How to make a clay fish wall relief in just 26 minutes.

How to make fish shaped wall relief sculptures. Simple instructions and several designs shown glazed. We had a showroom fire while this was being filmed, lightening struck the gallery. This is a great project for school age children as well as professional potters.

[@neildeelangton3235]

Oh gosh!! I’m so pleased that you are both ok, your studio didn’t get too badly damaged and your artwork wasn’t destroyed. Your positivity about your situation as well as your fish tutorial was a lesson to me. Thank you x

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@hobblecreekpottery2921]

OMG! Your poor gallery. I've never been stressed watching a pottery video, but this one had me on the edge. Sooo so glad it wasn't worse and everyone is okay. I'm going to do my part to save the planet and going to go make some fish. 😊 Thank you for always sharing your creativity and knowledge with the rest of us.

[@jackiemorrison2661]

I love Vaughn too

[@Vsmithpots]

Good on ya. As they say down under. Almost all repaired now. You may be surprised at how well they sell, especially if you make fish similar to lake fish near you.

[@hobblecreekpottery2921]

So glad the damage wasn't much and already repaired. That's a lucky lightning strike. Angels were watching over you. If I was home in Alaska, I'd be making salmon and halibut. I still might have to make them anyway, but I'm going to try some lake fish for my area, too. Thanks again for all you do.

[@aliciabrocal2212]

Amo sus pescados!!! Y ya tengo el mío!!!ahora con tanta variedad en el mar, vamos por mas!!! Mas colores y tamaños !!! Gracias por compartir todo su conocimiento!!!!😊❤🇺🇾

[@Vsmithpots]

@@aliciabrocal2212 Gracias por los pensamientos.

[@andreamcveety8193]

I am so glad there was only minimal damage.

[@Jennifer8Nolan]

Thank you Vaughan for sharing your gifts. Much appreciated.

[@maurad5378]

The world would be a better place with sharing and love Vaughn! Beautiful!

[@marygleason1189]

Thank goodness the fire was contained!

[@Vsmithpots]

We have a great fire department, close by, 300metres away.

[@crystallarson5872]

So glad that no one was hurt by the lightening strike!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@cynthinamurphy5902]

I'm happy to hear the damage wasn't any worse, God bless you and Jackie

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@Hipsterchick77]

Omg!! So sorry about your gallery. Through this tough time you remained calm, wanting to make cookies for the fireman and was grateful of where the lightning struck. You are a remarkable person. Thank you for sharing your amazing talents and letting us meet your feathered friends. I always look forward to your videos. ❤

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, today I had a red squirrel join in with the birds.

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Our four fish got to watch how they came to be in the world as they are sitting above the computer. Hope the gallery won't take long to come back, Mother Nature always has a way of reminding us who has the real power. My neighbour Marge is heading to Barrington and I told her if she got a chance to go to LaHave she should stop in and see you. Wishing you and Jackie all the best to get the fire behind you. Will watch the rest of the video later. Cheers...Freddie

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks Freddie. we were hit by lightening in NY and now here, it must be Jackies magnetic personality.

[@jeffreyrobinson2155]

Ta mate i'm an old bloke over in Australia that's just taken up pottery a few week's ago we have an old kiln from when the old girl used to do glass year's ago for the market's so we thought we might give pottery ago for fun so i will probably watch this again thanks' for sharing i have subde;d

[@Vsmithpots]

Good luck with the pottery trails.

[@marisamoralesbaeza9299]

Le sigo desde España Valencia y me encantan sus trabajos ,veo muchas veces sus videos

[@marisamoralesbaeza9299]

Su estudio mientras es una maravilla,oír las gaviotas y ver el agua es muy relajante ,con vd aprendo mucho Dios le guarde muchos años

[@maggiedaly9001]

Firstly I am pleased to hear all is well with your studio; secondly I would like to thank you for being so generous and sharing you skill, I am a local potter but have never attempted making a fish but I will definitely try after seeing your demonstration. Thank you Vaughan.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@lisayates4230]

Holy Crow! So glad you two are ok!!

[@shellydumont9251]

My goodness, we never know what Mother Nature has in store! I'm so glad you didn't lose your studio ❤

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@lynnwilson359]

Your whales are brilliant. You do very nice work. They're beautiful!

