TRIMMING Pottery Bowls - TOOLS, Tips, Tricks, for Clay!

[@ChocoCrayalina]

It would be really cool to see a "how to set up a studio" once yours gets up and running. Full support in the business aspect and opening up an etsy. That would be super helpful!

[@lheubfwsc]

Business stuff and maybe some tax stuff for newbies too. Plus all the hacks, throwing tips, basically everything you said. Thank you so much for helping us newbies to not have to recreate the wheel. Passing on your knowledge to us is SO helpful! 😃

[@silkandcottonhawaii]

YES! More business videos please! Especially because you have a business degree and also own 3 successful coffee shops along with your pottery business! Please share that wisdom! All the nooks and crannies of it! What is mundane and second nature to you at this point would probably blow our minds and be super duper helpful to us artsy farts folks that make awesome stuff but definitely don’t know how to run a business! Thanks for all the time and energy you put into your videos we really appreciate you! Also your close up shots of the clay trimming with the shaving ribbons peeling off are super satisfying! I’m loving that close up, see the texture of the clay, hear the scraping sounds, macro lens style of footage. It’s really hypnotic and soothing. You could definitely make an oddly satisfying compilation video 😊

[@violetlight8138]

People will watch the business stuff because they should not because they want to. But you are entertaining so you'll make it fun.

[@denisenoble4010]

Just got myself this tool, tried it today, loved how sharp it was. Used both ends to carve out the foot ring, how to tidy up the walls inside and out, then by 'accident' found the surface had the starting of a chattered pattern. All this with 1 tool. Can't wait to use it in class next week. 😊

[@bon47ful]

I’d love a tutorial in handbuilding a planter that has a face on it, or maybe the planter is a head with a face. Or is that more of sculptor’s project? Would love to try it. Have you ever made such a piece?Thank you.

[@sehodzic]

Agree with many of the other folks, everything you mentioned in the above video would be really useful, and quite honestly your delivery and personality would make event the "boring" stuff interesting! We all really value your expertise and your perspective. I'm also a big fan of "Thursday thoughts" so definitely make that a thing! I would also love to hear more about your workflow when it comes running both the coffee shop and pottery business. Also, what made you start the coffee shop? Lastly, if you could make ceramic work just for yourself, a personal project if you will... what would that be? Thanks for all you do, and for all you share! You're awesome!

[@lindabeebe7065]

The business side is valuable. If you throw while talking though, we learn by watching and are entertained. Boom! Sometimes you may not be able to throw and show a profits and loss sheet, but I’m sure you’ll make it entertaining.

[@AngeliqueMKBochnak]

YES to the business videos!!!! I'd love to hear more on how to successfully run a pottery business. :)

[@coleenhall7032]

It doesn’t matter what you show, I always learn something! Now I just need to get the owner of my studio to buy a wheel!

[@rebekahkimsey9593]

Love the idea of 'Thursday Throwing Thoughts'. Love your pottery and channel!

[@alexb172]

Would love to know about buying a wheel, as someone going from weekly classes to wanting my own. Love your channel!

[@Dragynn]

Me 4

[@flipjoe]

Patricia Anderson me 5

[@ellendegraaf1520]

Hey, if you have a busy week, throw a Kiln unloading in there, we still love those!!

[@harryvideo]

NO!!! :) I like the demos better. ...

[@Jonthepotter]

Haha people like the kiln unloading!

[@seanobrien3545]

Yes!! More videos on the business side: how to estimate costs and subsequent pricing, how to list etsy and negotiate with stores to display and sell functional-ware. Thanks!

[@SetGozo]

Your priority is you first, balance and harmony within you and everything will fall into places that is why we are watching you at least that is my opinion. I like the reality of your ceramics struggles with family, art, business and everything else. Keep doing what you are doing because you entertain me, all of us definitely. So we thank you! Do what ever you are doing follow the natural progression, no apologies....

[@zgodbeizgline2122]

Hi! Yes, buisness side of pottery! Love your channel! Support!!!

[@goirkens]

How about a video on how to find and comparison shop kilns and materials for your own studio? And maybe any special requirements like specific power outlets or drains that would be needed?

