Slab Built Fish

Hand building wall mounted fish from slabs. How to roll clay by hand and using a slab roller. How to texture clay using stamps, add sprigs, carve and attach layers. Glazing by pouring, sponge stamping, brushing and trailing.

[@denisesarazin6753]

I think this is the most delightful ceramics video I’ve ever watched. Thank you for your detailed tutorial.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome, I am working on a variation of this video, coming soon, in February.

[@AJoyfulClayTutor]

Awesome demonstration!

[@micheledickey4066]

I haven’t even watched the video yet but I am SOO HAPPY to see that you made a video on how to make your fish!! Thank you soo much!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I hope you like it.

[@micheledickey4066]

Of course I like it. I just made my first fish and it is sooo cute!!! I am addicted now!

[@Vsmithpots]

@@micheledickey4066 That makes me feel good too.

[@dawnepimm4393]

I absolutely love them.

[@loreliemiller628]

Your an excellent teacher!

[@Vsmithpots]

Why thank you for that.

[@cindyswain2067]

You made rolling a rectangle slab look so easy. Great tips! Love your videos. The fish are great.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, an oval slab works but sometimes you need a square or rectangle.

[@chrisdawson3859]

Sure enjoyed this. And like you said it is pretty straight forward but within this demonstration there were multiple gems of knowledge that are priceless! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

I am glad it met expectations, there are many other potters doing this.

[@sandiebrown9521]

Watching you do left handed work better than I will ever be using my right hand!! Also the fish face thingy is called an operculum and is the gill cover 🐟 I’m so glad to have found your channel, you really do teach. Thank you for your time 😊

[@susanmcnally6408]

Much appreciation for all your sharing. Cheers from California

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@rebecaaragon7101]

So many tips! Thank you for your generosity 🙏🏼😊🌈

[@Vsmithpots]

I like to help and pass it on. Thanks for watching.

[@JisooKim-wo3if]

This has been inspiring. Thank you for sharing your process. And your glazing is beautiful. The fish come alive.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Brilliant Vaughan, so well presented and informative. Out comes the soldering iron and odd bits of sponge. Hoping that one day we will be driving by and see the fish on the wall, where we will be drawn in like a fish on a hook. Will be saving any heavy bits of plastic too. Cheers and be well...Freddie

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks Freddie. I fired the gas kiln today so I will show the chickens next week. Your bike is cool.

[@aliciabrocal2212]

ASI ES!! mas de uno si tenemos la oportunidad de pasar por esa cuadra, seremos como peces atraídos por el anzuelo jajaja estoy algo lejos para ese anzuelo pero la imaginación no tiene limites saludos

[@freddiemoretti8456]

@@aliciabrocal2212 THAT'S HOW IT IS!! more than one if we have the opportunity to go through that block, we will be like fish attracted by the hook hahaha I'm a bit far for that hook but the imagination has no limits greetings

[@k.ishiwata7564]

My kiln is small so I love to try to make smaller fish for my wall outside. I love your work so much💞

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you

[@triciac1019]

I love all of these fish! Thank you so much for showing us every step of making that one! What a talent you have and such great ideas you come up with!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks and stay safe.

[@chermckittrick2216]

Fantastically fun pieces. I am loving your videos, thanks much for sharing your knowledge.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for taking time to watch them.

[@lynnwilson359]

I love these!

[@laniallman7988]

so happy to have "caught" these fish; they are wonderful...thank u for the inspiration

[@Vsmithpots]

They are fun to make, thanks.

[@ixchelssong]

Seems like it's easier to get a square, or even round, shaped slab with hand rolling. In the studio where I worked, we would use a slab roller to make a thick slab Then we would roll it by hand into the size and shape we wanted.

[@alicemackay6318]

I really love how clearly you demonstrate your skills , making me think that even I could create something out of clay using some of your tips and techniques. Thank you for sharing your talent on you tube.🙂👍❤

[@conniemezzo9370]

EXCELLENT! Thank you for showing how you make your fish! Also....your tips on using a roller! I have a mini tabletop roller and I have always had a issue with the center of my slabs being slightly thicker than the outside edges. Your profile shot of the thinned center before rolling is great!

