Making a Pebble Cup from start to finish - Satisfying Pottery

The full process of making a Pebble Cup/Mug.
First, the clay needs to be wedged and weighed. I'm throwing a medium size here, so I use 350g of clay for a finished capacity of around 350ml.
Then the mug is thrown. This is the stage that people think of handmade mugs, but in reality it's one of the faster processes. The clay is centred first, then opened, and the walls are pulled up. I then use a rib to smooth the inside as any marks left in the wall will show when it's stamped.
The body is left on the batt overnight before being brought back to the wheel and trimmed. This lets me reduce the weight before adding the stamped pattern, as it wouldn't be possible afterwards.
I use a pebble I found in the woods next to the studio to stamp the pattern into the clay. I try and be as random as possible with the size and depth of the pattern as it gives a really nice variety to the glaze flow.
They're left in a sealed plastic box overnight to firm up a little more. The handles are extruded and left until they are the same level of dryness as the body (the time varies with the weather), then the foot of the mug is trimmed and the handles are attached.
The mugs are then left to dry slowly for about a week before they're loaded into a bisque firing (1025°c), which turns the clay into ceramic. They can now be glazed.
I wax resist the foot of the piece, allowing my car dent puller to grip them. I glaze the outside first, then pour the glaze into the inside. The glazes used here are Selsor Chun, Heath A2V Ivory, and Floating Blue, and the recipes are on glazy.org.
They are then left overnight to dry before being loaded into a cone six (approx 1200°c) firing, where the glazes melt together and flow over the stamped texture to form the final pattern.
There are guides that go into a bit more depth on my blog: www.oldforgecr... but if you have any questions, post them in the comments and I'll answer as best I can!
Link to the tools: www.oldforgecr...
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For examples of my work that's been glazed, check out my Instagram:
/ oldforgecreations
Buy my work, or read more on my blog:
www.oldforgecr...

[@TheWhisleblower]

Thanks for no background "music" its like fresh air.

[@OldForgeCreations]

Thanks! I love the ambient noises of each stage of the process, so it seemed like the best choice to let them speak for themselves

[@catherineyoung3889]

@@OldForgeCreations Yes--some videos get grating after a while with the music. Beautiful effects with the stamping and glaze combinations! Looking forward to putting some of your techniques into practice.

[@JessicaPancake2]

I liked it without the music but it was weird, like if a TV show didn’t have any music haha. Very relaxing though.

[@clementperdana290]

That bird sound.. Who doesn’t love to live there..

[@zionsky3342]

Those birds outside sounded beautiful enough.

[@tesslyden9538]

Thank you for not putting annoying music with this. It afforded us the opportunity to watch your craft from start to finish. Well done.

[@onigireee]

Glaze going in clay brown and coming out all vibrant and glossy is probably one of the best 'magic' tricks in the world... Must be super rewarding to see your piece in full splendor! 💖

[@OldForgeCreations]

The changes in the glaze before and after firing are the best bit, especially when the firing time is cut from 24 hours to a few seconds. If only someone would invent an instant kiln!

[@animulavagulablandula4545]

I see an haikyuu fan I STAN

[@susanbowler6691]

Ikr?, how did anyone ever figure that one out!?

[@anickgauthier691]

​@@OldForgeCreations Hello! Is that what you did? Cut the firing time? And is it the same thickness of glaze that you put in and outside the cup?

[@4gus-rescue]

@@anickgauthier691 He is joking about the firing time...referring to the video only taking a few seconds to fire the cups. :P

[@emilyfarfadet9131]

Lost may grandmother this year, she was a potter. Been missing her work, watching this for the comfort of it.

[@micheledickey4066]

I can’t believe the glaze does that all on its own.

[@OldForgeCreations]

I know! I wish I could record a timelapse from inside the kiln. At the peak temperature the glaze must be flowing like treacle, as it only stays at the highest point for 10 minutes and there's so much movement within the glaze.

[@PaddytotheK]

for me it's also like: WHAT ? HOW ? :D

[@sandsleblanc]

What beautiful creations, you are truly a master craftsman.

[@lenahyllander9228]

Is it an acorn you are using for the dimples?