[@Raisondartfrance]

Would love the mud tools trimmer but I live in Barcelona Spain....the shipping I was quoted was $64.00! Seriously. So no mud trimmer for me. :(

[@katrinar9310]

I would love to hear about the business stuff. I'm a business major and took a pottery class this semester, partially due to your videos. Thanks Jon -Katrina

[@terrylynneclark]

Thanks for showing this I bought that tool and have been afraid to try it because there were no instructions. I'll try it tomorrow in class

[@derekbell5333]

I would love a video about the business side. The accounting, margins, and overhead of starting a small pottery biz. That would be very helpful.

[@hellokirby1]

I trim the outside of my foot first and then the inside! So satisfying to watch the trimming come off!

[@MrTallman83]

I like your Thursday Throwing Thoughts idea. Might be a good podcast idea.

[@VioletEPK]

That is my absolute favorite trimming tool. My husband got me this with some other mud tools for Christmas a few years ago. I realized that I almost never reach for my other trim tools anymore. The only difference in the way I trim is that I trim with the wheel going clockwise.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

I can't wait to see how you are going to finish the donut. I recently made a few myself. Showing a video on that would be great too. I also agree with Ellen about the kiln reveals. Always a hit. Pretty much everything you show I will watch. You have inspired me to finally move out of my basement into a studio I'm looking into doing a she shed version, so showing more on your studio would be awesome!

[@bobbz64]

I think you sold me on the mudtools trimming tool. I love most of their tools. I'm ready for the sitting vs. standing throwing video.

[@shopkidsister]

I'm a student and an aspiring ceramist and I would LOVE to see more videos in how to become a successful potter ie, (Branding, Kickstarters, Creating a studio etc.)

[@karri8998]

I really like how you show trimming from different angles. Thanks so much!

[@aliciadaniel8493]

The mudtools trimming tool was my first higher end tool purchase!! And worth EVERY PENNY! I use it for trimming almost exclusively!

[@jameshobbs5984]

Very Interesting way of Trimming, I usually just tap to centre / hold a tool close and look to see movement

[@lindatortorice9356]

Mud Tool is one of my favorite trimming tools. I use the square end more the the curved end. What is the feel for the perfect pot to trim.? I struggle judging that. Great pointer for centering to trim. Do you glaze the center bottom or your bowls? Talk about sales and marketing is always of interest. Perhaps about internet avenues. how they work, how to get started, pros, cons, etc. The mystery of pricing pieces to establish the value of one’s pottery pieces. Standing doing pottery I would love to hear about and how to set up. How does one plan a studio design. I see you have an extruded. Talk about it’s uses. And mistakes are great to see that it happens to everyone. Thank you for sharing.

[@joanpcloutier5897]

That is my favorite trimming tool!

[@MzTreeLdy]

Regarding making videos with jack and tutorials. Yes please! More! The video you did on how to pull a cylinder where you showed finger placement after cutting in half was pure brilliance!

[@carolthomas6337]

You, my you tube friend are stressed, you have lots of great things happening in your life right now. You don't owe apologies to anyone about what you decide to put in your videos, or how often to post. Enjoy that nearly ready to use studio. Breathe. And repeat.

[@Jonthepotter]

Thanks! I do get a little stressed but throwing pots always centers me....

[@wildlittlebird]

Some videos on the basics of pottery would be awesome!! To get a grasp on the basics ☺️ and the business side too, excited for these videos !

[@maiazildjianlmt7081]

Hi, I love watching your videos for inspiration. I'm trying to move full time into being a potter; please do make videos about your motivation behind starting a pottery business and how you have built/structured your business. Thank you for sharing!

[@marahbohn6859]

Selling and business side of things would be a great video! Also wheel hacks!!

[@clifforddalton3067]

For a long time now i''ve had that "black mud tool" you showed, TRUE TO SAY that it is very versatile and has all the right shapes and contours to do most trimming Jon. Love your channel and I'm sure you've picked up some tips from Matthew since you made this video :) Next to throwing, trimming is my fav. It can turn a lovely pot into a beautiful pot I think you'll agree. Carry on making your videos and thanks for sharing them with us. You should give the edge of the pots a very brief trim to even up the edge BEFORE you use your pic tool used for centering if not, the edge is wobbly and the use of the pic tool at that point is almost useless. I hope you understand what I am saying.

