Rebecca Lowery: Altered Bottle Teapots

Hey there!

I’m Rebecca Lowery, and I’m thrilled to invite you to my upcoming workshop focused on crafting beautiful teapots from the basic bottle form. If you’ve ever admired the elegant lines of a well-made teapot and wondered how to create one yourself, you’re in the right place. This workshop is all about unlocking the potential of simple shapes to make something truly special.

So, what’s the plan?

We’re going to dive deep into the basics of throwing a bottle form. This shape is incredibly versatile, whether you’re making bottles, salt and pepper shakers, covered jars, or teapots. What I love about this form is how a simple bulge in the body, narrowing into the neck, can create such a graceful and inviting silhouette. And when you add textures and playful alterations, your pottery really comes to life!

In our online workshop, I’ll guide you through:

• Throwing the basic bottle form: This is our starting point. I’ll walk you through the process, ensuring you feel confident and capable.
• Altering techniques: We’ll transform that basic bottle into a unique teapot by turning it on its side and crafting a lid from the pot’s body. It’s a fun and creative process!
• Decorative additions: This is where you can let your creativity shine. We’ll explore different decorating techniques that add personality and charm to your pieces.

Imagine the satisfaction of creating a teapot that’s not only functional but also a beautiful piece of art. There’s something so rewarding about holding a piece you made with your own hands, especially when it turns out even better than you imagined.

Why should you join me?

Because learning to craft something with your own hands is an experience like no other. This workshop isn’t just about making a teapot; it’s about exploring your creativity and pushing your skills further. Plus, it’s a great chance to meet other pottery enthusiasts and share ideas and inspiration.

Ready to join in?

I can’t wait to share this experience with you. Let’s spend a few hours together, creating something beautiful and unique. Sign up today, and let’s make some pottery magic happen!

After this workshop you could be making things like this:

Materials list:

• Basic Pottery Tool Kit-throwing sponge, needle tool, wire cutter, wooden rib and sharp wood stick tool
• Soft leather hard rounded bottle or pot for altering-I use white stoneware with no grog cone 6
• Small sharp fettling knife or Exacto knife
• Finishing Sponge-I use Xiem finishing sponges
• Trimming tools-I use Dolan-a large loop tool
• Thin plastic-I use either dry cleaning plastic or very thin painter’s plastic drop cloth. (in a pinch grocery bags can do, but leave more marks on the clay to clean out later.
• Long clay rubber rib or wooden rib-or stick that is 7+ inches long with dull edge for making indentations into the clay
• Rolling pin
• Texturing stamps or found objects that you like to stamp with
• Paint brush and Magic Water or Slip
• Banding wheel or lazy susan for turning the pot while altering

Rebecca Lowery was born and raised in rural Georgia, USA. She began her love of clay in college where she was an apprentice in the Berea College pottery for four years and received her BA in studio art with an emphasis in sculpture. After graduation, she taught, developed and created ceramics in Kentucky, Maryland and Indiana. In her current studio in Bloomington, Indiana, she creates whimsical handmade pottery and sculpture displayed at art exhibitions, galleries and festivals throughout the year.

Handmade functional items are the most sensual objects of art you can own. A mug, for instance, is a very intimate object. You take sustenance from it. You caress it with the most sensitive receptors in your hands and fingertips. You place your lips softly on its rim. It’s a very personal item. So, if you choose to use handmade functional items, art is an intimate part of your life and it enhances your experience with the simple joy of a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa.

Website: https://www.rebeccalowery.com