[@denisenoble4010]

I loved the fish, but wow those whales were stunning, thanks for sharing and hopefully your back to normal after your strike with nature x

[@cpnotill9264]

You're reminding me to check our lightening rods. We're so grateful as you both are that your building was saved and no one was hurt Vaughan. Thank you for sharing your fish building techniques but just happy you're ok and that the gallery is mostly intact. 🥰🌺

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, we just had an electrician double up on the ground wires.

[@awakenability]

Nice to see exports from NS across the continent! Keep up the great work of folk art 🖼️ long live the fish 🐠! 🎊 🎉

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@user-nb3zu6te1w]

It is very kind of you to share your knowledge. I've learned so much from you and Jackie. Thanks!

[@Vsmithpots]

Glad to help.

[@galekrcmarik2043]

Thank you Vaughn for all that you do!!!!!

[@Whatnok]

You’re so talented and such a great soul. Thank you for sharing. That fish is so cute! 🤩🐟🐦⛵️

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@DrSandraGSmith]

Oh my!! I pray you’re all okay! ❤️. Thanks for all your videos! I’ve learned so much from you.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@jennifermeintjes7971]

So much more intricate than the original video

[@eloasis467]

espectacular como siermpre!! sus pescaditos es algo que me encanta!!! lamento mucho lo ocurrido en su local!! hay que agradecer no paso a mayores!!! bendiciones saludos

[@jackiemorrison2661]

So glad your studio is ok

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@sarahjines7791]

I love your fish!! ❤

[@melrussell7830]

Thank you Vaughan for the demo of the fish 🐟 curving and sloping the edges really makes the fish come alive 😊 Hopefully you didn’t have any broken pottery in the Gallery and thank goodness it was not in the studio with all the electrics and gas kiln 😊 Here in the uk the summer has been quite wet and not that warm, so when we do get a hot day it’s just heavenly 💚

[@Vsmithpots]

We were lucky and I had a good builder. We had a rainy summer too, but no more wildfires thank goodness.

[@triciac1019]

I just love fish. I made a coiled fish in Jr. High and another in high school. They are statue types, not wall hangings. I want to make wall hangings of fish like you do. I just love your work. Thank you for sharing always so generously.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, they are fun to make.

[@AZrestlessnative]

Thank you for sharing! I will definitely try giant fish!

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@321ReadysSetG0]

Vaughan has another video relating to the making of his fish in his play list for those who are newish to following - Here is the other making video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXjcgaSOer6botE Here is the glazing of them kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3WYfZmDe9x9apI Vaughan, thank you so much for your generous sharing of your making processes. I can understand why people want your fish. I myself would love a fish and even though you have told use to make one ourselves, it would be very special to have one of yours hanging on the wall. But that being said, you have taught us the skills thoroughly now to go catch our own fish 😉. Thank you and we will start casting our line and reel in all different kinds of fish all around the globe -- and save a bit of the 🌎 in the process.

[@jcampbell100]

You are a fine potter and gentleman.

[@sharonpieri1896]

Praying that the studio fix goes well and timely for you. And thank goodness the kiln made it through its firing and no damage there.

[@Vsmithpots]

We were lucky, thanks

[@cariadwales1979]

Thank you for sharing your fish tutorial. Im not a fishy person but I might just try this. You've inspired me!

[@centralparkcoffeeco.cafeba6634]

Amazing result. What a talent! Glad you are ok.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks. From your name I think you should try getting a local potter to make you some mugs with your name on them. The Barn coffee house in Mahone Bay, here is the website, thebarncoffee.com/ uses mine and sells about 60 a month during the tourist season. Just a thought.

[@centralparkcoffeeco.cafeba6634]

I am a potter, and we are in the process of making them now. Making many things to start selling in our restaurant. @@Vsmithpots

[@zulmaalvarez7251]

Maravillosoooosss!!!increíbleeeesss!!!🐳🐋🐟🦈👏👏👏👌👌👌😉😉👍👍👍👍🫶

[@lisabroussardjanuska6774]

I love watching your videos, the fish are beautiful and are a favorite subject lately!! So thankful for potter's like yourself that shares their vast skills, thank you so much! Could you please consider doing a video of a 3D fish that stands? OMG WOW!!! I'm so sorry about the fire, so scary! Glad all was ok, that would have been a disaster!!

[@sandirodman6756]

You are a master! I love watching you!

[@conniemezzo9370]

I have made (because of you 😊) 3 small fish for my niece. They are bisque fired, but not glazed yet. They are fun to make!

