10 Tips for Carving Pottery

Here Ann details 10 Tips For Carving Pottery - the clay, the tools. the techniques. Follow along with Ann to learn or enhance your carving skills. Ann also shares how she adds design features (in this case a cute bird) to your pottery. Its also a relaxing pottery video to just sit back and enjoy!
*UPDATE:* Head over to the Community section of our channel to see the final piece! Let us know what you think! / littlestreetpottery
If you would like to learn Ann's underglaze painting, glazing, and decorating process then check out Ann's Video Workshop Series. These workshops are very detailed (typically 1.5 - 2 hours in length) where Ann provides step by step instruction and are designed to help potters take their work to new levels of craftsmanship and artistry. vimeo.com/show...
HERE ARE THE LINKS TO SOME OF THE TOOLS ANN USES:
(If you buy stuff from one of these links, either a winning lottery number will come to you in a dream or your phone number will come to a telemarketer in a dream)
An affordable tool kit with carving stuff in it: amzn.to/2VcGOWm
Carving Tools from our friends at Diamondcore: diamondcoretoo....
Xiem Tools X-Bevel Bevel Cutter for Pottery and Ceramics:
amzn.to/3jbsBAT
Cutting Mats: amzn.to/3iHNRzq
Hand Extruders from our friends at Diamondcore: diamondcoretoo....
Here is the rubber mats we use to make our stamps: amzn.to/3etFx3z
Dowel Rods: amzn.to/3dgHJuZ
ProPlus Sponge: amzn.to/35963KE
Ultimate Edger: amzn.to/2Ss5zMX
Brushes Ann Uses: amzn.to/3orvX4...
Best Red Ribs Package: amzn.to/35Q2Gr...
The Cameras we use: amzn.to/3n79LM...
Best Cheap Lens we film with: amzn.to/3jiHOyW
ALL of the music used by Little Street Pottery is legally licensed from Artlist

[@annruel9142]

NOTE: If you try these techniques on a grogged clay, wiping with a sponge or wet brush will result in washing away the smooth top layer of clay to reveal the gritty grog underneath and may disrupt the smoothness of the design.

[@jackiestoklas6015]

Ann, thank you so much for your carving videos. I love carving, but I am self taught and sometimes scrambling in the dark. These tips help me reach higher and my work feels less amateur.

[@JolenaRogers]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I'm a beginner and love your videos. I'm learning a lot from your videos. I start my classes next week to learn how to do it and I think I have a upper hand on everyone else since I have been watching your videos.

[@karencooper6634]

I knew at clay and carving but after watching this video , I think I’m working with grogged clay but I still learned. Thank you

[@annruel1982]

@@karencooper6634 Oh good Karen. I am glad you found it helpful. I really think you will get better results if you switch to a clay without grog. It will make a world of difference. Good luck.

[@knightclan4]

I just started pottery and really love to carve my cups and small bowls. Since I can't throw very thin walls yet, carving lets me salvage a heavy wobbly cup into something worth giving away. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience I'm subscribing!

[@tricialee5]

Thanks for the detailed, easy-to-understand instruction. Since it's not possible (for me) to complete all the carving steps in one sitting, what is your suggestion for keeping the clay 'workable'? Damp box and covering with plastic? Would you ever lightly spritz the piece with water to hydrate? Especially helpful is your method of adding a sprig of clay where deeper impression is indicated. Can't thank you enough for your kindness in sharing your skills and creativity.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

The damp box works well with me if I am working on it over several days. Just covering with plastic works if I know I'll finish in a couple days. I've seen some potters spritz their pieces - I've avoided that being concerned with the consistency of the moisture throughout the piece. Thanks for watching!

[@Mariede425]

Thanks Ann, I am especially thankful for you showing how to use the BACK side of that tool! dont know why Ive never tried that before...but here is shows that there is ALWAYS something to learn, no matter how long you've been doing stuff (I've been carving for about 5 yrs and NEVER honestly NEVER thought of using this tool that way) Thanks Ann!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Marie! Glad you enjoyed it...would love to hear a few of your tips!!