[@Vsmithpots]

I still learn new tricks when I watch other potters.

[@ahmadjfnfncb5898]

1. .. Bi

[@kathyknauf]

Thank you, your patience helps to learn!

[@vonnymaharwildatlanticarti4590]

Wonderful, thank you

[@margaretfrew6661]

Vaughan. Please make some more videos. I have watched all of yours, (and made some) I just love the way you reach.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I try to post weekly.

[@joannejeffreys6699]

I love your cat!.... she,s interested in what your doing after you said the word fish!....lols

[@Vsmithpots]

There are two, male and female, both are old so perfect studio cats. Thanks for watching.

[@nln1897]

I really love them. Each have their own personality that brings a little smile to my face!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I fired them yesterday, unpacking tomorrow.

[@aprillemaster5869]

Oh my goodness ! So fun ! I love you videos…They bring me such joy !

[@Vsmithpots]

Wow! thanks. I hope the glazing was as good.

[@denavess732]

Very cute! Can’t wait see glazed!

[@Vsmithpots]

Next week, fired yesterday.

[@tricialee5]

Thank you for a very well done and much appreciated instructional video on how to build a fish!! Your work is very creative!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, good luck making some.

[@milcotto4153]

Maybe you would even want to make fantacy fishes in very bright colors. The ones you have made are awesome.

[@SallyRoperPottery]

What a wonderful video Vaughn. Thanks for sharing your technique and valuable points to make sure we don’t flub it....

[@Vsmithpots]

Good luck when you make one. Bird houses next.

[@sallyweiner4180]

Thank you so much, I love your tutorials. Pure joy

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, strange how the pandemic changed our lives.

[@LaLaArtStudio]

Haha haha haha 😂 21:10 you say "fish" and 🐈 Mr. Morandy comes to get tasty snack 😋...sniffs and looks at you like, "hooman, dare's no fishes!". Haha haha haha 😂

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I find it hard to watch the video now that Morandi passed away. I still have his brother right next to me as I type.

[@neildeelangton3235]

Brilliant. Thank you for taking the time to show us. I'm sure if I tried that they would warp, but I'll have a go!

[@Vsmithpots]

Put weights on the edges all around.

[@johnw3629]

Vayghan i just want to say thanks so much for this video, i got the square clay the 1st 2 times in rolled it. i really like the fish and living by the ocean i want to make some. thanks again,

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you John, I hope you have fun making them.

[@user-jn3mk5zj4w]

they're all so gorgeous. I'll try recreating them. Thank you for showing the process!

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome, let me know how you do and send some pictures of what you make.

[@DrJones-nh4my]

I looked at your website. You’re so creative and make beautiful art and pottery pieces. Just love it

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, hopefully the videos help people.

[@tammyfreyberg3640]

Thank you for sharing your talent with us! I just love your work!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@conniemezzo9370]

I'm so excited!!! I just turned on KZbin and here it is! Thank you Thank you!! Watching now!

[@Vsmithpots]

I hope it was helpful.

[@artistmama1]

I just recently discovered your channel, and I am mesmerized by all your techniques. I love your gardens, too! Your finished pieces are amazing! As far as using newspaper under your slabs, I was wondering if butcher paper would work better to reduce the crinkling as it dries.

[@Vsmithpots]

I am working through my 500 sheets of newsprint I purchased. It might be better since it is slightly water proof. The clay is shrinking as it dries which is what makes it crinkle. Thanks for the tip.

[@susydegiuli2347]

Really beautiful and fun!

[@melrussell7830]

Thank you so much Vaughan. Beautiful fish, well worth all the effort. I will have a go😊

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you

[@carriecervantes7928]

Beautiful fish!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@serenaleaghgrace5023]

what stunners, love these little fishes, cheers ess

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you. I enjoy making them.

[@k.ishiwata7564]

Aloha, Thanks for your reply with some ideas.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@lisataylor1305]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching you make these Vaughan, I will be trying to make some. My friend is in Yorkshire for a few days so will say a hello for you :)

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you Lisa, have a Bakewell Tart for me.

