February 2025 Newsletter
Club Notes and Updates
We’ve got a great new glaze samples board down in the Glaze Room!
New Club Glaze Test Tile System!
The Glaze Team is excited to roll out Phase 1 of the new test tile system they've been working on for the past nine months! The upgraded board makes it easier to identify glazes, see how they behave over different clay bodies, and understand how each glaze performs with multiple dips.
The new 3D-printed Club Glaze Test Tile Stamp/Cutter design packs in a lot of useful information, including how the glaze reacts on both smooth and textured surfaces, the effects of one, two, and three coats, and how much the glaze runs.
The new tile design.
Each tile is fired upside down, with the 3rd dip area most likely to run.
Each club glaze now has a test tile on three different clay bodies: Primo Standard Stoneware, the Weekender, and Mac’s Studio White. These are arranged on the bottom right of the board, and each glaze is listed in the same order as the bisque test tiles.
Whenever a new batch of glaze is made, a fresh Primo Standard Stoneware test tile will be added to the board. We're trialing the board with removable tiles, so please make sure to put each tile back on the exact hook you took it from to keep the system organized and easy to use. If a tile breaks, please email Admin at wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com so we can replace it.
Bare samples of clay: Primo Standard Stoneware, the Weekender, and Mac’s Studio White.
Ngā mihi nui to Julie H, Lauren C, James D, Sarah D, Paul K, Peter R, Steve M, Laila F, Bella F, and the entire Glaze Team for all their hard work in bringing this new system to life!
Phase 2 will feature test tiles for the top 15 club glaze combinations. Stay tuned!
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The WPA Library Goes Reference-Only
As of 1 February, the Wellington Potter’s Association library is moving to a “reference only” model. Over time, we’ve seen an increasing number of books go missing, and as no other tools in the studio are available to take home, it seems logical to make the library the same. Going forward, books will be available to browse and read on-site, but they will no longer be available for checkout.
The WPA library is full to the gills and we want to refresh and continue to add to the catelog.
We’re also taking this opportunity to pare down the collection by removing duplicates and outdated materials. This will allow us to make space for new acquisitions and ensure the library remains relevant and up-to-date. As a result, we’re cleaning up the “publications” section of the library and have a lot of old magazines to offer to members. Keep an eye on the “Free Box” for some oldies-but-goodies that you can take home and enjoy forever!
If you currently have any books checked out, please return them as soon as possible. We also ask that you place any books you take off the shelf back in the same spot—there’s no need for exact order, just make sure they’re returned to the correct section. New signage reflecting these changes will be up soon, so keep an eye out.
While you won’t be able to take books home anymore, you’re still encouraged to come in and browse the collection at your leisure. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just some quiet reading, the library will be here for you – and with the extra space, we hope to make it an even better place to learn and explore all things pottery!
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New WPA Parking Map
The new map includes some notes on specific spaces.
We’ve drawn up a parking map at the Wellington Potters’ Association (see above) to illustrate the best use of the limited space available. Since we are located on council land, it’s important to remember that Wellington City Council (WCC) can revoke our parking privileges if the area isn’t managed properly. Please take a moment to review the map to ensure efficient and appropriate use of the parking area.
A few key points to keep in mind: do not block the stairs down from the track—this is a public access point that must remain clear at all times. It is acceptable to park over the cement pad at the bottom of the driveway, but we suggest that this space is better used for smaller vehicles. Additionally, do not turn around in the top car park, as this damages the gravel surface and can make the area less usable. By following these guidelines, we can ensure the parking area remains functional and maintain our parking privileges.
Thank you! Your cooperation is important in helping us preserve our parking access for the long haul.
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Many Hands Make Light Work
It takes a huge amount of volunteer work to keep the club running smoothly, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributes their time and effort. Here’s a quick look at some of the standout work done in recent months.
On 21 January, Alice H, Anna C, and Chloe M processed an impressive 56 bags of reclaimed clay! Our building and grounds volunteer crew (some jobs still in progress) have been working tirelessly, including Tony M, Anne-Marie B, Peter R, Ish D, Julie H, Maria Ni F, Julie H2, Donna B, Mara E, Priti P, Ross W, Marion H, Craig W, Grace M, Clinton D, Lauren and Brian C, Duncan S, Kay F, Sarah J, and Simon K.
Above, from left to right: The pug mill at work, some of the 56 bags of reclaimed clay, cleaning the building, and doing some heavy gardening.