[@jeennie3689]

This was so interesting. I never would have thought to make one side of the leaf more detailed than the other. I really enjoy your videos!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks so much 😊

[@micheledickey4066]

Wow! Once again you have shown me that something is doable that may look too hard! Taking it one step at a time makes it so much less overwhelming than looking at a finished piece and saying no way can I do that!! I had no idea about taking the clay away from the object that is supposed to stand out. Sound silly but I never realized that was how it was done! Thanks you so much. Can’t wait to see the vase finished!!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Michele!

[@raygeorge4553]

Ann your work is just divine..... 'Patience is a virtue' and sure have it ! Just great tutorial, thank you😍

[@maggiefranks6849]

I appreciate detail and small work like this. Happy accidents are great but intentionally capturing nature in sculpture is something I strive for. Well done!

[@zoekane4012]

Love the piece. Looking forward to seeing it finished! TFS!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Coming soon! Will post in the community section - thinking about a nice turquoise...

[@jodiceason4282]

@@LittleStreetPottery Where is the community section? I MUST see this once it's glazed. It's amazing, and you are so talented!

[@paulafalgas7535]

This is the best video I have seen I am just starting to carve pottery and I loved that you recommended clays and tools and how and what each if for. I plan to watch your other videos and I'm trying to find online classes specific to carving if you know of anyone or anyplace. Thanks so much Paula

[@cbisme6414]

I've just found your channel and this is the second I've watched, I absolutely loved it, took me back to a four week workshop I did and forgot about. When I finished the teacher suggested I enter mine in a state exhibition, I visited the exhibition and came across mine with a Ribbon and 3rd Place, I was blown away. I'm retired now and looking at videos but now I want to have a go again, it must be at least 30-35 years since. Thank you 👐

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Welcome aboard! Get back into it!!

[@embee7434]

Your videos are consistently excellent. This one is no exception!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Em...I appreciate the kind words and you watching our channel!

[@barbaragilson4852]

Thank You Ann for sharing your time and skills. As always I enjoy and learn from your work. I look forward to trying my hand at relief carving.

[@YvonneCeramics]

Love the creativity of using made from home tools. Appreciate you sharing!

[@pookiesmemaw]

Love it! You are so talented!!!

[@gailfeinman9163]

Thank you Ann! Love watching you carve reliefs and modify thrown forms. Would love to see more carving. Also, could you update the link to the brushes you use? It doesn't bring them up. Thanks again, Gail.

[@hilarywalker8489]

Thank you for your detailed and complete demonstration!! This has been super helpful. You are developing the skills of today's potters- Thank you again!

[@martinraeside]

Wow, this looks like a great way to add interest and dimension to objects without adding bulk and weight. I sometimes make flutes, and you don't want them too heavy, so this could work.

[@Nana19912]

This video is so informative and relaxing at the same time. Thank you

[@violetthacker]

Fantastic video. I would love to see more like this.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks, will do! Thanks for watching!

[@stephaniebart-horvath1382]

I’ve been binge watching your videos all morning. I learn something new each time I see them. I love watching your carving techniques and appreciate the helpful hints about everything from clay bodies to drying to tools that achieve different effects. Question: when you get a chance, could you go over how to tell when the clay is at the perfect stages of dryness. I still have problems with that. Thanks so much, Ann!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Good idea for a video - we'll put it on the list! Thanks.!

[@ljbinghamify]

Loved watching the details come of this vase (and bird) come alive. Thank you for sharing the precess😊 with us.

[@mkm1225]

Beautiful, and fantastic tips! Love your work , Ann.

[@ApocalypseLounge]

Amazingly informative video! One of the best instructional pottery videos on KZbin!

[@janlewis9099]

Thank you Anne!! Another detailed video, making the impossible seem possible.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Jan - glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@jacklynstoklas3575]

Thank you. I love carving, but I'm self taught. It's so nice to get instruction.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Me too! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@lolafloadefope827]

This was absolutely beautiful! Clear evidence of your talent... and patience! I love these videos, so creative and helpful!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching! You might like this weeks video coming Saturday...a Zen like carving technique...stay tuned!

