Introducing my new Series of Pottery Patterns!
These new patterns are made with YOU in mind! Templates are thoughtfully crafted with step by step instructions, materials/tools lists, and an option to add a video tutorial for a complete instructional workshop.
Welcome! Throughout my 25 years of making, I have been fascinated with creating patterns (templates) for slab-built pottery. It started out as a method to create repeatable spout and handle forms and has evolved to patterns (templates) for entire forms! As a young sewing enthusiast in the early 90’s, I landed a job at JoAnn Fabrics where I worked for a few years as a fabric specialist. Although I collected more fabric than I sewed during that time, I have always loved sewing. In high school, I made a lot of my own clothes, pieced together a couple of quilts from my remnant collection, and constructed several bags/purses. Then, I found clay, and my sewing machine collected dust until the pandemic hit. When my sewing machine re-emerged, my potter’s wheel retreated. Since then, I have dedicated all of my studio practice to slab- built ceramics.
This new collection of patterns has been the focus of my research for the last couple of years and I have finally distilled some of my form ideas into repeatable patterns/templates. They are a labor of love and I was thoughtful about how I package, print, and offer these for sale. They are meant to be accessible to any level of maker from beginning to advanced. Prior clay (handbuilding) knowledge is helpful, but not essential.
How DO Pottery Patterns (or Form Templates) work?
Each pottery pattern is made up of an envelope with enclosed pattern pieces and instructions. They are available to purchase as either a downloadable pdf, or a tyvek product that will be shipped. Pottery Patterns are paper (or tyvek) templates, two 2-dimensional shapes, that are meant to be transferred onto a clay slab(s) and then folded into 3-dimensional pottery form(s). Clay and tools are NOT included. A list of tools and materials needed to complete each pattern is listed on the back of each envelope.
TYVEK OPTION*: The envelope for this pattern fulfillment option is paper and is printed on both sides but the pattern pieces inside are printed on Tyvek, a tear-resistant and water-resistant material. They are made to hold up in the studio.
PDF DOWNLOADS: The pdf downloads will instantly be delivered as an email. Please note that pdf’s are formatted for 11”x 17” or 8.5” x 11” paper.
Pottery Pattern Instructional Videos
Instructional videos are made to accompany the patterns. Together they are meant to act like a complete workshop with the tools (pattern pieces) to construct the form. The videos help communicate the directions to make each product in a step-by-step, audiovisual manner. Added bonuses in each video include shared tips and tricks that can aid in the success of your pieces. In tandem, the physical printed pattern along with the tutorial will give you the best potential for success! Happy Making!
LINKS FOR TOOLS/MATERIALS TO COMPLETE PATTERNS:
TAR PAPER FOR TRANSFERRING TEMPLATES - MIKE CERV POTTERY
KANTHAL A-1 WIRE (18gauge) - CORNELL STUDIO SUPPLY
CRAFT FOAM (12” x 18” sheet) FOR TRANSFERRING TEMPLATES - MICHAELS
11x17 PDF of Small Pitcher/Jug Pattern
11x17 PDF of Small Pitcher/Jug Pattern
This downloadable pattern includes a pattern envelope (fold and tape) ,two pages of pattern pieces, and printed instructions and materials list. This pattern will make 3 different pitcher forms and 3 different handle options (and all the various combinations). Cut out pattern pieces and keep everything tidy in the illustrated envelope. Use these pattern pieces to build small pitchers for gravy, syrup, milk or cream, soy, sauces, etc.
Note that these patterns are formatted for 11x17 paper. If you don’t have access to a printer that prints on 11x17 paper, you can always print your pattern through an online printing service like Office Depot, etc.