Georgina P has led the charge in reorganizing the library, and the Glaze Team—including Briar S, Priti P, Rebecca S, Stephen P, Steve B, Julie H, Lauren C, James D, Sarah D, Paul K, Steve M, Laila F, Lina N, Bay C, Christian L—keeps our glazes fully stocked (252L of glaze in 2024!) and, as noted above, is reworking the sample tile system.
A big thanks also goes to our organisers: Kate Mac, our Ceramicus Covenor and Cubbies Manager, and our hardworking volunteer Committee: Martin H, Julie H2, Ingrid P, Peter R, Kelly Y, Chrissy B, Paige J, Gordon S, Lauren C. We’re also grateful to those who help with alternative firings, including Ingrid P, Peter R, Gabrielle A (Anagama and Raku). And, of course, all the dedicated members who turned up for various Working Bees (Anagama, Raku, Club, Kiln Room, etc.)—though they’re not glamorous, they’re key to keeping the studio in top shape. We also need to shout out to those who generously share their knowledge (and cakes!) on a regular basis: Mal S, Hedy M, Vera B, and Julie H2, and our wheel-maintanance champion Tomo S.
Julie H rolling and stamping sample tiles for the club glazes.
And, lastly, a huge thank you to our mysterious ‘Tea Towel Fairy’, whose identity remains one of our best-kept secrets!
A rough tally of volunteer events shows that around 100 people have participated over the past year. If each person contributed at least three hours, that adds up to over 300 hours of work dedicated to the studio, with many contributing even more. This collective effort has been nothing short of remarkable, and we couldn’t be where we are without your dedication. However, there’s always more to do, and we continue to rely on volunteers to help keep things running. Your ongoing support is invaluable, and together, we’ll continue to make the studio a thriving and vibrant place for all!
(Haven’t volunteered yet/lately? Keep an eye out for the first Working Bee of the season, the first wood stacking day for Anagama 2025, or consider pitching in for one of the remaining maintenance tasks—details here.)
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Welcome new members!
Amey H | Enda R | Imogen P | Karena L | Laura M | Laurelle S | Mareike P | Noella F | Rob T | Sehej K | Ursula T | Aurora S | Ayumi T | Beth T | Elena S | Francisco P | Jessica D | Nicky S | Raukura C | Sara R | Steve W
Amey H | Enda R | Imogen P | Karena L | Laura M | Laurelle S | Mareike P | Noella F | Rob T | Sehej K | Ursula T | Aurora S | Ayumi T | Beth T | Elena S | Francisco P | Jessica D | Nicky S | Raukura C | Sara R | Steve W
DID YOU KNOW…?
Hot tips and tricks
FLUX
Every time you layer a glaze on your pottery, you're adding more flux to the surface. Flux is the ingredient that helps the glaze melt and become fluid. So, when you use multiple glazes on one piece, you increase the risk of it becoming too runny. While layering can create stunning effects, it also increases the chances of the glaze running off the piece—especially on certain shapes. This can damage both your piece and others in the kiln.
Hot Tip:
If you’re trying a new glaze combination, always test it first and use a kiln biscuit! Apply the layers on the inside of your piece or on a bisque-fired test tile to check how the glazes behave. And use a kiln biscuit (yes, I’m repeating myself here)! Testing is crucial! If you're unsure, it's better to avoid layering. Sometimes, less really is more.
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WASHING YOUR APRON
How often should you wash your apron? Probably more often than you think! While we're great at cleaning our workstations, we often overlook the fact that dried clay is flaking off our aprons and getting spread around the studio.
You don’t need to wash it after every session, but if you notice clay starting to build up and cake on your apron, it's a sign it's time for a rinse (at the very least).
Hot Tip:
Rinse your apron first in the sluice room to avoid clogging your home plumbing with clay. Then, toss it in a plastic bag to take home for a full wash.
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RECYCLE BETTER CLAY
Did you know that when you throw on the wheel, tiny clay particles end up in your catcher and water bucket? These particles are essential for great reclaim because they help give the clay its plasticity.
Hot Tip:
Instead of pouring your throwing water down the sink, use a large sponge to collect the particles and transfer the water into the reclaim buckets by the front door. And, for washing your hands between pieces, there’s a new bucket and sponge to the right of the reclaim table that you can use. Let’s keep that clay flowing!
