Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we got to interview Martha Grover. Martha has a ton experience with pottery her knowledge is really incredible. Top 3 Value bombs: How to alter porcelain Teaching Workshops Learning to destroy your pottery and so much more  Follow Martha on Instagram @marthahgrover to connect with her Join the Shaping Your Pottery FB Group Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shapingyourpottery If you have Questions about pottery send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery Listen to other Interview here: https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about having the intention to improve your pottery. Without the intention to actually to improve your pottery your pottery will just be good rather then great. And it could be the difference between your pottery getting sold or not Join the Shaping Your Pottery Facebook Group Here to connect and learn from other potters Listen to other Episodes here https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about the 4 mistakes that keep you from discovering your own unique pottery voice. You will learn why these mistakes keep from developing your voice and how to prevent them. The faster you can stop making these mistakes the faster your voice will start to come out If you have question about pottery send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery we would love to here from you Connect with other potters by Joining the Shaping Your Pottery Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/shapingyourpottery Check out other episodes of Shaping Your Pottery here https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we got to Interview Kelsey Schroeder. Kelsey Makes some really detailed animal sculptures with her wheel thrown pottery. Top 3 value bombs:  How to make sculpted animals and combine them with your wheel thrown pots. Being Inspired by Nature and how it can help develop your voice Taking a residency  and so much more Follow Kelsey on Instagram @kelseyceramics to connect with her Get My Free 6 step guide to discovering your unique pottery voice here shapingyourpottery.com/voice Check out other episodes here https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/

So many potters make the mistake of making pottery just to try and sell and make a quick buck. But that is just backwords so I am thinking of creating a 6 step audio program to help you uncover your unique voice wih your pottery so you can start selling your pottery with ease and more confidence. Would this be of interest to you?  Send me an email to [email protected] I look forward to connecting with you!

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about the 3 levels to discovering your own unique voice in pottery You will learn about the 3 levels and why it is important to know them Level 1: Make it easy Level 2: Discover Level 3: Experiment  If you have quesitions about pottery send them to us on Instagram we would love to here from you @nictorres_pottery For More episodes check out https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/       

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about how to niche down your pottery. When you Niche down you get one step closer to discovering your own voice What you will learn: How Nicheing down helps you discover your voice  Nicheing down helps sell your pottery and much more We would love to hear from you send your questions about pottery to us on website at https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/ or you can them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we got to interview Catie Miller. Catie has been featured in all kinds of pottery themed places including Ceramics Monthly. Top 3 value bombs: How to make slip transfer designs Should you go full time in ceramics or not Caties best advice for finding your unique voice and so much more  go check out Catie on Instagram @catiemillerceramics If you are looking to start discovering your own Unique Voice with your pottery go to shapingyourpottery.com/voice  If you have any questions about pottery send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery    

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about getting your pottery to sell by making what you want.  What you will learn: How making what you want actually sells more then trying to make for someone else  Making what you want keeps pottery fun Making what you want is key part to discovering your own style and much more We would love to hear from you send your questions about pottery to us on website at https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/ or you can them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about making pottery easy. Pottery can be extremely hard so part of finding our own style is finding ways to make pottery easy for ourselves. You will Learn: What you should be doing to make pottery easy some steps to take in order to make it easier on yourself why making pottery easy is great for discovering your own style and much more If you have any questions about pottery send them to us at https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/ or you can send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we got the pleasure to Interview Lexi Shockey. Lexi's story on how she got started in pottery is truly amazing. Top 3 value bombs  How to make newsprint transfers? Taking a 2 year gap between highschool and College Taking Inspiration from things around you and so much more  Follow Lexi on Instagram @bluelemonadeceramics to check out her work also check out Lexi's website https://bluelemonadeceramics.com/ If you have questions about pottery send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery Check out our website for more episodes https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about Imposter syndrome. When you have Imposter Syndrome it can really hault progress not just in pottery but in anything you do  You will learn the 4 steps to get out of imposter syndrome these are easy steps that you can start doing immediatly. If you have questions about pottery send them to us on our website shapingyourpottery.com or send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this of episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about to add some flare to your glazes. You will learn 3 different ways to alter your glazing  doing these 3 techniques make glazing much more fun because glazing can get boring the best thing about these techniques is that they are super easy to implement and can really make glazing fun If you have any questions send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery or you can send a voice message on our website  https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/