[@KiMoKo9787]

@@lenahyllander9228 its a small polished stone. My ceramics teacher had a drawer full of little things smooth and all sorts of textures for this. A smooth object will leave a less porus dent, cause the glaze to flow into it smoother, a rough object would 'grab' the glaze drips and pull them into cracks

[@ryucreativeltd7651]

your hands are the greatest tools you will ever own. I am paralysed and lost the use of my hands when I was 18. They are amazing tools and I miss them.

[@daphneraven6745]

[@Jenninef]

Then how tf are you typing (not to sound mean or anything)

[@daphneraven6745]

Mista240 : It does come across a bit mean. Some of us have been using voice dictation software for years.

[@mariahalmazrouei3391]

I wish all the best in life

[@katepanthera7265]

@@Jenninef How tf did you get to be such a jerk (no disrespect or anything)

[@Madigan308]

You are the cleanest clayworker I have ever seen

[@OldForgeCreations]

Haha, it saves a lot of work cleaning at the end if you can avoid making much mess as you go! If only I was the same when cooking...

[@OleanderProducing]

@@OldForgeCreations I was about to say, the same applies for cooking, haha!

[@lynseyadams6584]

@@OldForgeCreations The mess is one of the things that has put me off throwing, apart from being rubbish at it. Seeing how clean you are makes me want to try again. Thanks for a great video and explanation!

[@theicosahed-ron8269]

@@OldForgeCreations lol

[@Nicwalks]

@@OldForgeCreations 😁😁

[@bobmcbob4399]

Top stuff right here. Highest quality - no talk; no music; just the sounds of the work. Fucking brilliant. Instant sub. Masterclass. The workmanship and the effect of the glaze on the piece. So amazing.

[@Cycology_Major]

I’d have absolutely no problem with some quiet commentary as to the materials, process, etc. -& I’ve done this before! But there’s always more to learn.

[@heartsfiregarden6352]

Wow! The quiet in listening to everything was such a nice change from music. It was so peaceful, nearly meditative! The mug is absolutely stunning! You’re so neat in the process too! It’s impressive to watch you work! I’m such a mess when in the studio! I’m usually wearing as much clay and water as what I make! 😆 Thank you for this video. Beautiful! 💜

[@baidykle1]

I used to learn pottery when I was a kid (without the wheel). Then maybe 2 years ago I tried the wheel and oh my God that was difficult! I couldn't keep the shape uniform no matter how many times I tried. This art is really a mastery. Therefore, I have endless respect for artisans like you who have so much precision and patience, and artistic skills. Watching you is so mesmerizing! Thank you for sharing these videos. It's like magic. :) It also almost makes me want to start learning pottery again.

[@suzcapclay]

I had the hardest time centering. It wasn’t until years of imperfection that a student much younger than I showed me how to brace my elbow against my body. That made all the difference. My original teacher wasn’t able to explain it to us very well!

[@candotou1]

Lina - The wheel is MUCH easier to learn by MASTERING centering. This can be done within the first dozen attempts - watch every centering video you can. Once you have that...then throw!

[@baidykle1]

Thank you both for taking the time to answer my comment! I will keep this in mind if I get another chance to learn the wheel.

[@johnbyrne9849]

The finish - the silence, the neatness - glad to have shared in your practice of the craft you've obviously been crushing (no pun intended) for a while - thanks for art!

[@embee7434]

So many potters I've worked with laughed at me for my need to 'keep clean' and use *gasp* measuring tools. It's so wonderful to find a kindred spirit! I am going out to buy a dent puller RIGHT NOW.

[@OldForgeCreations]

I don't know how some potters can stand the mess they work in! Not that my studio is immaculate, but it's ok most of the time

[@Lyddiebits]

Ours is often a bit messy, but then we clean it real good and use it again...cycle. Hey, I'm wondering what the wedging board is made of that you're using?

[@embee7434]

@@Lyddiebits guessing you were asking Old Forge, but just in case it was me... I have a both a plaster top wedging board as well as a press/particle board covered with heavy duty canvas.

[@Lyddiebits]

@@embee7434 either of y'all actually!!!

