Let's Make A Wall Pocket

I'm so excited to share more about my process for creating this unique 'toothy wall pocket'! When I first started brainstorming, I knew I wanted something that combined my love for a spooky aesthetic with functional art. The idea of growing 'endless teeth from a mouth-stone tree' really sparked my imagination, and I thought, why not make a planter that embraces that quirky, slightly macabre vibe? It’s truly a conversation starter! Making the clay teeth was surprisingly fun and therapeutic. I started with a good quality stoneware clay, as it's durable and takes glaze beautifully after firing, making it perfect for both decorative and functional pieces. For shaping the individual teeth, I found that small sculpting tools and even just my fingertips worked best for creating those organic, slightly imperfect forms. I focused on varying their sizes and shapes a bit, some sharper, some more blunt, so they looked like they could genuinely belong to some ancient, mythical creature – or perhaps a very expressive plant! Don't be afraid to embrace imperfections; they add character. Once I had my little collection of teeth, I carefully attached them to the main 'wall pocket' structure. Scoring and slipping are absolutely key here to ensure they don't pop off during the crucial drying stage or the intense heat of the kiln. I love how the OCR picked up on 'toothy' – it really is the defining feature of this piece! For the wall pocket itself, I rolled out a slab of clay, making sure it was even in thickness, then shaped it into a rectangular or irregular form with a sturdy, flat back for easy hanging. You can experiment with different textures on the surface before adding the teeth to give it even more character – a little stippling or carving can make a huge difference. After the shaping and attaching, the drying process is crucial to prevent cracks and breakages. I always let my pieces air dry slowly under plastic for several days, sometimes even a week, especially with all those delicate toothy additions and varying thicknesses. This slow drying allows moisture to escape evenly. Then, it was off to the bisque firing, where the clay hardens and becomes porous enough for glazing. Seeing it come out of the kiln after bisque is always a thrill – it's like the piece truly comes to life, ready for its final transformation. For the glaze, I leaned into a more natural, earthy, stone-like finish to enhance the ancient, organic feel, but you could go wild! Imagine metallic glazes for a steampunk toothy pocket, or even bright, vibrant colors if you want a different kind of spooky or a more whimsical look. The possibilities are endless, and that's the beauty of ceramics. I'm already thinking about my next few projects to fill the kiln, perhaps a whole series of these! This wall pocket will be perfect for a small succulent, air plants, or even just as a unique decorative piece on its own, adding a touch of personality to any room. It's such a rewarding feeling to create something from scratch that reflects your unique style and brings a little bit of your imagination into the real world. What kind of quirky pottery projects are you dreaming up? I'd love to hear your ideas!