Raku Killer Whale Vase

Materials:

white stoneware clay
potter's wheel
bat
cut-off wire
needle tool
rubber rib
trim tool
sponge
liquid wax resist
blue painter's tape
pencil
picture of whales
sheet of thick clear plastic
permanent marker
craft knife
banding wheel
white crackle and copper blue raku glaze
air compressor
glaze sprayer
respitator
paintbrushes - various sizes
bisque kiln
small gas kiln
metal trashcan with lid
sawdust
newspaper
welding goggles
heavy-duty leather gloves
dust mask
hat (baseball cap)
raku tongs
steel wool

2. Shape clay into a ball by smacking and pounding it with your hands.

3. Attach the bat to the potter's wheel and put the ball of clay in the center of the bat.

5. With your thumb, find the center and gently push down making a hole in the middle stopping about 1/4 inch from the bat.

6. With a sponge, squeeze water over the sides to lubricate the clay.

7. Form the bottom of the pot by pulling your fingers inside at the bottom of the hole.

8. With one hand inside and one hand directly opposite it on the outside of the hole in the clay, pinch your fingers together and pull up. Repeat this until the walls of your pot are about 1/4 inch thick.

9. Compact the rim by placing a finger on the inside of the rim and your thumb on the outside and gently push down with your index finger of your other hand.

11. Let it dry overnight.