[@Lyddiebits]

@@embee7434 we have a plywood table that we covered in a drop cloth, canvas material. But I think the plaster board would be better!! Thanks so much for replying 💜✌

[@AsachikaSan]

love the inside of the cup. reminds me of the feathers of a peacock

[@yellowbee2954]

Exactly

[@sheilaestrada4361]

It’s called peacock eye glaze

[@cflederman]

I studied ceramics and glass in university, and I just have to say, to be at the point technically where you don't have to use the spill method for glaze, but you just know exactly how much glaze the inside of your piece needs- wow. Such skills 🙇‍♂️

[@tonyc8295]

This video provided so much information without saying a word (including your process write-up above). Exceptional. Thank you so much for your generosity to share.

[@otherpatrickgill]

thanks for not skipping or fast forwarding through the entire wedging process. It's something I don't always get right.

[@mauroangst]

I can't thank KZbin enough for showing me this in the home feed, watching the precision of your moves is so pleasant. What you make is beautiful

[@OldForgeCreations]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@samlsd9711]

Can we say clay artists are perfectionists? Even the traditional people are so satisfying and so precise so perfect.

[@TheMarnaiz]

The use of the car dent puller (I didn't know there was such a thing) is genius!

[@joycee5493]

I was wondering where he got that amazing tool. I need one now....so many problems will be solved!

[@Lycantherous]

this is the first pottery video ive watched that isnt Andy Wards Ancient Pottery and seeing the modern result of a thousand years of advancement gave me whiplash. cant wait to synthesize this knowledge into some clay

[@ForteExpresso]

It requires so many tools, machines and HARDWORK to make pottery

[@OldForgeCreations]

Yep! There's a lot more to a simple mug than meets the eye

[@anonymousryan]

You can make a coil pot and fire it in a raku kiln w/o any machines and only a few tools. (Obviously you'll be limited by the low fire temp and it'd take hours and no small amount of skill to get a coil pot the near same symmetry and thinness as a few minutes on the wheel.) The hard work, tho... that's constant.

[@forb2400]

I watched this whole video and still scrubbed back at the end to see if I missed something; was not expecting the glaze to leave that design and color on its own. Amazing work!

[@WindDancer435]

It looked like a peacock glaze and was absolutely amazing. I had never seen that thing he attached to the piece to hold the bowl in place before glazing. I wonder if he made it himself?

[@4gus-rescue]

@@WindDancer435 he said in the full description and breakdown of steps that it is a car dent puller. So clever, I must go and buy one right now!! :)

[@WindDancer435]

@@4gus-rescue I have a habit of fast forwarding thru most videos, so I missed it. Thank you for identifying it for me!

[@4gus-rescue]

@@WindDancer435 🙂

[@tina7151]

Wait how?... For someone who doesn't know anything about pottery Im so confused by how the color appeared

[@LaurenOliviArt]

Glaze

[@tina7151]

@@LaurenOliviArt i saw him put the glaze but it was in 1 solid color before he cooked the mug. Haha

[@OldForgeCreations]

The glaze before firing is essentially a mix of coloured powders, and in the firing they fuse together to form a glass. The chemistry changes as they combine, and even more so when two different glaze melt and flow together (which is what is happening here)

[@3puppitos]

I had the same question!

[@BecCastelijn]

@@tina7151 I think he applied the first glaze (white) on the outside and lip of the mug, then after it dried swilled a second colour (blue) on the inside. When dry they look the same colour, but during the firing the white dripped down over the blue, and then some chemistry *wizardry* also happens in the indents to get the brown/ochre. Gah it's so beautiful!

[@melt9863]

This guy is so good at this he doesn’t even need an apron and didn’t stain his clothes or the counter ! Amazing

[@decimalexercise7154]

That’s exactly what I was thinking 😂

[@ligaskirbauska8652]

Cleanest working potter I have ever seen.imagine how perfect he would be doing surgery as doctor? So meticulous,could make amazing neurosurgeon .

[@ElveeKaye]

This was strangely relaxing, and I love the glazes you used! Thanks for not having any background music.

[@annamchugh1202]

That really is like magic - the magic of natural materials. Clay, heat, slip, and hands - it's incredible!

[@zestyzirlonia6665]

Beautiful! Having no background music is a breath of fresh air.