Member’s Gallery: Jenny Shearer
We are pleased to announce that after 20 years, Jenny Shearer will be returning as our Potter in Residence! Jenny’s 6-week residency will begin on 17 February. During this time, she will work on pieces for an upcoming exhibition and run two members' workshops—one on teapots and the other on lithography. We look forward to having her back with us.
A few words from Jenny -
"I’d just like to say that I was the first Artist in Residence back in 2005, or possibly the year after. I had not long returned from Coromandel, where, with my husband David Shearer, we were full-time potters for 12 years. We made a good living and were closely linked to Driving Creek and its development by Barry Brickell.
Since then, I have been working on my own, focusing on reduction firing with gas, and I have completed three residencies at Driving Creek.
Prior to my residency, the upstairs room had no window or plumbing. All of this was fixed by voluntary labor, mainly by Mike Atkins, who passed away recently.
We also started the DCA (Diploma of Ceramic Art) course, which was directed from Dunedin by Neil [last name], who also recently passed away. This was a highly successful group with tutors Adrienne Risely, Carol Brent, and myself. The finalists' show was held at Avid, which has since closed. At that time, there were only 200 members, but as the numbers grew, it became untenable to continue taking up so much space and time in the main room for this course. However, those days remain vibrant in my memory.
I’m looking forward to reconnecting with Wellington potters through this residency and sharing some of my experience with throwing in general, as well as some basic lithography.
Thank you for this opportunity."
All photos courtesy Jenny Shearer.
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Is there something you’ve made that you want to show off? If so, please email your photos (and descriptions, if you’d like) to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
PSAs from the Club Admin
First and foremost
We need WCC recycling bags please! If you could please bring in your spares and tuck them under the kitchen sink, right side door and inside the crate, that would be wonderful!
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Upcoming Visiting Potter - Karin Amdal
In March, Karin Amdal (a former member and Ceramicus Guest Artist and Selector in 2022) will be spending some time at WPA while she visits New Zealand. Karin will be doing some work from the rooms and will run a cup workshop for members.
We are still firming up the dates for when Karin will be with us, we will confirm in the March newsletter.
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Have you seen…?
We’re looking for the curved-nose pliers usually found in the toolbox in the kiln room. If you’ve seen them, please bring them for Peter, Bella, or Admin? They are an essential tool for resetting elements! Ngā mihi.
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Extruder update
There is a cloth 'bag' near smaller extruder containing bread bags which help keep the extruder and your clay clean. Donations of clean bread bags to the cloth 'bag' and to the polyboxes under the slab roller are welcomed.
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What to do with the plastic bags your clay comes in?
The only plastic bags that Clay Club would like are the see-through Primo bags, washed and un-holey. The rest, please repurpose yourselves until further notice.
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Clay Supplies and Prices Update
Shortage of Macs range: They’re having trouble keeping up with demand! WPA’s order is ‘in the pipeline’.
Primo-Pro range: Pssst! Price increase scheduled ex-supplier from 1 March
Nelson Potters Clay: With a view to providing members with another choice of “New Zealand grown”, tests are underway on two from their range. If any members are currently using any of this company’s clays, your observations would be appreciated. Email Peter sales@rumbles.co.nz
Witgert: Try a different clay! German ‘tan/leather’ coloured. No grog; good for throwing and for medium-sized hand building projects. Excellent joining ability and plasticity. Usually $37 One-month special $33 (10kg)
CLEARANCE: Keanes Cone 6 Speckled White was $72 now $59 Excellent for throwing domesticware
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Ngā mihi!
Fresh Cherry Crisp for February
Photo Credit carlsbadcravings.com
Cherries are cheap right now! So use the end of the harvest to indulge in a classic American dessert (similar to a “crumble” but less cake-y of a topping).
Recipe from allrecipes.com.
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INGREDIENTS
• 4 cups pitted cherries (sour if you can find them)
• 1 ½ cups white sugar (or to taste, especially if you are using sweet/standard cherries)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup shorteningDIRECTIONS
1) Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C.
2) Combine cherries, 1 ½ cups white sugar, and 4 tablespoons flour in a large bowl; pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine 1 ½ cups flour, oats, and brown sugar in a medium bowl; cut in butter and shortening until crumbly. Sprinkle over cherries.
3) Bake in preheated oven until topping is golden brown, about 45 to 50 minutes.
Upcoming WPA Classes & Events
Cake Club is back!
Tuesday mornings starting 4 February | 9:30AM - 12:00PM
Come join us for cake and a cuppa then get hands-on support and demonstrations from some of our most experienced members. Lots of conversations, tips and tricks and support for any level of potter. Don't be shy!