On this Episode of Shaping Your Pottery we interviewed Amanda Siska. Amanda some incredible Designs by Sandblasting a Stencil. Top 3 Value bombs: 1. How to sandblast stencils 2. How to create new designs 3. Learning how to say NO! and so much more You can check out Amanda's work on her website at breadandbadger.com If you have questions about pottery send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery  

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery you will learn about the 4 ways to glaze your pottery. These 4 different ways each get different effects and all of them have different levels of learning. Technique 1: Brushing (level easy) Technique 2: Dipping (level medium) Technique 3: Pouring (level medium) Technique 4: Spraying (level hard) to learn more about these 4 techniques listen to the episode now If you have any questions about pottery send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery you will learn the importance of trimming our pots. Trimming is one of those things that can either be enjoyable or can be completely uncomfortable, we will give you 4 reasons why you should be trimming your pots. Reason1: Can make you pottery look even better Reason2: Can make your pottery lighter Reason3: Prevents s-cracks and warping on the bottom of the pot Reason4: It shows people that you care about your work Listen to the episode to learn more about these reasons If you have any questions about pottery send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we had the amazing Wesley T Brown. Wesley makes some incredible looking pottery that is truly unique.  Top 3 Value Bombs: How to combine wheel thrown with handbuilding Wesley's best advice to get the best results as possible How Making What you want to make is the best way to discovering your own unique style and so much more You can go check out wesley's work on Instagram @wesbrowncreates or check out his website here https://www.wesleytbrown.com/ If You have any questions about pottery send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about how to trim your pottery. Trimming is one of those things if you don't have the right steps before hand can be a real pain in the booty. You will the eight steps I take when trimming to have the best success as possible Don't skip these skips these steps when trimming your pottery. If you have questions about this episode send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about finding a shape you like when you are making your pottery. When you are able to find your shape it makes everything so much smoother. What you will learn on this episode: Why finding your shape is important  how to find your own unique shape  and so much more. When you're able to find a shape you like you start finding more of a passion for pottery.  If you have any questions about pottery send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres we had Summer Whiteside on. Summer makes some incredibly detailed anime mugs. you will learn a bunch from this episode Top 3 value bombs: How to make anime mugs! The Value of taking breaks and how it actually improves your workflow  Why making what you actually like to make will transform your business. and so much more. Go check out Summers amazing pottery on Instagram @summers_ceramicarts Have questions about pottery send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery you will learn what to do after you shaped you pottery. Often times this is forgotten but doing these things will help when it comes time to trimming your pots. What you will learn on this episode: How to cut the skirt off your clay Why we take off the slip from the pot and much more If you have any pottery questions send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery  

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about the rim. The rim is often over looked but it is a crucial part to making pottery. What You Will Learn On This Episode: How to make a good rim How a good rim can make the pot have a completed look How it actually protects your from breaking as easy and so much more  if you have any pottery questions send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery    

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we interviewed Emily Brawner. Emily makes some amazing pottery that is Botanically inspired that she uses a combination of sculpted and carving designs.  3 Value Bombs: The steps Emily Uses to make her mugs  Creating comfortable handles for your mugs How Nicheing down helps with selling your pottery and so much more Follow Emily on Instagram and check out her pottery here: @emilychristineceramics If you have any questions about pottery send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about making a bowl. Making a bowl is different than making a vase but it also helps you get better at throwing on the wheel. You will learn: how to make a bowl in 5 steps How making a bowl actually helps with throwing How making it round makes it actually look like a bowl and so much more If you have any questions about pottery send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping your Pottery we talk about how to make a Vase. Making a vase is important to learn because pretty much every thing you will have a vase shape whether it is big or small it is still a vase shape.  You Will learn: How to make a vase Using a rib to help shape  The Importance of have good neck on your vase If you have any questions about pottery send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery  