[@Lyddiebits]

I was breathing in when I read your comment 💜

[@pluckybellhop66]

I agree. Even historical videos and documentaries are too much with music. This is very peaceful.

[@hollyleafwell2118]

I've never seen any of your videos before but I might just watch a whole lot more after this one. There is just something supremely satisfying with seeing and hearing you smack around a small lump of clay at 1.75x speed. I feel like this is what child me was projecting when playing with Playdoh

[@lauradomingue5956]

I love that the beauty of these cups is all on the inside, for the private enjoyment of the drinker, and not as a "look at me" thing.

[@nedamm5677]

Thank you ... so generous of you to share your entire process in a very well crafted video. Many artists would be afraid to share their secrets. I want one of those cups❣Oh love the thin rim ... makes drinking from the cup luxurious.

[@colleenmitchell2542]

Neat trick using the laser level to align the handle!

[@OldForgeCreations]

It's not so necessary on these pieces, but the swirly pieces are almost impossible to get right by eye because it creates an optical illusion that makes the handles look wonky when they're straight. So the level is really useful for them!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I thought that was a good idea to! I didn't know what it was at first!

[@KC-dm5ii]

I absolutely need to know where to get a laser level that will project from above!!! What does that look like?!

[@lindenjenesse5078]

One minute in, and that was the absolute best demo of spiral wedging I have ever seen! Thanks!

[@alisongibson5557]

So I know absolutely nothing about pottery and actually had to rewind a little as I thought I'd missed where you painted the mug then realised it came out of the kiln like that. Just amazing!! Also I'm so glad there is no background music thank you 😊 xx

[@alisontonti5477]

What an amazing process. Very labor intensive but the quality of hand crafted ceramics can’t be beat. Beautiful design

[@donnieangelle4141]

Love love love the "stay centered" t-shirt!

[@iLitAfuseiCantStop]

Absolutely stunning! The talent potters have & knowing how to work with such beautiful glazes never ceases to amaze me

[@HeyHrach]

I did this in art class in high school and LOVED pottery! I miss it! One of my pieces got 3rd place in the county art fair. I love how you never REALLY know how it will look until it's complete. Beautiful mugs!

[@corruptedteka]

Damn, you had POTTERY in high school ? I went to a school with an art/design-centered program and I only ever saw pottery on the picture references for some of our design analysis exercises... I would've loved to be able to do something like that.

[@HeyHrach]

@@corruptedteka Changing times I suppose? This was back in the 90's

[@corruptedteka]

@@HeyHrach Oh I see. Well, there's also the fact that I live on a tiny island that has just one single high school that's got an art/design centered course.

[@HeyHrach]

@@corruptedteka I grew up in a town that only had 1 high school as well, but our graduating classes were around 200.

[@corruptedteka]

​@@HeyHrach Wow, I see. Well, anyhow, I'd love to be able to dip my toes into pottery-making one day ! I've wanted to for a long time, but never found the opportunity.

[@mrgpro799]

Beautiful and clean work. Worth every penny you would charge for that. Thanks for the no music, narration and just the sounds of creation happening.

[@2gooddrifters]

So meticulous. Now I know why hand made pottery is expensive.

[@IntrepidgrlVentures]

Not so meticulous he did hand-pull his own handles

[@maggpiprime954]

@@IntrepidgrlVentures I dunno. That seems pretty meticulous to me, making sure the handles are bubble-free with an extruder, and of a uniform thickness to properly support the weight of the cup. Not to mention the measuring, cutting, shaping scoring and...

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Yes! I remember making things in art class, I LOVED the pottery days! We didnt have a wheel or anyyhing though, just our hands & a couple tools...

[@Lyddiebits]

Pottery takes precision *especially* with the wheel:)

[@bconsilio3764]

And you didn’t see the 500-1000 he has made before. Expertise is expensive!

[@eduactionchannel258]

thank you for not adding music, i love watching these without music! so relaxing

[@imwatchingyou2377]

Thank you for sharing your process in such detail! I started doing pottery as a hobby last year and sometimes it's really hard for me to get the right information. I really appreciate, that you are so open about it! The video is super well done and helpful. And your Mug looks amazing!

