For potters who want easy studio solutions, here’s my quick-fix—a plaster-free damp box. In a perfect world, I’d have tons of shelves and space for long-term, larger damp boxes with a bottom layer of pottery plaster. But time and space don’t always cooperate.
Instead, I use Ikea plastic bins with lids (from the SAMLA line). I have several of the smaller size, which are a cheap (at only $5 each), perfect fit for mugs and smaller objects. Then, I have a few taller bins for vases and larger items. Bonus: these fit perfectly on Ikea’s IVAR shelves.
I store the vessels that I want to keep moist, add a damp sponge, and then secure the lid. Simple! It will not stay moist long-term as these bins don’t airlock seal, but it gives me a couple of weeks before I need to start trimming, and truly keeps the items at the same moisture level. I usually let my work dry in the open air for a few hours or overnight to better hold its form before putting it into the box. If the pieces are getting a bit too dry by the time I’m putting them in, I use a spray bottle to wet the clay first, but usually the wet sponge alone works well to maintain the right moisture level in the bins.
I also use this method to wedge clay in advance and then keep the measured clay balls stashed for a few weeks, ready to use.
To see more tips and Fitzwilliam’s work, find her on Instagram @jasfitz or her website jasfitz.com.
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For potters who want easy studio solutions, here’s my quick-fix—a plaster-free damp box. In a perfect world, I’d have tons of shelves and space for long-term, larger damp boxes with a bottom layer of pottery plaster. But time and space don’t always cooperate.
Instead, I use Ikea plastic bins with lids (from the SAMLA line). I have several of the smaller size, which are a cheap (at only $5 each), perfect fit for mugs and smaller objects. Then, I have a few taller bins for vases and larger items. Bonus: these fit perfectly on Ikea’s IVAR shelves.
I store the vessels that I want to keep moist, add a damp sponge, and then secure the lid. Simple! It will not stay moist long-term as these bins don’t airlock seal, but it gives me a couple of weeks before I need to start trimming, and truly keeps the items at the same moisture level. I usually let my work dry in the open air for a few hours or overnight to better hold its form before putting it into the box. If the pieces are getting a bit too dry by the time I’m putting them in, I use a spray bottle to wet the clay first, but usually the wet sponge alone works well to maintain the right moisture level in the bins.
I also use this method to wedge clay in advance and then keep the measured clay balls stashed for a few weeks, ready to use.
To see more tips and Fitzwilliam’s work, find her on Instagram @jasfitz or her website jasfitz.com.
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