[@bettytaylor9430]

Really glad you demonstrated trimming witht the mud tool. I have seen them used in many videos and they look like they are welll made. I'll check it out on Amazon

[@hannahlehmkuhl2332]

I would absolutely love to hear about your path to pottery and how to get yourself out into the world and also maybe what college path could help an aspiring potter. Or even what sort of jobs exist that incorporate pottery without being a self owned business.

[@1195mmg]

Kiln unloadings are fun because we get to see things you have made that we don't see otherwise. How tos are also great. I'd love some more advanced how tos as opposed to just basics, which I think you have covered a lot of. Definitely waiting to see how those new glazes have been turning out!!!

[@Caktusburger]

Business side of pottery! Maybe a more in depth video on what pottery cost. Love your channel!

[@jamilynncreates3622]

Great tip on centering. I'm still a brand new potter, and can't tap center to save my life.

[@lizzieleonard]

I would love the sitting vs. standing video! I want to transition to standing because sitting hurts my lower back, but worry about the leverage when centering

[@lisablake4237]

As an entrepreneur myself, I would love to see you create a whole set of dishes. I'd buy them.

[@rhondavalverde2405]

I love the Mudtools trimming tool!! It was a game changer in trimming for me, but it is easy to get carried away and trim too thin. I really like your tip of starting trimming by putting the line on the bottom. I’ve always done it on the side only and sometimes don’t think I get it centered enough. Really like all the ideas you talked about can hardly wait. The business end, and a sneak peek into Etsy would be great.

[@michaeldausmann6066]

re: trimming style, it's mostly all the same but I find the results are more consistent if the first cut is to take off the corners so they are even, then cut in the foot and get the width right. re: tools, I don't think it matters much, what matters really is that the tool is sharp, otherwise I start to get 'chattering'. Awesome Video.

[@nicolaruss5345]

Thank you great video, I brought this and after seeing this video Im excited that I have it.

[@qrahmed]

... I think the doughnut is going to be a Kettle, the one that u showed in your interview with your grand father. A really very nice and unique idea. would certainly like to see videos regarding the business aspect as I want to be a full time potter..my aim is to go for tiles, Murals and mosaics along with functional kitchen ware and stuff... Love your videos because of its not just pottery making... u add a little bit of ur other life which make your videos really personal rather than just purely dry and professional... I can very much relater to your style... Keep up the good work and good luck with you studio...

[@minjungahhh]

Can you do a video on what you do with your leftover clay trimmings? Maybe incorporate them into a new piece?

[@Enn-]

I trim in pretty much the same way you do. I'm looking forward to seeing the upcoming vids that you mentioned.

[@lynnettedebell1881]

I would like to hear your standing vs sitting comments. I like throwing off the hump, I think because I can see what’s going on better, I suspect I would like throwing standing more than sitting. Also the small business stuff would be interesting because I have this notion that my daughter would be good at that.

[@debraanderson9570]

Love all the ideas you set forward, so anything you share is wonderful! Coyote Mesa Pottery

[@barbka4009]

Hey Jon! I would really love a video on making handles. I need help!!!!

[@sinandchips]

The business side of pottery would b very interesting.. I am suuuper motivated to start my own business and this kind of information would be nice to know!

[@tracieturner4229]

yes love your video's, the business side of things would be so interesting for me. It seems a topic that's quite secretive in a way. you know...anyhoo.... Thanks in advance for all your shares

[@lstrad1]

Business!! Love watching!

[@mervedeniztak9860]

omg i was looking for a channel like this for months...finally found it'!!!!

[@zucabrasil]

Hey John, Got the tool and can't wait to try it. Thank you for the video.

[@WhiteStoneCottagePottery]

Would love to hear about business stuff. Am starting my own part time pottery venture after retirement from a long professional career. Setting up a small studio and investing in all the equipment. Not looking to make a killing with my pottery but would like to break even doing what I love.

[@mkelly7617]

I don’t know if you’ve heard of the tapping method to see how thick something is. Depending on the pitch of the sound when you tap it, like if the pitch is lower then it’s thinner and if it’s high and dampened pitch/sound then it’s thicker and a plus of doing that is you don’t need to stop the wheel when you do it.

[@Jonthepotter]

Yes I have used that too!