[@viscid09]

Beatiful work and lovely bird singing at the end around 15:00 feels like inner piece for me. Thank you for sharing...

[@71blze]

Makes me appreciate each piece of pottery ever made. Didn’t know how much work went into it.

[@loisruane2636]

Beautiful, so glad that their was no music to distract. Great work, enjoyed!

[@suzanneartist1026]

Beautiful! Craftspeople always make it looks so effortless, but obviously these is much skill and experience behind this work. So relaxing to watch. Thanks for posting! ❤

[@valeriebest6045]

Very nicely done. Truly masterful finished product. Very creative and a fine testament to the power of our hands. I was also impressed with the newer tools used in the process (ie., scoring - no more lattice criss-cross marks). Thanks for sharing your skills!

[@adriennehunt1799]

I used to love sculpting clay, but I never mastered the pottery wheel. Now I'm into glass art. That was a fascinating video thank u.😊

[@He1sbelles]

I am an absolute beginner at pottery - just had my second go at the wheel yesterday. I would always have thought this very impressive. But now, having tried my hand at it, I have newfound appreciation for your AMAZING skill. Have found your website and as soon as I get paid, I'm buying one of these beautiful mugs!

[@____Ann____]

Perfect video! So satisfying to see this cup from starts to finish.

[@OldForgeCreations]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yukonswimmom]

That suction cup thing you used for dipping the cup in glaze is the best invention! in all my years in pottery studios I've never seen one of those. Your work is beautiful!! Thanks for no music.

[@skivvy3565]

No music. 100% ASMR thank you so much for your talent and work

[@luzmontoya4825]

Gracias ❤❤❤ Hermoso trabajo!

[@janarotterova7768]

Je krásné sledovat pečlivou práci lidských rukou .....♥️

[@eatallucanDavid]

I really loved it when it was all handmade. Bless are those who have two hands, appreciate it and used it in a right way and respect those who have not. We are born with two hands, one is for us. The other one is for helping others.

[@TheDellaniOakes]

So beautiful! I learned the very basics of pottery when I was in high school (won't say how many years ago) I loved it. The smell of the clay, the feel of it in my hands -- just fabulous. I wish I'd been able to do more with it. I particularly liked playing with combinations of glaze, to make fun patterns and colors. Really loved this!

[@tiernytouch5585]

I take pottery classes at my local community college and there are tons of people who pay the small fee for the class without having to enroll in a whole degree program 😸 might be something to consider if you have free time

[@jillrodrigues5176]

I agree, just the sound of fabrication is so refreshing. Fascinating work, magic result!

[@dougietheteaboy9960]

Gorgeous cup! I wish we had more like this around, but I guess that's what makes it so special. Hand made, unique.

[@lisaheidinger5299]

This is one of the most rewarding videos i've ever seen. Like watching somebody meditate in motion.

[@robertcole1098]

Beautiful, I love your camera angles and your tools. I especially love your laser, what a great way of getting your handles on straight. Cheers Bob 🇬🇧

[@OldForgeCreations]

Thanks Bob! The laser has proved so much more useful than I expected when I bought it

[@johnmorgan4405]

Like every true artist, you make something very difficult look easy. Mesmerizing.

[@rchancock]

Impressive. Good video, just raw craft. Our hands and mind are a true gift that unfortunately too many now days waste on mindless phone poking

[@vjbhanson]

This is the absolute best pottery video on here! So hypnotic

[@Watthexe0815]

Beautiful, and thanks for “no background music”

[@DrDingsGaster]

Glazing was one of the things I absolutely loved when taking pottery in highschool!

[@PinkLemonadeKLS]

This was a joy to watch. Your work speaks for itself….simply stunning.

[@Phlowermom]

Caught myself saying, "Wow! Oh wow, oh wow, wow, wow, wow. Wowowowow!!" That is a truly beautiful piece of art!

[@foxfiredawn]

I've never thought of using a laser level for atttaching handles. Genius!!

[@JA-kl1yu]

It’s amazing work and if you’re enjoying what you do, then you are blessed! Glad to have a chance to see this art!❤

[@erinwithryder]

Gorgeous cups! I like the way you work and your t-shirts! Please make longer videos more often. Thank you! 😊

[@OldForgeCreations]

Thank you! Will do!