[@lisataylor1305]

@@Vsmithpots I'd send you a slice to you if I could

[@robertdumoulin4612]

Thank you sir for this amazing tutorial.

[@marilynbruce753]

Thank you for showing me how you created your whimsical fish. I was by your store last summer but it was closed and I was in love !! A great attention getter for sure! I’m looking forward to this summer when I’m in the area again.

[@k.ishiwata7564]

Wow, they are all very cute. I would like to make some. My Kiln is small so I will try from small fish. Aloha🤘

[@Vsmithpots]

You could start a jewellery line, fish pins.

[@soulak6332]

THANK YOU!!

[@cynthiat6505]

If I could choose an accent to have I would choose yours. It’s delightful!

[@Vsmithpots]

It's a combination of Yorkshire, UK, Ohio, NY and Canada. I could read the news. You should hear my brothers. Thanks

[@erinrcross]

pretty pretty, thank you too!

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome, stay safe.

[@johncake3645]

Thank you Vaughan. I now have a better way to handle my slabs. One thing about the edges of your fish. Have you tried using shack as a resist on the edges? It dries fast and doesn't transfer onto fingers.

[@micheledickey4066]

May I ask what you mean by shack? Is that Mis spelled?

[@fridacharly47]

Mi sono innamorata dei tuoi pesci l'unica cosa che posso dirti e COMPLIMENTS IS BEAUTIFULL🎻

[@australianredochreleather1157]

Love the fishy's :)

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@escolaria1]

Bonjour depuis la France. Bravo pour votre travail, vos poissons sont superbes .

[@Vsmithpots]

Merci et je souhaite que nous puissions nous asseoir et prendre un verre de vin au vignoble d'Aix avec vous.

[@escolaria1]

Merci, ce serait avec grand plaisir

[@christianenoronha4680]

Lindo seus trabalho, amei🤗

[@Vsmithpots]

Obrigado por assistir e espero que 2022 seja um ótimo ano para você.

[@elizabethwatson71]

I know this is a year old, but if you want the concrete covered in canvas….1.)trace the concrete board onto the rougher side of your canvas. 2.)I like using the gorilla glue brand, but spray along the inside edge on top side of the canvas and concrete board. Wait the required length of time. 3.) put the TOP EDGE TOGETHER SMOOTHLY. You do not want any wrinkles in the canvas. 4.) use hand clamps along the top where the two meet. You want a good firm bond before the next step. 5). Now, you want to spray the bottom edge of both the board and canvas. 6.) Wait as directed. 7.)you want to pull the canvas as tight as possible. Start in the center, and press and smooth the two together. 8.)Apply clamps to the bottom just like on the top. 9.) once dry, you can stop here and just trim off the edges or go a few steps further and finish the back off. 10.) spray the top and bottom edges of canvas and board and press and hold the glued pieces together. Once that side has cured dry, trim off excess canvas. I like to do this with my boards for my other projects. It protects my surfaces from getting scratched by the rough edge and I can cut the canvas off if I needed to

[@Vsmithpots]

Wow that sounds like a plan. We do have some canvas covered boards that we use for wedging on. The concrete is so good because it does not warp. Thanks for the instructions so well described.

[@elizabethwatson71]

@@Vsmithpots I can not find this coming out of the kiln anywhere. I’ve watched several of your kiln reveal vids. About to watch more. Tell your wife I like her whales and the little boat. If there was a way to get oatmeal on the top and grey on the bottom and have the little boat red with the sail blue and wafting in the wind…. When I saw the first whale and boat, that what I envisioned what colors I would use

[@lorreburt5737]

Hi Vaughan--love your video. Question about holes for hanging--at what point do you drill? Any reason not to use a tool to cut hole while clay still wet? (afraid of cracking when using drill). thanks!

[@Vsmithpots]

I drill just past leather hard, but, I have even drilled through the bisque ware.

[@donnastroud9294]

Love all the beautiful fish. What clay and coloring do you use if you dont have a kiln to glaze?

[@Vsmithpots]

If you don't have a kiln it is not possible to make these.

[@toniallinder1442]

Those are really cute. Was wondering how hard it would be to turn them into wind chimes with little fish hanging off like a school of fish with their mother.

