Craft Focus - August/September 2020 (Issue 80)

NORTH LIGHT BOOKS – AVAILABLE FROM GMC DISTRIBUTION For all that you can make with it, clay is an artist’s dream – the perfect way to add more to your mixed-media art. But if the baking and firing it usually requires aren’t your thing, you’ve come to the right book! In Mixed Media in Clay you’ll use this traditional medium in excitingly different ways (no oven or kiln needed), and well also explore a wide array of alternative clays and clay-like options (resin, plastic, paper-mâché, plaster and more, even homemade recipes) and the many surprising ways you can use them. Create jewellery beads or a large sculpture. Produce a print or a textural background for a painting. Cast a replica or a replacement part. Create art big and small. There’s no limit what you can do with clay and its creative cousins! Darlene Olivia McElroy and Pat Chapman expertly guide the way with plenty of inspiration, ideas, techniques and troubleshooting tips. Inside you will find: 19 chapters covering printing, casting, moulding, armatures, sculpting, pouring, dipping and more; 12 types of clay and alternatives (including resin clay, paper-mâché, plaster, fibre paste and Critter Clay, powdered clay and more) plus recipes for six make-at-home clay mediums; more than 130 techniques, more than 40 tips and countless project ideas; access to exclusive online content – four full step-by step projects and even more tips and techniques. orders@thegmcgroup.com www.gmcdistribution.com POTTERY PRODUCTS LTD UK designed and made, the Discus ‘Craftsman’ and ‘Compact’ potter’s wheels are probably the most powerful, compact and portable potter’s wheels in the world, with no compromise on safe operation. This hidden gem of a wheel was developed in 1994 to a patented design, by a world leading ex-Rolls Royce engineer who optimised the electric motor power and performance. On his retirement in 2000, the wheel went to a new home in the market town of Somerton in Somerset where it was made with care and attention. In 2018, David Longland and Nick Elwin, moved it to Hampshire and became responsible for ensuring its continued improvement and success as the leading powerful portable potters wheel suitable for both beginners and professional potters. Discus two-wheel types are the ‘Craftsman’ with an integral bowl and the ‘Compact’ with a removable split bowl. Both offer the same range of bats and ancillaries, including a hand control option for users who do not wish to use a foot control. They’re built to the very highest technical specifications and quality in Hampshire with all the main parts including the outstanding electric motor, wheel head and moulded components made in the UK. This rugged wheel delivers constant torque so critical for clay working and often lacking in comparable products. This portable wheel is light and easy to move and use whilst probably having more power than you’ll need. +44 (0)1730 300 762 www.potterswheels.co.uk PEAKDALE PRODUCTS Peak Dale Products stocks a range of air drying and kiln drying clays like Claydium, Das, Newclay, Newplast, Fimo and Sculptdry in different weights. The company is centrally based in Derbyshire and has been supplying the trade with quality products since 1997. sales@peakdaleproducts.co.uk www.peakdaleproducts.co.uk SEARCH PRESS Carve Your Clay by Hilda Carr focuses on the pottery surface, and covers a wide range of decorative carving techniques, from piercing, etching, inlaying to sgraffito, faceting, and fettling. The techniques are taught through 20 projects in Hilda’s signature style, with clear, step-by-step photography and easy- to-follow instructions to achieve beautiful results. With easy guides on how to create form as well as glazing and firing, this is a comprehensive guide suitable for new and practising potters alike. +44 (0)1892 510 850 www.searchpress.com 54