How I fix cracked pottery!

In this pottery tutorial I'll demonstrate how I fix a cracked pot that should have gone straight into the reclaim bucket. This crack ran completely through the wall of the mug, and in the process of rehydrating the pot, more cracks formed. I've never attempted to fix a Crack this bad before. Can I actually do it?
Music composed by Melody Reid.

[@c.o.f.pottery]

Love watching your channel…. Just wanted to suggest using a make shift damping box instead. Get a bucket with a good lid that comes off easily. Get a car sponge (one of the big ones we typically use to clean up) poor @1/2” to 1 “ of water- less than half the sponge height laying flat. Place the piece on the sponge and leave it for usually 3-7days. It will come back slowly and not cause any cracking elsewhere. This technique is also good if a piece dried out of round or has an indent that needs to be fixed. The redampening does take longer but without fighting over wetting etc. Hope it’s helpful for you in the future.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Thank you!

[@dianemoore5985]

I was amazed that it worked. In my beginner status that pot would be a success, not a 'second' at all. Thanks for filming this journey from potential recycle to success🎉

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Lol, you weren't the only one amazed. It seriously was the worst crack I've ever tried.

[@lindagoesel3815]

Huge fan of Vaughn ( westcote pottery). Felt so bad about his tragedy and there he was smiling and saying how fortunate he was. What a marvelous person, so thank you for planning fish. My class starts again soon and I'm going to attempt to make one as well because I was planning on buying one from him. So let's do our part to help make this wonderful person a little happier. Wish me luck I'm only a 1 year potter.

[@3_Cats_Pottery]

Did I miss something? I follow Vaughn... is there a time stamp in the video?

[@hobblecreekpottery]

@3_Cats_Pottery in the middle of his last video, his gallery was struck by lightning and caused a small fire.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

I agree! He's a wonderful person and definitely calm under pressure!

[@kaykaneetitmccoy2349]

Ahhh you are such an inspiration. Thank you for a very worthwhile video. The mug turned out great btw! Greetings from England

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Thank you! I have family there in Oxford. I really want to visit.

[@wendymoyle1328]

I have to tell you. I was explaining slip to my 6 yr old granddaughter when she interrupted me, "you don't have to tell me about slip nanna, I've learnt all about it from Hobble Creek!" Apparently, she's been watching all your videos on my phone when she visits! Anyway your cracks video is very informative and my granddaughter watched it with me!

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Lol! My grandson watches me too and knows sooo much about clay. I love it. Thank you.

[@cariadwales1979]

I saw Vaughans video and it was great. I cant wait to see your version of fish too.

[@maryglancy9024]

I allways use the dry clay of the pot grind it to a powder add dry gum Arabic half and half then make into loose paste not too dry and fill cracks in dry or damp pots and I have had hundred percent success I also always use the same mix to join pottery and I have never had any joins come apart thank you for your joining method I think it will be useful for people to know different methods good potting

[@tegannottelling]

Cool. I'm going to give it a go with a cracked mug handle I just have had sitting on the shelf that I know I should recycle but I just haven't been able to destroy just because it's just the most perfect shape/size/form. I have recycled others without a second thought but every time I pick this one up to recycle it I can't bring myself to do it. so I put it back on the drying shelf. It's just so nice..... bar a small crack, tiny tiny crack.... but it is porcelain so.... wish me luck 🤣🤣🤣

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Much luck! Get the whole mug wet, not just the handle and the odds will be more in your favor. The wet paper towel is the key. And time. Let me know how it goes.

[@tegannottelling]

@@hobblecreekpottery Thank you I will

[@SarahWaltonPottery]

Amazing Gurl!!! I’ve never tried dunking a piece in water before! I typically will use a damp box and rehydrate it slowly! I’ll have to try that! Thanks for the video! Love how we share!! Xo

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Me too! I've done this many times with handles on mugs that separate, but this was by far the worst crack I've tried to repair. I've also rehydrated cylinders that have become too dry to add a handle by dunking them and then adding the handle.

[@Alaineolier-zs5bd]

Another helpful video- Thank you 😊

[@sheilacarroll3981]

Great tutorial. Thank you

[@sharonpieri1896]

You are amazing and a great teacher.wish I was closer to you! In PA. Love the mug by the way...watched the video I believe where you made it.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh, thank you!

[@carolynpollack1083]

Hi. This was interesting. I've tried fixing cracks ... sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't ... mostly doesn't 😅. I have a friend who does decoupage. She takes the ones I stuff up, and they look awesome once she's decoupaged them. I watch Vaughn Smith, as well. I'm going to make a fish after watching his last video.

[@barbarablanclovedthis.very3875]

Really clever. And cute fish.

[@carolynsnyder7043]

Great tips, thank you

[@AZrestlessnative]

I saw that from Vaughan and I’m going to try fish too!

[@lindagoesel3815]

Oh, gosh, thank you for your video. I personally think if I make something and it cracks, it's a gonner. Our teacher tells us not to fall in love with anything we make until it's home😂. ❤

[@hobblecreekpottery]

I agree with her to a point. That's hard to do when you spend a lot of time on a piece. It's easier the more you make to be objective and let things go and remake. But I fall a little in love with each piece I make. Pottery is seductive. I do tell my students that it's just clay and encourage them to try and save if they are in love with a piece because they will learn more with mistakes than successes.

[@lindagoesel3815]

@@hobblecreekpottery I know, the minute I complete an item I love it, I just don't say it out loud. 😜

[@hobblecreekpottery]

@@lindagoesel3815 lol

[@heididerksen8227]

Thanks that's a great tip

[@jackiestoklas6015]

Great tip. I'm also a fan of Vaughn. He could have started a fish epidemic😂.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Lol, he might have. My students are making them too.

[@kathygodfrey3158]

Beautiful 😍 Would you please share how you achievemed the beautiful texture? Is it a rolling pin? Thanks

[@hobblecreekpottery]

I show how I made this actual mug by creating my own texture template by rolling in flowers from my garden onto a slab, then bisque firing the template to be used over and over.

[@kathygodfrey3158]

@@hobblecreekpottery Wow. Beautiful 🤩 thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills 😊

[@annewatkis5824]

I’ve just mended the crack down the complete side of my mug. I’m really hoping it stays together! Thanks for showing us how to do that.

[@momadhis]

I loved it.... except my cracks are happening after it's fired. "cracked bisques". >.

[@Nicole-gr7gg]

I have a question: how heavy (weight) is a finished cup from you? I have the feeling that my cups are always too heavy

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Most of my mugs are a pound of clay to start them they weigh less when they dry. Keep practicing, you'll get there.

[@Nicole-gr7gg]

@@hobblecreekpottery thank you for your answer. I am from Germany and i love your pottery and all your good tips. 👍😘