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres we Interviewed Amy James. Amy has been making pottery since 2012 she has developed a style that suits her. She will make some awesome designs and Uses glaze to really complement her designs. You will learn about: Making Designs on your pottery Adding something to your glaze to get a drip effect The Power of not keeping all your pottery and so much more You can go Check out Amy's pottery on Instagram @wildpinespottery If you have any questions about pottery send them to Nic on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about how to shape your pottery after pulling a cylinder. Getting good at this part will allow you to make all kinds of shapes. You will learn: How to shape your cylinder Using a rib to help shape Having a shape already in your mind   If you have any pottery questions send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery With Nic Torres we talk about finding your own throwing style. Finding your own throwing style is very important because something can work for one person but can be totally different for someone else.   You will learn: Find something that works for you How looking at how potters techniques can help you find your style. Making Pottery as easy possible for ourselves You have to find your throwing style so you can feel more comfortable with making pottery. If you have any pottery questions send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery    

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres we interview Andrew Linderman. Andrew focuses on using woodfired techniques to finish his pottery and also a resident at Cobb Mtn Art & Ecology Project. In this episode you will learn about: Making Woodfired Pottery Using Different Materials to Glaze Your Pottery Selling Pottery From Your House  and so much more  You can check out Andrew's wonderful woodfired pottery on Instagram @lindermanpottery   If you have any pottery questions send them to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery 

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about the mistakes that happen when pulling the clay. There are two types of mistakes when pulling the clay Outside forces and Inside forces Outside forces are what you can't control like how hard the clay gets or airbubbles  Inside forces are what you can control like the speed of the wheel  The more you limit you mistakes the more success you will have! If you have any pottery questions for Nic send them to his Instagram @nictorres_pottery Keep Shaping Keep Growing

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about Collaring. Collaring is essential when making a cylinder because it can help realign the clay back into a cylinder. How Do You Collar the Clay? Step1: start by placing both hands on the outside of the clay Step2: act like you are going to choke the clay Step3: move your hands up the clay while keeping your hands stable if your clay is getting to wide but you don't want it to do that collaring is a great way to help with that. If you have any questions for Nic send them to his Instagram @nictorres_pottery

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we Interviewed Steven Showalter. Steven makes wonderful pottery and glazes the effects he gets when glazing is absolutly incredible. You will learn about: How to get your glazes to drip Selling your pottery at shows Finding the right people to sell to and so much more you will get a ton of value from this interview You can follow Steven on Instagram @stevenshowalterpottery If you have any pottery questions for Nic send them to his Instagram @nictorres_pottery and he will do a Q and A at a later date  

On this lesson of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about the importance of mastering your cylinder before taking things further. Mastering Your Cylinder is Important Because: 1. Everything pretty much starts from a cylinder 2. Makes everything else easier 3. Helps when you are ready to start shaping your pottery If you don't master the cylinder it will take so much longer to get good at throwing on the wheel If you have pottery questions send me an email at [email protected]

On this lesson of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about what is pulling wall and how to do it The steps to pulling a wall 1. Place one hand in the opening and place the other on the outside 2. Push in with outside hand and push out with inside hand 3. Move the wheel slowly 4. Slowly move your hands up the clay while maintaining pressure and keeping arm stable  5. Hold at the rim for 3 seconds and release hand slowly 6. Repeat steps Doing these steps will help you when you are pulling your walls Email me your pottery questions at [email protected]

On this Episode of Shaping Your Pottery we Interviewed Kate Hochbrueckner. Kate uses white slip to make some really beautiful designs on her pottery. Kate also teaches people to make pottery and co-owns a pottery studio called East Main Clay In New York. 3 Value Bombs 1. How to make designs using slip 2.Advice for starting a Pottery studio 3. Finding Your own voice with your pottery Follow Kate on Instagram @katydid_ceramics also check out her website here https://ceramicsbykatydid.com/  

On this lesson of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about some of the mistakes when centering and opening your clay What are those Mistakes? 1. going to fast 2. opening before clay is fully centered  3. making the opening too thick or too thin The more can avoid these mistakes the better off you will be when centering and opening Send me an Email with your pottery questions at [email protected]

On this lesson of Shaping Your Pottery we talk about how you center and open your clay can make it easier for you or can make it very difficult for you. How you center and open your clay matters. if you are trying to make a vase but center really low to the wheel its going to be very difficult to make a vase same thing if you center like you are going to make a vase but want to make a plate it isn't going to work. Same thing when opening your clay if you make very narrow its going to be hard to fit your hand in there without getting the clay off centered. That's why it so important to slow down a little bit and think about how you are going to center and open with what you are planning to make Send me an email with your pottery questions at [email protected]