[@Maryzlem]

I usually use a soft rib (red Mud Tool rib)after I trim, esp when I use a clay w/ grog. Makes a nice smooth surface for glaze. :)

[@vjvierengel1176]

Psyched to see my pot! Wonder which one I’ll get! The dented one, maybe? All the video ideas- besides the profit and loss statement one - sound good

[@lesselavie7675]

I just bought my first 25 lbs....love your basics!!!!

[@candystamping4552]

Hi Jon. Love your videos :) could you please do some videos about kilns for beginners, like info. on where they should and should not go, what kind of area/house/shed/garage you need to even have for the kiln, venting, etc. You have really inspired me to start doing pottery, however, I believe that I cannot have a kiln where I am living now. If you could give beginners some insight into this and what is required, it would be great! thanks

[@michaeldausmann6066]

Looving those close up shots!

[@jasonlord3497]

Yea, the accounting side can be super dull. However, sharing how to actually cost your pieces and determine what to charge, that would be great!

[@ataliemitchell3606]

I trim a little differently, I like to kinda round of the foot so there are no sharp edges and what I always do is burnish my bottoms with a metal rub so that they are super smooth and perfect. But I went through a lot of different styles before I got there. Thanks to your Patrons! That donut is gonna take forever to dry! And it’s gonna he a pain to bisque being that thick. Thanks dude!

[@Jonthepotter]

The donut is hollow!! so it didnt take too long:)

[@ataliemitchell3606]

Jonthepotter ok awesome!

[@ataliemitchell3606]

You gotta show us how you did that

[@matthewlowery5923]

Can't wait for the business one!

[@_badgermole]

Would love to see a video about sitting vs standing and how you recycle your clay!

[@_badgermole]

Also yes yes yes to videos about entrepreneurship!

[@Dragynn]

Hello from Australia.. I Love your videos thank you they have been inspiring me in the studio at Uni, where I am studying a unit in Ceramics, I have learnt more from you, so thanks and as I finish uni at the end of the year (I hope lol) I am definitely interested in learning about what you were talking about in this video, like the business side, Kickstarter (I am particulary interested in hearing your story and connection with it as well as etsy. Thanks for being an online legend Cheers T.

[@JulieHiltbrunner]

I have a trimming tool made from that metal they wrap around lumber. I might add some more bends into it to make it more like yours. Why do you remind me of Peter McKinnon? 😂 love the big bowls!

[@Jonthepotter]

I do love Peter Mckinnon and he has definitely inspired a lot of my video making!

[@rebeccamsauve]

Perfect timing for the mud tool. I just bought that exact trimming tool on Saturday and already love it. I have put almost all of my other trimming tools I got when I first started in a drawer. I went from 10 tools to 3! I am debating on getting a diamond core tool next. Have you used one? I am not sure they are going to be that much better than some of the small carving tools I got in my beginner kit.

[@Scott_C]

Looking forward to the basics videos!

[@dbsartworks418]

Business side! Lovely bowls!

[@terramareceramics]

Yes, give us the low down on the business side of things please!

[@amyponce1103]

I love all your videos. :). In particular, I really appreciate when you tell your stories - what did “pottery” look like for you before you became “Jon the Potter”? Like... when did you feel confident enough in a piece to sell one for the first time? How did you know you’d found your “voice”/signature look?

[@Jonthepotter]

As soon as someone wanted to buy I was ready to sell, although looking back now I probably should have waited until I was better to really start selling, but I sold my first mugs for 10 or 12 bucks so they were a good deal!

[@megancurry5079]

Would love a business related video or series. Also do you have any pressure from the extremely fine arts oriented community of ceramists?

[@SC-rb2jr]

Thanks for the great video. Question: do you still love making pottery or has that faded over time?

[@camilleladreyt5908]

Would love to have some beginners video :D Love your channel, would be awsome to heard about your trowing tips

[@sharonnelt]

Just bought it - needed to learn how to use it.

[@lisayates4230]

Yes, i would like to see videos concerning the business side of pottery...

[@aleisaduley4325]

Kickstarter video would be great. 🤓 Thanks!

[@oliesbw]

I am guessing a flower vase, make a slightly flat bottom on it and then cut holes ?

[@jill1897]

I really liked the different angles for various trims. Nice to see some new tools. Do you make your own glazes? If so, it would be interesting to learn some of that. I'm a newbie potter, and my loop tools have ALREADY gotten dull. Do you think this would be better? Or maybe I'm trimming to dry?

