1. It all begins with a ball of clay
Every piece starts with a simple ball of clay.
The first challenge is centring it on the potter's wheel. This means carefully working the clay until it runs perfectly true and becomes completely balanced. Once it's centred, I can begin shaping it into the pot I have in mind.
It's a wonderfully satisfying process… when it behaves!
2. Time to rest
Freshly thrown clay is far too soft to work on any further, so the pot is set aside to dry naturally.
After a little time, it reaches what's known as the leather-hard stage. The clay still contains moisture but has become firm enough to hold its shape while remaining easy to carve and refine.
It's one of my favourite stages because the pot starts to feel much more substantial.
3. Trimming and adding the finishing touches
Once the clay has reached the perfect consistency, it's returned to the wheel.
Using trimming tools, I carefully remove any excess clay, refine the shape and smooth the surface. This is also the stage where decorative details or textures can be added.
These little finishing touches help give each piece its own character.
4. More patience…
Now it's simply a waiting game.
The pot needs to dry completely before it can be fired. Depending on the weather, temperature and humidity, this might take several days or even a few weeks.
Clay has a habit of teaching patience!
5. The first firing
Once the piece is completely dry, it's ready for its first trip into the kiln.
This firing is called the bisque firing (sometimes known as a biscuit firing). It removes any remaining moisture from the clay, leaving the pot hard, strong and porous enough to accept decoration and glaze.
It's always exciting opening the kiln after a firing.
6. Decorating
Now the fun really begins.
Each piece is decorated by hand using underglazes to add colour and pattern. Before glazing, I also carefully apply liquid wax to the base of each pot to stop the glaze sticking to the kiln shelf during firing.
It's one of those little jobs most people never see, but it's an important part of the process.
7. Glazing
Glaze is what gives a ceramic its beautiful finish.
Whether transparent or coloured, it's applied by dipping, pouring or painting before the pot returns to the kiln once again.
During firing, the glaze melts to create a smooth, glass-like surface that makes the ceramic waterproof, durable and food safe.
It's often impossible to know exactly how the finished glaze will look until the kiln has cooled, which always adds a little excitement!
8. Ready for a new home
The final firing is complete.
The kiln door opens (always with a mixture of excitement and crossed fingers!), and each piece is carefully checked before it's ready to be photographed, packed and sent off to its new home.
From a simple ball of clay to a finished ceramic, every piece has travelled quite a journey.
Handmade takes time
When you choose handmade pottery, you're choosing much more than the finished object.
You're choosing weeks of careful making, waiting, refining, decorating and firing. Every stage requires patience, attention and a little trust that the clay will do what you hope it will.
No two pieces will ever be exactly alike, and that's part of what makes them so special.
For me, those tiny differences are a reminder that every Loopline ceramic has been made slowly, thoughtfully and entirely by hand.
Thank you for being part of that journey.
Zoe & Margot x
A little question...
Was there a stage that surprised you?
I'd love to know! Most people are amazed to discover just how many steps a single handmade ceramic goes through before it's ready to be used, loved and enjoyed in its new home.
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