[@Copa_red]

You teach us a new dimention of clay art, nice and thanks lot

[@jenellfrog]

Wow! Thank you for sharing your artistic gift. It was so satisfying to watch this vase come to life!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@evaromain3199]

Thank you for these clear tips. Very helpful.

[@marlaferrara4557]

Very, very helpful. Detailed description of tools and technques you use. I'm about to take a sculpture class. I intend to start with relief tiles as a beginner. I feel much better prepared after watching your video.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Glad it was helpful!

[@louisequinby7110]

Wow Ann, you shared such a great way to add depth and realism that I haven't seen in other videos. I have been looking at pottery in art museums and wondering how to get more depth. Now I know!!

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Great video, the pace is great, no wasted time, I am just starting doing Bonsai pots and have over a dozen ready for the first fire

[@jackiemorrison6024]

You are amazing, I learn so much from you!! Thank you so very much!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching Jackie!

[@MsRain49]

So fun, and beautiful! I'm excited to see more of your videos. ❤

[@marcosdanielcruz3031]

These are my favorite videos, thanks for your hard work

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching Marcos!

[@annettebowen1540]

Like….I so love your details!! Beautiful and instructional, Thank-You

[@sharonkinnear7210]

Great user friendly video. Please do more. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@Pottedlady]

Thanks so much for the video, your work is beautiful, thanks for being so giving of your knowledge ♥️

[@elizabethhay3975]

Thank you so much for your generous sharing of information! I am an artist working in PMC (Precious Metal Clay) and I was looking to find some techniques to create birds and animals for a new jewelry line. Your instructions are well-explained and shown, and I'm so happy to have found your channel!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Glad it was helpful and you found us!

[@barbaragilson4852]

Thank You Ann,as always,your instructions and tips are perfectly done.I now know how to achieve foreground,middle and background details.

[@nancyhayes4626]

I LOVE your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. You make it look so easy.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Nancy!

[@leneferreira4526]

I love your work. And I enjoy watching 😊 Thank you 🙏🏼

[@GingerLouis]

A very demo, I’m new to carving and liked your pattern. I’ll be sure to use your techniques. Thank you for sharing.

[@StephanieStephens-zr9jk]

Loved watching this video. Thank you for sharing. I am early in my pottery journey, but your videos are always informative, engaging, and interesting.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dennystewart3238]

I LOVE your videos and your work! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@aprildawn9578]

Reminds Rose Wine Bottle absolutely lovely .My favorite !🌹

[@dagnarieland5366]

Thank you for these amazing videos!

[@j.gustavsen7571]

Uhh you make such beautiful pieces ! THANK YOU for sharing 😘

[@AnnLansom]

Inspirational..thoroughly enjoyed this...thank you!

[@colettevarize4230]

You are incredible Ann. I’ve just started to carve and this is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. Aloha and mahalo

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Aloha!

[@kalatitati8795]

Love it! Please do a video on the final product!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Will do!! If we dont do a video, we will post the final product in the community section on our page. Thanks!

[@fruitlessbeast]

Hooray for mentioning the damp box!

[@xm3364]

Will try this technique on my mugs! The 3D bird provided a focus point-I think. Like the effect of popping out and had done a jug with tulips-used flat clay to attach on the surface and shape the petals and leaves. Waiting for firing :-)

[@maryfisher2582]

This was very helpful, both in technique and inspiration! Thanks so much!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching Mary!

[@maryfisher2582]

@@LittleStreetPottery used the techniques from your video today. The piece is going to be great! Thanks so much.

[@ClaytonCurry-il8yn]

Wah, jago banget! Suka caranya ngebuat potterynya, mungkin coba tipsnya nanti. Thanks for sharing!

[@angelbiscuits]

This video has been more helpful than my college ceramics professor's lectures. Thank you!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Glad they are helpful to you!

[@carolynpollack1083]

I really liked how you did this project. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@tracybrislin]

Thank you for sharing your techniques in such detail! what a gift to us all. Most wouldn't dare divulge such subtle tricks. Helped a ton!

[@nhtoaz]

So beautiful. Can’t wait to try this technique

[@XenobiaF]

Beautiful!

[@Yagyavalakya]

Beautiful work

[@kalpakumar]

great ..very detailed instructions. Thanks will definitely try

[@clairebradbury11]

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@jimruel2121]

Thanks Claire!

