My handmade bonsai pots

[stav121]

Hello there,

During this summer’s heat wave, I decided to spend some time trying to create my own bonsai pots, just for fun. Having no previous ceramics experience, I did a lot of online research on clay types, curing methods and times, underglazes, and firing.

Tools & Materials:

• Goerg & Schneider Stoneware Clay (254)
• Amaco Underglazes
• A bunch of shaping tools I made from leftover chopsticks we had lying around the house

These pots have been fired twice — once for the bisque firing and once at Cone 6 — in a shared kiln in my area.

Pot #1



Pot #2



Pot #3


Pot #4


Pot #5


Pot #6


You might notice that most of them are round — that’s partly because I really like round pots, and partly because a bonsai turntable comes in really handy when working with clay as a beginner.

I just wanted to share them, hear your opinions, and most of all, get any tips on how I can improve.

Special thanks to Greg Ceramics on YouTube — this channel is a gold mine for anyone wanting to get into pottery.

 

[BonsaiBonsai]

Interesting. Keep going I would say. Like #1 the most.

 

[stav121]

Interesting. Keep going I would say. Like #1 the most.

#1 is my favorite too, it is also the latest one I made.

 

[BonsaiPoppie]

I like the colors. Nice pots. My wife does pottery and she makes pots of all sizes for me.

 

[BrightsideB]

Hello there,

During this summer’s heat wave, I decided to spend some time trying to create my own bonsai pots, just for fun. Having no previous ceramics experience, I did a lot of online research on clay types, curing methods and times, underglazes, and firing.

Tools & Materials:

• Goerg & Schneider Stoneware Clay (254)
• Amaco Underglazes
• A bunch of shaping tools I made from leftover chopsticks we had lying around the house

These pots have been fired twice — once for the bisque firing and once at Cone 6 — in a shared kiln in my area.

Pot #1
View attachment 617586
View attachment 617587

Pot #2
View attachment 617588
View attachment 617589

Pot #3
View attachment 617590

Pot #4
View attachment 617591

Pot #5
View attachment 617595

Pot #6
View attachment 617594

You might notice that most of them are round — that’s partly because I really like round pots, and partly because a bonsai turntable comes in really handy when working with clay as a beginner.

I just wanted to share them, hear your opinions, and most of all, get any tips on how I can improve.

Special thanks to Greg Ceramics on YouTube — this channel is a gold mine for anyone wanting to get into pottery.

I learned a lot from Greg’s channel as well! He makes it look easier lol. What matters is if you like the pots. There is also the method of pinch pots and carving a pot out of a block of clay. I primarily do slab builds. But pinch pots are a lot of fun and can make many shapes easily as small pots.

 

[stav121]

I learned a lot from Greg’s channel as well! He makes it look easier lol. What matters is if you like the pots. There is also the method of pinch pots and carving a pot out of a block of clay. I primarily do slab builds. But pinch pots are a lot of fun and can make many shapes easily as small pots.

I find that slabs are the most beginner friendly to be honest. What I have yet to find out is how to not make a complete mess around the house whenever I make a new pot.