5 Great Studio Hacks Using Inexpensive Household Items Stacia Miller

• Throwing: I use it to remove uneven rims (1). I like that it makes a thinner cut than a needle tool, and remains taut on its own unlike a wire tool.
• Trimming feet: I sometimes use it to cut lumps and bumps from an upside-down pot instead of a loop tool.

Swimming Pool Noodles

I love pool noodles for organization. I cut them into different sizes and shapes, and use them in several places around my studio.

• Tool holder at the wheel: I cut a lengthwise slit in a small section of pool noodle, which can then slide onto the back edge of my splash pan. A needle tool can be inserted anywhere in the noodle, and various slits can accommodate ribs and a flosser (2).
• Needle tool holder: I glue a small section of pool noodle onto a cheap cup for holding various hand tools. To avoid accidentally being stabbed when grabbing tools, I store the sharp ends of needle tools and scoring tools directly in the noodle.
• Pins by the sink: I often use sewing pins to unclog the tiny tips of slip-trailing dispensers. To keep the pins handy, I make a little pin cushion out of a tiny piece of pool noodle (3). I glue this to a shelf right next to my sink for easy access.

Toothbrush

My favorite creative tool when making glazes is a restructured toothbrush (4). I cut off the bristled end and screw it perpendicular to the handle.

• Stirring: I like to stir small batches of glazes with a semi-stiff-bristled brush. I find this is more effective than a spoon or spatula at incorporating glaze from the corners and edges of the container. Stirring with cheap toothbrushes helps keep the bristles of my painting brushes in good condition.
• Sieving: a toothbrush is great for brushing small batches of test glaze through a sieve.

the author Stacia Miller makes functional stoneware and teaches pottery in Kyle, Texas. She loves developing new glaze recipes and hanging out with her husband and 10-year-old son. Learn more at www.claybystacia.com, or follow her on Instagram or Facebook @claybystacia for more pottery tips.