For our final meeting before the Summer break the TriCity Potters were asked to bring in their favourite moulds, stamps and materials they use to give texture to their clay surfaces. I think that it was a useful sharing of ideas and a marvellous opportunity to discuss what we’ve found or have been shown over the years. Several people showed their homemade stamps and we had clay available for others to try them out and perhaps take home the impressions to replicate themselves.

Kay Bonathan showed the plaster moulds she has made and also had some finished pieces which showed how the moulds could be used as a starting point for all sorts of forms.

I made an oval plate using my Walter Ostrem-taught thrown, bisqued ring. My oval, squared, triangular and boat-shaped rings have been used often in my studio with slab-rolled clay slabs. It’s such a time-saver! I also showed some lino-cuts which I’ve used for production of tiles.

We had a good turn-out and most people did think ahead to bring something to show. The excellent T & T cake decorated with our logo and fresh fruit might have been the incentive to come!

Have a happy Summer, lots of creative time or inspiration for later and think about telling your fellow members about your clay adventures in September.