[@Vsmithpots]

I am sure it would work as long as they were not in a gale.

[@WildAcornsArtStudio]

Have you ever tried just dusting your stamp with cornstarch? It works great in our studio. Love your videos!

[@WildAcornsArtStudio]

Also, if you dust the back of the fish with cornstarch, you don't need the newspaper. I'm a fish person, too! :-) I love making all kinds of fish.

[@Vsmithpots]

I use my jeans and they are dusty enough to make the stamp work. That is the reason all of my jeans are worn out where I rub the stamp. I will try the corn starch idea. Thanks.

[@WildAcornsArtStudio]

@@Vsmithpots LOL, that's funny. I rub my hands on my apron so much, I can't get it clean anymore. Just an idea about the cornstarch. 😀 Love all your work! And your studio and gallery are awesome. You're very talented!!

[@amapolas3586]

Puedo ver la transmisión en Español?? Gracias 😊

[@edwinleach4013]

Could similar fish be made with polymer clay? I don't see why not and I may have a go atThanks for the beautiful fish. I have several ceramic fish that were made by local craftsmen in the Florida Panhandle.

[@Vsmithpots]

I have mailed fish to Florida from here and suggested they find a local potter to make them, it would be less carbon footprint. It takes a lot of bubble wrap.

[@sueb5443]

Hi Vaughan, I'm new to pottery so I'm really enjoying your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have a question about the back side of these fish. Does it stay raw? Like no glaze or such type gets put on it and how does that go with sealing, especially outside in the weather.

[@Vsmithpots]

They are up all winter in the snow and cold weather. The clay is fired to cone 6 and seems impervious to moisture, though I would not let them sit in the snow.

[@denizeferreira5755]

Lindo trabalho com esses peixes ! Bravo ! 👏👏👏👏👏🙏☝️👑☝️🙏🇧🇷

[@cynthiasandra]

ze zijn echt heel mooi geworden. het enige wat ik jammer vind is dat er schroeven doorheen gaan zo zonder. is daar niet iets anders op te verzinnen zodat er iets aan de achterkant zit om mee op te hangen een haakje ofzo. voor de rest zijn ze top .

[@Vsmithpots]

Ik heb geprobeerd met behulp van draad en epoxy gelijmd aan de achterkant. Het werkt, maar mijn klanten hebben er minder vertrouwen in. Ik laat ze ook de hele winter buiten staan ​​tot -23C en ik vraag me af of de lijm zal verzwakken bij extreme temperatuurschommelingen als de zon erop schijnt. Ik heb ook orkanen die hier passeren, dus ze moeten stevig aan de muur worden bevestigd. Bedankt voor het kijken.

[@richalencat413]

Hi Vaughan! I have watched this video and I have been very impressed with your technique, which I will definitely adopt. But I am very interested in having information about the little oven that you have next to the clay rolling mill, the little blue oven. I want to buy a small one for enamel tests and experimental formulas and small pieces such as jewellery, etc. I would greatly appreciate it if you would inform me of the make and model, the seller of that little blue oven. Very grateful for your video, it is a true masterclass, very professional. Thank you very much, again. Ricardo Ruiz Bustos Priorat region, Spain.

[@Vsmithpots]

I bought it from Pottery Supply House in Toronto. It is made by Paragon Industries.

[@richalencat413]

@@Vsmithpots muchas gracias por tu respuesta

[@denizeferreira5755]

Bom dia ! Amei os seus trabalhos, queria muito aprender aqui no Brasil, mas é muito caro. Como amo Artes, aprecio os trabalhos de Artistas como você. Deus o abençoe, em nome de Jesus Cristo !

[@Vsmithpots]

Obrigado por apreciar tanto nosso trabalho.

[@marikalr]

I love your fish. How do you provide for a way of hanging these placques? I noticed two very small holes. do you attach wire from them.

[@Vsmithpots]

Two small screws.

[@updownstate]

In Mexico there is a kind of floor tile which is cured in the open. Sometimes a cat will wander through and the tiles with a cat print or two cost more than plain tiles. I notice you have some cat feet; might give it a try on a few items.