[@emj3677]

Thanks for another great video. Yes, I trim the same way. I already have that tool, but haven’t used it much cuz I use my ‘old’ standby, which is the first one you showed, only I use a double ended one with a square shape on the other end. I haven’t started selling my stuff yet. I am making an inventory now and putting together a sign, tables etc.., to sell my stuff at maybe an arts/craft. fair. I would like to see a video on setting up and selling pottery would be nice. Also, how much should I price my stuff for? Thanks again.❤️

[@benpatterson4452]

I bought the Do All Trim Tool, a couple years ago, it is all I use in my studio, to trim. The loop tools just sit on my workbench looking sad. I keep telling them, that I still need them for sculpting... In regards to the doughnut, is it going to be a pitcher or vase? I've turned one into a teapot before, and I've also heard of them being used as a sake pitchers with four small glasses made, to fit in the middle ring.

[@Jonthepotter]

Yeah a teapot is what I ended up doing!

[@krystalrittenhouse4261]

Can you make a video showing how you trim mugs?

[@nancyyettra6351]

Can you tell us where you had your JTP chop made? (The little stamp you sign with)

[@avb754]

Merci pour cette vidéo, comment faites-vous cette pièce percée? Thank you for this video, how do you make this pierced room?

[@debzfiedler6100]

I look forward to ALL your videos, but basic potting techniques definitely make the most sense for ME at this point. One thing I'm trying to figure out at this point is glazes. I can't figure out how the colors you layer, end up being so different from what I would expect. But hey -- there are SO MANY things I need to learn! So it's all good. THANKS!!! P.S. I had an OMG moment, whilst watching this video, right there at the end. When you were trying to get the camera to focus on the mud tool, then suddenly the piece on your wheel switched from the bowl to the donut, I thought you had somehow squished the bowl while leaning over it. I quickly ran the vid back a few seconds to see what happened, and of course, then I saw that it was a totally different piece. So I realized there was an edit involved. Whew!!! (LMAO)

[@maybowl]

Do you have any advice on how to fix a pot that's been trimmed too thin/through the bottom of the foot? I got a little overzealous with my trimming and I have a cup where the bottom got a tiny pinhole, and a bowl that was suuper thin and weak. 😭 For the cup, I rolled out a tiny circular slab, scored/slip it and tried to patch it to the inside bottom. I gave up on the bowl and will reincarnate it into something else since it was still pretty moist and I probably trimmed it too early. Hoping the cup doesn't explode!

[@robertcole1098]

Nice tool Jon, I can see how useful it is. Love the bowls, how much clay did you use when you made it? Cheers Bob 🇬🇧

[@varinakosovich1283]

Not how I trim; I'd be too afraid to use my needle tool to center! 😁 I do love the Mudtools trimming tool. It's made my trimming more consistent.

[@customind1]

I'd love to hear a little about how you made the transition from pre-pottery to engaging in small business and custom production. What was your experience through that? ~Minnesota Native - Aaron

[@normahernandezpride7775]

Jonthepotter u have awesome for pottery tip

[@kathleencunningham7210]

I have been working with this mudtools trim tool, and I really like the cutting surfaces it offers. However, I can't seem to get the right clay consistency to use it on! It seems to chatter on everything, whether it's leather soft or leather hard! Do you have any recommendations for what dryness it works best at?

[@Olliepottery-amyclark]

Kick starter how to with pottery 😁

[@georgecuyler7563]

What happens to your trimmings? Do you reuse them or do they hit the waste bin?

[@doaner100]

Ok so I would like to learn more about opening a small business but I don't even know where to start with my questions. As far as tutorials I would like to see more glazing techniques, slip decoration, patterns, transfers, the difference between under glazes and glazes - I still don't quite get it. Any info on kiln maintenance. I learned to use corn starch this week so when imprinting a pattern your tools don't stick to the clay. Could you use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun? I know you can use a veg peeler for trimming edges - what other common household things can be used for tools? I know it's a lot. Just trying to give you ideas for what I would like to know. Thank you!

[@Jonthepotter]

Thanks, might take me a year or two but I am sure I will cover all these topics!

[@doaner100]

@@Jonthepotter LOL - well at least we will be guaranteed some videos!