A chatter texture can be created with any springy metal. The chatter design is determined by, the speed of the wheel, the pressure of the metal on the clay, the softness or hardness of the clay, and the distance between the end of the metal plate and where it is held. Once the metal starts to chatter, hold that position until the chatter sound gets really loud. When done, move the metal away from the clay very quickly and then turn the wheel off to prevent smearing of the texture.
Flat metal
Spring flat metal 2
Chatter Texture
Chatter texture close up
Higher frequency chatter
Low frequency chatter
Higher frequency chatter
Chatter Tall Form
Rough texture
Low frequency chatter
Dry pot to desired level
Flat form texture
Flat form texture - glazed
Flat form texture - glazed
Chatter Flat Form
The Tools - Surface Texture on Pottery
The information below will illustrate (pictures and video clips) how to quickly create beautiful and unique texture on your pots using some basic tools, simple techniques and slip. Have fun!
Roulette is a technique used to texture the pot while it is turning. You apply the gear (see a few options below) to the clay while the pot is turning which turns the gear. Typically, the texture is created when the pot's walls are vertical and a bit thicker. When done with the texture, the pots shape can be changes to create a nonlinear potters.
Gear Texture top view
Gear Texture side view
Light pressure gear texture
Flat form gear texture.
Gear - flat form
Gear - Tall form
Use of Slip for Surface Texture
Using slip can be really rewarding if used properly. The slip should not have any grog in it, if made from different clay, test for compatibility with your clay (e.g., cracking) and it thickness should similar to yogurt where the shape can stay and hold the design achieved. It can be applied and formed by hand or with tools such as Mudtool red rib or a brush. Make sure the pot is hardens a bit (wait a few hours or dry with a heater / torch. If clay is too wet, the moister from the slip will weaken the pot and it will collapse. If the pot is too dry, the slip will not bond to the pot properly and will crack or peel off. The fun part about it is that if you do not like the design, you can try several times until you achieve the liked results. Eventually, the moisture from the slip will absorb in the clay and it be less applicable. Remember that whatever texture you achieve, it will shrink about 50% when the slip and the pot dry. In addition to having our students make beautiful pots using slip, children love to play with it and can easily achieve aesthetically pleasing results while having a lot of fun with the slimy texture of the slip. How to make slip
Curving can be a lot of fun and there are some sample below. A) With a small piece of rope, one can create variety of textures pushing the rope against the clay as while moving it around. B) Fluting: This stainless steel fluting tool makes it easy to carve pots with beautiful designs and exacting control. The unique design includes panels on the side of the cutting loop that act as “runners” (like on a sled) to maintain a consistent depth as you cut. This makes for a fluid stroke. Each tool has two fluting designs: rounded and pointed. C) Various stamps and texture mats or texture molds can be purchased or made to order.