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery I interviewed Meghan Yarnell. Meghan Teaches High School Ceramics is mother of 3 children, and makes some really amazing pottery designs. In this episode you will learn about what it's like teaching high school ceramics, creating Origami Crane Mugs, how making what you want is beneficial, and so much more  Go check out Meghans Pottery on Instagram @meghcallie  

On this Lesson of Shaping Your Pottery you will learn how to open your clay after centering your clay. Getting the opening right is crucial because it will help you when you begin pulling and can prevent S-cracks on the bottom of pot How Do You Open Your Clay? step 1: wrap your fingers around the clay with thumbs in the middle of the clay  step 2: add water  step 3: drop your thumbs towards the middle step 4: check the bottom with a needle tool step 5: pull the clay towards you  step 6: compress the bottom ( should be about a 90 degree angle) If you have any pottery questions send me an email at [email protected]  

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery we are beginning a pottery lesson every Wednesday and Frida and what better way then to talk about how to center clay. Centering clay is the most important step when throwing on the wheel if you don't center all the way then it will ruin the piece you are trying to make. The steps needed to take when centering are 1. Get clay as close to center as possible  2. Seal the clay to the wheel 3. Stabalize your arms into your body  4. Cone up and down to get out some air bubbles  5. Make sure that the clay is completly centered If you have any pottery questions send me an email at [email protected]

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery I interview Brooke Knippa. Brooke makes some really creative pottery using all kinds of different animals to portray her work. In this episode you will learn how Brooke makes her animals, connecting with nature to help with inspiration, the power of patience, and so much more You can follow Brooke on Instagram @apcuriosities  

Everything we do in pottery has a connection to it. Whether we are talking about the connection to the clay or the connection to your customers. Without the connection it becomes so much harder to do anything in pottery. In this episode of Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres I will talk about how having a connection is so important to your pottery 

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery I talk about the power of repetitions and how they can litterally shape your pottery and how you make it. Repetitions are the easiest and best way to really get good at making pottery. While it may take some time to actually see results, but when you do start seeing those results your progress shoots off like a rocket The book I recommended in this Episode is called Atomic Habits by James Clear Sign Up For The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter Here

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery I interviewed Sharrel Meeker. In this epidoe you will about  Co-owning an Art Studio, Slab Built Noodle Boxes, Adding Yarn to clay, and much more You can follow Sharrel on Instagram @MudandYarn Sign Up for The Shaping Your Pottery newsletter Sign Up Here

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery I Interview Delores Farmer. Delores Makes some really great pottery she uses a wide variety of techniques to make some truly amazing pottery. In this episode you will learn about  Sunflower Mugs Opening a Pottery Studio  Failure and much more you can follow Delores on Instagram @delorespottery Sign Up for my Newsletter to never miss an episode Sign Up Here

On this episode of Shaping Your Pottery I talk about the power of modeling other potters. Modeling allows you to find your own way of making pottery. It allows you to find ways to suit you best and will help in the learning process.  Sign Up for my newsletter to never miss an episode  Sign Up Here

In this episode of Shaping Your Pottery I talk about failure. Failure is a really great way to improve your pottery and help you find your own style. Don't be afraid of failure if you fail so what try to learn something from it. If you can learn anything from your failures that is a win. Sign Up for my Newsletter and never miss an Episode Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter

On this Episode of Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres we interviewed Raquel Acosta! Raquel is an expert at applying glazes to get some really cool effects. The Three Biggest things you will learn in this episode are  Glazing  Using Books Managing your work You can follow Raquel on Instagram @glazemepretty  

In this episode on Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres I talk about the power of taking breaks. We all need to take breaks every once in a while so that we can recuperate our minds listen to this episode to find out more

On this episode on Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres we interviewed Sarah Anderson. Sarah makes some really cool pottery using a technique called sgraffito to carve cool characters onto her pottery.  In this episode we talk about Mobile Makers, Carving Characters, building your community and so much more  You can follow Sarah on Instagram @sarahandersonceramics