Our Blog
Read more about A Bit Off Center, our pottery, and things that inspire us to create.
Goals revised
I enjoy making multiples (as any reader of this blog already knows). I find it challenging and satisfying. So when we found out that we would be attending Bele Chere in July, I began making mugs. I love to make mugs and having a set goal really motivates me. I had...
Our symbol
How a potter marks her pots is a big decision. At first, I wrote my name on the bottoms; but, when I saw a co-worker using one of the mugs I made with my name on it, it felt out of place. So, I began using my initials. But, when Julie and I began to work together,...
Pottery Rx – Bisqueware and Glazeware
Bisqueware Once a pot has been bisque-fired, it is still vulnerable to damage. But, many bisque pots can be repaired successfully. Sharp/rough spots (check where you have signed the pot, this is often sharp) Gently sand or dremmel the area Wipe with a damp sponge and...
Pottery Rx – Bone Dry
As potters, we should embrace the Hippocratic oath to first do no harm. This means to avoid damaging your pots. When your pots are bone dry, they are the most vulnerable to damage so it is best to avoid moving them so transport them prior to the bone dry stage....
Pottery Rx – Leatherhard
Admittedly, I am not very patient with pottery repairs. But, Julie is an amazing pot-healer which might have something to do with her nursing background. She will attempt to repair most pots whereas my solution is to euthanize them. Although damages don't happen...
Pottery Rx
Yesterday, I made some batter bowls with a new clay body. It had a high grog content so it dried faster than I anticipated - or perhaps it was the idyllic early summer weather. Typically, we have high humidity in eastern NC which slows the drying time. Either way, a...