[@Vsmithpots]

Congrats, have fun with the glazes, sponging works well.

[@susanvalleauderby2934]

What a shocker!! and amazing you didn't have more damage from that lightning strike. I love your fish, and with your encouragement I think I will give some a try. They have so much character, and are so fun. Stay safe from your natural elements, as we on the west coast are trying to do from ours.

[@Vsmithpots]

We had a rare calm sunny day today, cool temps. The best of the year is still to come.

[@thatoldbiddy2]

Enjoyed the water view and the demo. Thanks for sharing-

[@Vsmithpots]

thanks.

[@MASI_forging]

Such talent and skill. Absolutely gorgeous 😍😍

[@mickihaendiges6359]

So happy that the fire was not worse! Glad you are both safe.

[@Handmadebygas]

Absolutely always love your channel & pottery. We still enjoy your beautiful chicken pot. So thank for the fish tips and tricks too. I’m a pay it forward believer as well - Ty Such a perfect message. 🫶🏼 so True Wow, how lucky you two are;so glad it all worked out. Crazy times

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for appreciating our work.

[@Hannah-lz4mu]

Kráááásne výrobky ale ty ryby jsou úžasné....👏👏👏zdravím z Česka.....sucho a tropy máme 😛😛😛

[@Vsmithpots]

Děkujeme, snad bude na podzim lepší počasí.

[@connieallan9429]

Thank you for sharing Vaughan😊

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@defyant1]

Vaughn, Goes without saying, I love your videos. So helpful for new potters like myself ! Taking your advice re: hand building for FLORIDA fish. Maybe I can get good enough to lighten your delivery load! :-) . QUESTION: Do you just let the fish air dry flat on the paper -how long? How do you keep it from cracking - I didn't see you using any weights etc? So happy your survived the lightening strike with only minor damage. Guessing you know Florida is the "lightening Capital" of the U.S. - fun fact: Tampa means "lightening stick" as named by the indigenous peoples of early Florida b/c of the massive amount of lighting. Will be watching for your answers...thanks in advance!

[@Vsmithpots]

I let the dry naturally on the paper, I make them in a clay that has a little grog, so cracking is unlikely. I do not remove them from the paper until they are quite dry. I will show how in my whales video to follow next weekend.

[@dimadimitrova6405]

It is so relaxing to watch your work, thank you for this beauty and harmony! Greetings from Bulgaria !

[@Vsmithpots]

Hello Bulgaria, I am so happy I can reach you all the way over there. Thanks for watching.

[@jillheath2804]

I just love your work. Thankyou also for all your tips and tricks. Your whales are simply fabulous too. I wish I cld visit. I feel your pain after the lightening strike and hope it's fixed up for you quickly. Jill Victoria Australia.

[@dennismanning3964]

love your vids. As you said at the end...you are a lucky man

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@jeanninebona6096]

Je suis heureuse que l'orage n'ait pas fait de gros dégâts chez vous! Le monde est vraiment chamboulé aujourd'hui et ça n'est que le début ! Ici, c'est très chaud et nous n'avons pas eu de pluie depuis bien longtemps. Heureusement que nous avons la mer... Merci pour tous vos bons conseils et vos poissons sont magnifiques. Ils sont en grès je suppose. Je vais me lancer je crois. Belle fin d'été !

[@Vsmithpots]

Nous avons eu des incendies de forêt au printemps et de la pluie tout l'été, j'aime mieux la pluie, même si le jardin se noie. Merci d'avoir regardé.

[@loccasionunique]

très belles créations! j'aime beaucoup votre travaille et votre générosité!

[@marygleason1189]

Like the shirt.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, we made them 12 years ago and just found some left over.

[@doublybubblysoap9734]

Love them all!! Absolutely beautiful work!! And sorry about the lightning..... Hope you get everything sorted out quickly.

[@Vsmithpots]

just about repaired now. Thanks.

[@phyllisgriffin5933]

I just love your work!

[@carolynpollack1083]

Hi. Loved watching this video. I love the fish and whales that you make. I think I'll have a go at making one. Geez, you were unlucky with that lightning strike, but thankfully, it didn't hit the studio with the kilns.

[@Vsmithpots]

My thoughts exactly, especially since we were hit on the gas line entering the building.

