Things that are good to have:

There is a lot of stuff on this list.  You definitely need some of your own tools. You probably want the sand paper.  You need a respirator. And you need plaster to make molds.  The rest of the stuff depends on how much you like to work on your own, how much you will be doing in the future, etc... 


The Clay Shop

Mud Tools!   I like a couple of yellow and green with a variety of corner shapes. http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/category/11/203/Ribs/Rubber/

Brushes-these are nice to have, any selection will do
http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/product/5076/Brush-Set-Talkon/

A rubber finger tool! I can't make a mold or build anything without it.
http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/product/1512/Wipe-Out-Tool%2C-Rubber-Shaper/

If you still need the basics- this is great:
http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/product/1690/Ceramic-Student-Tool-Kit/

Plaster
http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/product/395/Pottery-Plaster-%231/

At any store or from your home

Murphy's Oil Soap

A collection of small containers - Chinese Soup type

A towl

An Apron

A large sponge for clean up (its always good to have your own.


This stuff is at Home Depot or Lowes in the painting department-

A couple of buckets for mixing and to keep slip in
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202264039/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

You also might want a variety of wet/dry sand paper:

Silicon Carbide Drywall Sanding Sheets

400-600 grit 

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100130840/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

and drywall screens - I like about 200 grit

 http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100321140/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Resperator

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202080143/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

or http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100072189/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Blue Painting tape

Also in the Home Depot roofing department

You may want to have your own flashing... or you can share.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100071450/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

China Paints

china paint

Sprayer Use

To use the sprayer, put on respirator and consider using ear plugs.  

1. Turn on fan on booth.
2. Put well mixed glaze into sprayer.
3. Attach sprayer to hose- making sure that the gasket is locked onto the sprayer.  (do not put on at an angle- do not force).
4. Set pressure on compressor to between 50-75.  Turn up or down as needed to get it to where it feels right. Remember to not let the left gage go over 70.  Use the safety ring to release this pressure.  It will be loud.
5. It is a good idea to lay down plastic to make clean up easy and to be able to recycle extra glaze.
6. Do a test spray on the wall of the sprayer before spraying the actual piece.  A lazy Susan is a good idea to keep the piece rotating.  Change the angle of the sprayer to reach top and bottom. Let each layer dry before applying the next to avoid bubbles and drips.
7. Turn off compressor when taking a break and bleep pressure with ring.
8. I recommend being at almost eye level with the piece when doing the sides.
9. Layer colors as needed.
   
   When finished:
10. Turn off compressor. 
11. Turn off fan.  
12. Bleed compressor.  
13. Remove Sprayer.  
14. Empty glaze.  
15. Recycle and glaze on plastic. 
16. Run warm water into sprayer.  
17. Reattach sprayer. 
18. Turn on compressor.  
19. With a clean sponge spray booth in sections and wipe off.  
20. Repeat until clean. 
21. Turn off compressor 
22. Bleed lines completely
23. Wash off Sprayer and put away.

"Magic" Slip

To make slip that is good for patch/repairs, slip trailing or more.  Take the same clay body and dry it to a bone dry state.  Add warm water and dip your finger into Darvan 7 (defloculant) about two times and swish it in the slip. The slip should have a slightly oily look.  You can also add a little paper pulp if you want to.

Don't forget to resister for the next section! Starting November 16th!

Intermediate/Advanced Handbuilding Techniques - Secrets Revealed Wednesdays, 1 - 4 pm, Class #D15 Patti Nelson

From the beginner to the experienced- Find out how to make your ideas into reality!

This class will reveal secrets of top ceramic artists for more successful hand building. From building large, to building thin and strong, patch and repair, avoiding cracks, plus paper clay, staining, marbling clay and much more. This demonstration/tutorial class is sure to inspire and stretch imagination and skills for functional and sculptural artists at all levels.

 Special Projects in Slip and Plaster Wednesdays, 7 - 10 pm, Class #E16 Patti Nelson

Every had an idea and had no idea how to do it, been told it couldn''t be done? Or couldn't be done in the class that you were in?

Join us in this class with no boundaries! Learn to ask not if but how!

Designed to introduce functional and sculptural artists to the range of possibilities in working with slip and plaster. Students will learn to utilize plaster as a tool in simple and complex mold making, (slip and press molds), and as a tool for pushing the range of using clay and casting slip functionally and sculpturally. Additionally, slip will be introduced as a material to be combined with organic materials (from flowers to fabric) to create forms without limitations. Potters and hand-builders alike will find tools to expand their current work with embellishment and production methods, as well as having new ways of working presented. Whether you have ever made a mold or not, you are sure to find exciting new possibilities in this class. Pair new skills with wheel, hand-building or other methods you have loved in the past to expand your universe!

Ruth's Giant Gourd!

Figurative artists to look at...

http://www.arniezimmerman.com/

http://www.nolenstudios.com/

http://sergeiisupov.com/