[@bowerbirdmaker]

The best making vid ever! Thank you for sharing. I love the element of unpredictability in the kiln.

[@elnosworld9893]

These are so beautiful. I really love the pebble pattern the white one in particular my 2nd favourite is the peacock The very elegant unique rustic and I really love that you do beautiful work

[@susansoltau7710]

Oh wow!!! That is beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing your craft and skills with us!! Very calming and relaxing to watch too!!

[@orlaturner8582]

Beautiful, I must drink tea from one of these! will keep an eye on your site for when they're back in stock

[@melme33]

Wow that's like magic with the glaze effects (to me)! So pretty!!!

[@tracya.schneider7698]

Ah, the beauty of CLAY! I loe the close ups of the shavings ~ scrumptious!

[@paulinecowie1237]

Used to do pottery a few years ago and had so much fun seeing you do your work with the clay every piece has a bit of you in it I always say. We are lucky to have such talented folks in our world bless :D

[@SusanCrichton]

Thanks so much for showing the WHOLE process ... wedge to opening the glaze kiln!!!

[@mirhasanoddname]

I'm surprised it's not called "The peacock cup" or something similar. It is stunning.

[@pattimessenger6214]

Those mugs are so lovely and thin. Your hands would love holding the pebbled surface. If I had one, it would be my favorite!

[@amyvowles9553]

These are soooo beautiful! I love your technique and the finished cup! Thank you for showing your process. I learned much from you.

[@nikkisims30]

Omg! I was mesmerized!!! Lots of little tips hidden in there! Thanks!

[@lazanyaok]

I love this soooo much. Something about your videos makes me so relaxed.

[@kindle7191]

Wow, the suction cup dip method is amazing! Lovely mug. Thanks from Vancouver Island.

[@rosalindbell3930]

Amazing attention to details and so many smart tricks! I loved it!

[@OldForgeCreations]

Thanks so much!

[@flodcreations2020]

My 1st Patrick video! Shows years of experience under your belt. Now I need a Doley pebble mug! Beautiful piece honey!❤

[@238Tina1]

Wow. I had no idea it would look like that in the end (other than the thumbnail) such a cool process thanks for sharing!

[@bbjo787]

One of the BEST videos I've ever seen!

[@alexalexiadis]

With one word:BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@freenautilus1]

So calming! Beautiful work. It is priceless to use your own craft to drink your coffee

[@ana-ruxandranastase6734]

I'm so impressed with the result! You've really done it to perfection!

[@PirouettingFox]

Everyone else has said it so well. Exceptional video, sooooooo thankful for no background music. Thank you for sharing the entire process it was so relaxing & enjoyable to watch. I agree that you are the cleanest Clay shaping artisan I've ever seen. You're so chill and I think that is part of why your pieces turn out so beautifully. It's like you and the clay are longtime friends & you're just hanging out together. Just so so impressed. So much respect for the art you create. It's not easy & takes tender care & time. I would buy your pieces 🥰

[@deadfishy]

I just got one as a Christmas present for a close friend! these are beautiful

[@m.c.5124]

However many hours it has taken you to work out your artistic chemical creations it has been worth it. Any thumbs down do not understand the time taken. Your cups are glorious time involved creations which I believe take almost a week if I was counting correctly. Thank you so much for sharing your art vision and talent. I will be asking Santa for some for Christmas this year!!!😁

[@Puffcroc]

Ceramic glaze is honestly magical 🤯 I'm always surprised by how it comes out

[@HRHDMKYT]

That final product exceeded all of my very high expectations -- simply brilliant !

[@amyhuang8448]

Love your work! I wish you great success on KZbin! I've always wanted to know how exactly these were made.

[@OldForgeCreations]

Thank you very much!

[@brandiebaby420]

That was one of the coolest things I have ever seen hands down. Thanks for sharing!! And thank you for no background music.

[@patriciacordeirosiqueira3818]

Impressionada com sua perfeição👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!! Hugs from Brasil 🇧🇷

[@edgarkings4420]

Love that penguin shirt! Reminds me of the Falklands.

[@sidstone8845]

I love centering small amounts of clay, it’s sooo much better than using your whole body to center a medium to large mass