of plants that you collect outside. We've got tips and suggestions for creating this project, and personalizing it, on the Bailey Blog. Have a look!

We'll show you how to create handmade tiles with texture that you can use in your home. Enjoy this quick and helpful video tutorial.

“That was the nice thing about clay,” he said. “If you didn’t like the way something really was, you could always fix it up,”

The exuberant, playful work of David James Gilhooly made him an international sensation in the late 60s through the early 80s. His whimsical ceramic creations began with animals, including zebras and anteaters, and then there were frogs, lots and lots of frogs.

"I love that working with clay is a metaphor for life and involves important life skills such as patience and being “centered”. I’ve learned and re-learned these lessons and sure enough, pretty much every time I try to force something or move too quickly to the next part of the process, the results are not satisfying."

Born into a long lineage of accomplished, traditional pueblo potters in 1970, Cavan Gonzales has added his unique 21st-century interpretation. He has been a leader in the revival of San Idelfonso polychrome pottery. This technique involves the application of three or more layers of colored slip to create designs. Cavan's fine graphic arts skills have been applied to creating new designs inspired not only from the past but also the present by adding elements of technology such as solar energy.

This holiday season, create your own ornaments and glaze them with brilliant Duncan Lusters! In this post, we will demonstrate how you can put your own spin on ceramic ornaments using shape cutters, texture tools, glazes and luster. These ornaments would be great on a tree, adorning a gift or hanging in a window! Make it your way and remember to stay creative!

"I find the frustrating part with ceramics is also the exhilarating part. All could be lost in the kiln if a glaze doesn’t work out, or if something was too wet or too dry. It doesn’t happen often but it is also the addicting part — that moment of opening the kiln is like Christmas morning! Did all my hard work pay off? Did something exciting happen that I wasn’t expecting?