[@lisasmith1563]

So sorry about the fire! Glad all’s well.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@BrokenArrowPottery]

Love and sharing! Definitely need more of that universally! Hope the damage was minimal in your showroom and that you two are alright! Along with the pets. Sending love for a speedy rebound!♥

[@Vsmithpots]

Already back to square one, just a bit of sheet rock and woodwork to do. thanks.

[@BrokenArrowPottery]

​@@Vsmithpots That's good to hear! God bless you!

[@carries6427]

You make it look so easy! I’m a beginner potter and love your videos. Sorry about the fire glad you are ok

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@lindagoesel3815]

Thank you for a great video. I have just started making pottery and it is wonderful. You are amazing, im so sorry about your studio, but there you were smiling and saying how happy and fortunate you were. Im sending by air a huge hug and wishing you all the best. I start classes again soon and im going to try a fish. God bless you. ❤

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@nancyalzola9761]

Wow. Hope all is well with your studio

[@Vsmithpots]

All is fine, thanks.

[@ravencelentano5900]

I really enjoy your videos, I find them very informative and you have a lovely calm voice (I'm noise sensitive, so pitch is very important 🙃). I'm so glad the strike didn't cause too much damage. Keep up the amazing work, Vaughan 👍😃 Best wishes from a not so sunny Cornwall (UK)😂

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for the appreciation. Cornwall is magical.

[@marciasilviajohnson6461]

Sorry to hear about the lighting, love the demo, I will making fishes now😜. I’m sending my brother in law to your studio, he likes pottery they are from Calgary, I hope he buy a lots 😜. I’m located in Vancouver BC

[@Vsmithpots]

Hi Marcia, I think my wife served them today. Thanks.

[@marciasilviajohnson6461]

@@Vsmithpots good I hope he bought a lot, helping you to fix your studio 🤗

[@streetsmartintelligent]

So very classy looking these fish. Really like that blueish colored whale. I am assuming on your fish that have the speckles, you use a glaze like spectrum or elements. Octopus, might be a little difficult but do-able, I know you can do it. Have you done any jellyfish? So glad your gallery wasn't burned & hope your damage costs are not sky high. I love where your shop is located on the water & you can view all the things that come & visit you, seagulls... I grew up on the water & our house was on the water, just loved the sounds of the sailboat masts clanking together with the salt air breeze blowing thru the house.. miss those days alot. I think I want to retire by the water in my art studio as well, I'm in the hot dry wooded country now just not the same. Love your creativity Vaughn.❤ Signed: Texas

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I hope you can get your wish about retiring, just buy a house higher up on the shore, the constant threat of hurricanes and sea level rise is worrisome. We just got lucky with Franklin which is heading out to sea. The speckles in the glaze are from the clay body I use which has a speckle. I mix my own glazes from different glaze books. I have several types of visitors on my deck, gulls, crows, pigeons and squirrels; raccoon's come and visit me in the winter. The schooners still make the clinking from the masts and the tiny bell, too bad they got rid of the fog horns on the light house. GPS made those irrelevant. have a great fall.

[@janlewis9099]

Oh my goodness!! So pleased that no one was hurt. I do hope you didn't loose too much stock. Loving the fish/ whales. Do you dip or pour your glazes on your fish?

[@Vsmithpots]

The video link at the end shows how I glaze them.

[@lisasmith1563]

Thank you so much for sharing! I learned so much. Can I ask a few questions? How do these hang? Do you add something to back for a wire to go through? Is that a special brush you’re using?

[@321ReadysSetG0]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXjcgaSOer6botE He did a king video on making fish and if you go to the list of videos he also has one explaining how he glazed. I think you'll find a lot of answers to your question watching - he is so generous with information.

[@christianenoronha2471]

Lindo trabalho❤

[@tolidi_sofal_aboukhak]

👍👏

[@CrankyCorvid]

Hullo, Vaughn, love your videos and I so appreciate you sharing your techniques. Hoping you see this question: how thick do you roll out your clay? Looks pretty thick, like well over a cm / 1/2 inch. So glad your gallery and studio are intact!!

[@Vsmithpots]

I set my slab roller to a touch over 1/4inch which is 7/8mil. Thanks.

[@ceperez48]

Hi Vaughan, hope you are doing fine. Plan to stop by your shop next week, September 1. Hope you are around. We are coming from South America via NJ.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for letting me know. My sister is visiting from the UK so I will be working limited hours from Sept 1st to 8th. Let me know which day you will be here so I can be available in the studio. Thanks for coming.