No need to sign up, just come on in!
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Anagama Wood Stacking
Wednesday 5 February | 10AM - 2PM
The countdown to the 2025 anagama firing is on, and we’re ready to roll! Thanks to our amazing host, Graham Houston, the first batch of wood has been cut and split, and now it’s time for the fun part—stacking!
This is a hands-on, get-your-hands-dirty kind of job, involving plenty of lifting and barrowing. So, throw on your sturdy shoes, grab some garden gloves, pack a water bottle, and don’t forget that sun protection. Oh, and if you can, bring something tasty to share for lunch! We’ll only be stacking part of the wood this time around, but don’t worry—if you can’t make it, there will be plenty more chances to pitch in later. Plus, less physical tasks will come up as the firing day approaches!
Here’s a perk: by helping with the anagama build-up, you get the chance to enter TWO more pots into the firing. Pretty sweet, right?
Need a ride? Mal’s got you covered! He can take 3 or 4 people up in his car and will leave the clubrooms at 9:15 sharp.
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Raku Club Observers
Saturday 8 February | 9:30AM - 3:30PM
Anyone is welcome to come and watch a raku firing from the other side of a barrier. If you wish to join Raku Club for future firings or submit a piece for firing, you MUST however sign up to this event. This enables us to track your attendance before we add you to the Raku Club roster and send you notifications if the firing is postponed due to weather.
Signing up also entitles you to submit one piece - a small bowl, vase, etc that the Raku Club will glaze and fire on your behalf. Official observers will need to place their bisqued pot on the designated shelf inside the kiln room door.
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Cracking Surfaces | One-Day Workshop
One-day Workshop | Wednesday 12 February | 12:30 - 4:30PM
We’ve all accidentally cracked our clay, but now we’re going to do it on purpose! Join Paola Nigris as she guides you through the exciting process of creating beautiful, intentional cracks and textures in clay using sodium silicate and contrasting slips. Paola will demonstrate different methods, showing how various types of clay can yield unique results, giving you a range of textured finishes to explore. (Then you'll be able to have a crack! 😉)
By the end of the class, you'll have at least one finished piece of greenware to take home, with your own cracked masterpiece!
No experience required—just a love for texture and creativity. Come ready to get your hands dirty and have fun with textures!
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Friends and Family, Valentine’s Day Edition!
Friday 14 February | 5:00 - 9:00PM
Join us for a fun, creative evening with a special Valentine’s twist! Whether you’re spending time with a partner, friend, family member, or love interest, this is your chance to explore the world of ceramics and pottery together. (One guest per member.) Christine Winbush will be your friendly host, but you'll be in charge of bringing the clay, overseeing your guest, and making sure everything is cleaned up afterward. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to enjoy while you get your hands messy!
The event is open from 5pm to 9pm, so drop in anytime. If you’d like to work on the pottery wheel, please share it with your guest so others can join in the fun, too. Club members can fire pieces made by their guests, but please pay and collect them promptly!
This event is free to attend, but please sign up in advance so we can anticipate the number of attendees. ❤️
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Terra Sigillata, Naked Raku & Horse Hair Workshop
Day 1 (Making): 1 March | 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Day 2 (Firing): 29 March | 9:00 - 5:00PM
Raku Club member (or about-to-be members)? If yes, get ready to unlock the magic of advanced raku techniques!
Join Paola Nigris for an immersive, hands-on 2-day workshop (spread across two weekends) that will introduce you to the art of burnishing, making terra sigillata, and both naked and horsehair raku firing! Exclusively available to Raku Club members, this workshop will take your raku work to the next level.
Community News
‘Sex Pot’ – Erotic Ceramics
15 - 28 February | ninjaflower
11AM - 6PM Tuesdays - Friday | 11AM - 5 PM Saturdays
Admission: FREE
Please join WPA member Karley Skinner at the opening of her first solo show at ninjaflower on 15 from 5 - 8pm. For more information, check out her Facebook Event here.
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Links to other clubs’ current newsletters:
Ceramics New Zealand national news can be found here, with the Wellington / regional news here.
Gear Homestead Woolshed Potters’ Newsletter can be found here.
The Kilns at Te Horo Newsletter can be found here.
Ōtaki Potter’s Newsletter can be found here.
Have some content for the newsletter? Email it to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
The deadline for the next newsletter is 21 February.