[@frankeager]

Awesome as always!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

High praise from you Frank - thanks!

[@lacchoo]

Beautiful ❤

[@milapires1349]

Thanks Ann!! Great vídeo!!❤️

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Really beautiful!

[@nataliewalker3095]

Wonderful informative video…..I’d love to see it finished after glazing!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

We will glaze and post in the community section on KZbin. Thanks!

[@rutilopata8294]

Breathtaking work! Thank you Ann, I love placing birds on my work but your perspective of it is wonderful! Thanks again for your patient carving🙏🏻😁✨🌹

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thank you Ruti!

[@kathybrandt6060]

I love the vase. Watching you work is so relaxing. After watching the video I realized that it’s almost 6 months old. Have you published a picture of this and it’s finished form? Thank you, Kathy

[@LittleStreetPottery]

In the Community section you will see. Thanks.

[@skullingtonfly]

Wonderful work 👏👏👏

[@robertgardner1498]

great video and narration!

[@jsud5559]

Absolutely enchanting❣️

[@artgirlmermaid]

Very informative and lovely. Generous artist to share so much.. thank you

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@sharonolson3833]

Wonderful technique

[@sandiricherson7484]

This is an excellent video... thank you! I also appreciate that the background music wasn't too loud and overbearing.

[@HannahMitchell-Art]

So helpful!

[@eildonn]

Great teacher!

[@viviannesmith9655]

gorgeous 😍🤩

[@ninelmarkovic3093]

Thank you so so much. This info is very helpful

[@easterazali9237]

Simply gorgeous ! 💖🌹

[@debbthebee]

I love your process and the finished vase is it possible to see it after glaze firing. Deborah

[@deeharris2469]

Amazing work, love your videos!

[@dianeuranowski3694]

Thank you for the lesson; well done! I wonder, has the vase been fired and glazed? I would love to see the completed vase -- hoping you did a tutorial of underglazing it! Thanks again!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Yes, check out the community section on the channel to see the finished piece. Thanks!

[@simratduggal1957]

Very inspirational video. Makes me want to do some carving RIGHT NOW

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Would love to see your carvings! Thanks for watching!

[@debrabarber-wilson3305]

Beautiful

[@jeannettehoward7990]

Very lovely!

[@jennylakeman1506]

Very cool tools!

[@noregrets7469]

Absolutely stunning🌹

[@seahorseceramics]

Hi, I love your videos. I really like, and admire, your decorating technique. You have a very pleasant voice, and your productions values are solid. Please continue what you are doing. I'd love to see very slow, detailed video of your drawing, and decorating some of the bird mugs. I'd love to hear your process of design elements and how you frame in some areas and add background pattern to others. I'm really commenting because you asked for comments. Keep doing what you do, its excellent.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Jessica! I have some courses available that go into more detail (usually 1-2 hours long, links in description) you may want to look at the trailers to see if that is what you are looking for. We are thinking of doing a video on design so hang in there... thanks for the feedback!

[@theonly6359]

Thanks you very much. 🙏🏾 I subscribed 💫

[@Pherine1]

WOW!!!!! Excellent tutorial, you made it look so easy that even I could do it :)

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Ha! You CAN do it...have fun with it!

[@lorirodgers8981]

Wonderful!

[@wcouch8]

Very talented!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thank you! 😊

[@hussicots]

Very helpful thank you!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Jennifer! I appreciate you watching our channel!

[@jennifermeintjes7971]

Thank you, really helpful

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Glad to hear! Thanks for watching Jennifer!

[@karenwick2461]

I love your vision on carving. How thick do you have to make the walls of the vase so that you don't ruin its integrity?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

1/4” is optimal but you don’t always have that luxury. If I don’t break through the wall then I say “it’s good”. 😊

[@analiagarciarena7272]

Hermoso trabajo no entiendo lo que dices pero entiendo tus bellas manos gracias

[@chrisp7548]

Just beautiful! Would love to see it glazed,

[@LittleStreetPottery]

You can see it in the Community Section on our channel. Thanks!

[@chrisp7548]

@@LittleStreetPottery Love it!