[@ceperez48]

Thanks for answering. We will be traveling from Peggy's Cove to Liverpool August 31, we plan to stop by at Lunenburg and then take the ferry East LaHaye-Pleasantville. No sure about the time but either late morning or early afternoon.

[@Vsmithpots]

August 31st is good, I should be there all day, we close at 5.30pm. See you soon.

[@mariabrunnegard]

Thank you for sharing from you beautiful corner of the earth! 🤩 And your awsome pieces of fish art! I am a potter from Sweden waching all of your videos thank you so much for sharing all different techniques and being my friend in the studio while working 😊 I have one question, firing flat pieces is often trick because of cracking, What is your tip to awoid cracking to occur on the kiln shelves?

[@Vsmithpots]

There are a couple of things you can do. First if you can afford it get some of the new Advancer kiln shelves, they are thinner and allow for more equal distribution of heat. Secondly slow fire the kiln. The temperature when the cristobolite forms is crucial, slow the heat rise between 550C to 625C to only 40C per hour. I also slow the cooling down to the same 40C per hour between the same. The slower the firing the better for the other heat rises.

[@marikalr]

Thank you for sharing your techniques. The fish and whales are fantastic. Would you please describe what you do for hanging them. do you attach wire in back through the holes? Thanks

[@Vsmithpots]

Two small dark coloured screws. Thanks.

[@cookieoriginals8319]

Very nice , I see holes . Do you put wire thru holes on how do they hang ?

[@ankesander-meyers3714]

Dear Vaughn, I love your instructions. Your work is beautiful, how do you attach the fish to the wall? Thank you.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, two small dark coloured screws.

[@bettygreiser2919]

Happy every one is ok and your studio was saved! Are those fish screwed to the wall or strung? Do you put felt or foam behind them? How do they hold up in the wind and snow? Thank you for your awesome videos!

[@321ReadysSetG0]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXjcgaSOer6botE Here is his longer video explaining even more about the whole process - you may find a lot of answers to your questions by watching -- he also has a video explaining his glazing process of the fish if you look at his video listings. He is so generous with his information.

[@Vsmithpots]

Yes they are screwed to the wall, small #6 screws. They stay out all winter, -26C last winter. No felt behind them.

[@ohioskane363]

I so enjoy watching you work!! Maybe a silly question, but why do you put holes in the fish? Thank uou.

[@Vsmithpots]

I screw them to the wall.

[@mjceramics5552]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful fish! A question: for hanging you just punched 2 holes in the clay for nails? I worry i would crack it when affixing to a wall with a nail. You know lightning does not strike twice in same spot (so they say) so you can consider yourself safe from further strikes! 😊

[@Vsmithpots]

I use two small screws that are dark grey. They are easy to use and I use an electric screw driver. Careful not to over screw. They can have glued hooks applied to the back but I hang them outside in 100km winds, so screws are essential.

[@lisabroussardjanuska6774]

Your Whales are gorgeous!!! How much do you sell them for?

[@pauldow1648]

🎉

[@tricialee5]

Interesting fish demo! Never knew that there were so many 'designs'. How do the fish get fastened to the wall? (hung.....). I looks like the holes would allow the screw heads/nail heads to be visible...... or is there a secret method? Thank you.

[@Vsmithpots]

Visible but the screws come in greys and greens so they blend in. I also use a small head screw.

[@MsTarpon01]

Thank you!! Have you made a Seahorse!!??

[@Vsmithpots]

Not yet. There are so many fish to explore.

[@roadmap5351]

Vaughn, do you glaze the back? Could you show that please?

[@Vsmithpots]

No, left unglazed.

[@potteryinthemaking119]

Would love to make them,but how do you hang them?

[@Vsmithpots]

2 small screws, you can hardly see them in the picture.

[@potteryinthemaking119]

Thanks,I live right on west point lake(USA) We have alot of fisherman that come by , they would be great sitting out on display by the road

[@phyllisgriffin5933]

How do you hook the fish on the back so they can be hung? Also why do you put 2 holes in the fish…so they won’t warp?

[@Vsmithpots]

They are for outdoor use so small screws hold them on the wall, in storms like the hurricane heading our way this weekend.

[@dianemodel5824]

How do you hang them

[@Vsmithpots]

#6 screws

[@debbiewilsomn4314]

Do you make beans pots? If so I would love a demo. Great shot and I appreciate your skills and sharing.

[@Vsmithpots]

Yes I do, good idea.