[@Vsmithpots]

They are considered Good luck.

[@updownstate]

@@Vsmithpots Yes, I left that out.

[@goldpilot100]

I love your work and it is inspirational. I have a question - why do you put paper under it in the first place? I am guessing so if it attaches to the surface it doesnt crack as it dries?

[@Vsmithpots]

You answered your own question. When you press down with stamps it would seal it to the board if there was no paper in between.

[@donna7338]

I'm a beginner. I was told to use a porous surface like canvas or a fabric and not a non-porous surface to keep the slab from sticking. Doesn't plastic and paper make the slab stick?

[@Vsmithpots]

If you see from the video the clay does stick to the plastic but you can peel it off carefully by pulling the plastic along the surface of the slab.

[@ruthmagdalenabarragarces7478]

Preciosos los pescados

[@brandonpeters988]

The bottom fin could be a small planter

[@julieswann-paez9210]

Love watching and get inspired by your work. I have added Nova Scotia to my bucket list, and of course a visit to your shop. What kind of paper are you using? Simply heavy weight craft paper or parchment paper? Thank good you.

[@Vsmithpots]

It is just newsprint. Thanks for watching

[@terryalexander86]

What and where can you get blocks of clay like you use?

[@Vsmithpots]

In Canada I use Pottery Supply House.

[@sandrasau1890]

Mr Vaughan, what do you do to not deform your fishes and keep them straight?

[@Vsmithpots]

You can see at 46.07 I put small bits of kiln shelf all around the edges to keep them from curling up.

[@teresatriguerovaliente1268]

Mi pregunta es si a los peces les da el esmalte sin cocer antes sobre barro sin cocer 😊😊

[@robinweiss1681]

❤❤❤

[@Pherine1]

What clay are you using please?

[@Vsmithpots]

#455 from Pottery Supply House in Toronto.

[@diannaflynn8209]

Can you demonstrate making these several items like the green man, a sun face, and a moon. Thanks.

[@Vsmithpots]

I am not sure what you mean, are these in my videos?

[@diannaflynn8209]

@@Vsmithpots No but I have seen demonstrations from other potters. I would like to see your take on these items that you can hang in your garden, patio or so on.

[@pamshirley2289]

Love the fish but you went from saying do not scrape the glaze (airborn) to immediately actually scraping the glaze. Hmm

[@Vsmithpots]

Yes and now I glaze them with sponges to avoid getting the glaze on the edges. Pouring allowed glaze to get on the edges and it would melt onto the kiln shelf.

[@aliciabrocal2212]

MAESTRO SMITH ME ENCANTARON!!! FELICITACIONES SOY ADMIRADORA DE SU CREATIVIDAD, ADMIRO SU PASION Y DEDICACION ESTAS PIEZAS ME ENCANTON MUCHAS GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR SU SECRETOS ABRAZO DESDE PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY!!!

[@freddiemoretti8456]

MASTER SMITH I LOVED THEM !!! CONGRATULATIONS I AM AN ADMIRER OF YOUR CREATIVITY, I ADMIRE YOUR PASSION AND DEDICATION THESE PIECES LOVE ME THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR SECRETS HUG FROM PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY !!!

[@Vsmithpots]

Gracias de nuevo, espero que puedas probar algo de pescado y este video te ayudará. Mantente a salvo ahí abajo.

[@gailbancer1571]

So where is the finished piece?! No picture!!!!!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

There are some photos at the end.

[@Vsmithpots]

I just checked and the photos are there. The pieces shown in this video are being glazed this week and fired on Friday. The kiln unloading will be on Tuesday next weeks video.

[@beatriceportinari6667]

Hermosos!!

[@Helane70]

I love

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@mikegallagher9909]

E EX

[@Helane70]

You are so handsome! Are you married?

[@Vsmithpots]

Yes

[@gabrielesener2362]

nicht jeder versteht deine sprache, aber du redest und redest und redest. 17 minuten nur gerede.🤦‍♀🤦‍♀

[@Vsmithpots]

Genau mein Kommunikationsstil, ich denke KZbin übersetzt und fügt Untertitel hinzu.