About the Process
Spinware studio is fully equipped with a clay mixer, pug mill, two pottery wheels, slab roller, wooden press molds, clay extruder, mixing and glazing station, kiln, and a set of skillful hands that transform the clay from a small piece into the final product.
The clay goes through multiple stages of development. First, the clay is cut into small pieces of exact weight and gets kneaded by hand to remove air bubbles, align the clay particles, and distribute moisture. This process also makes the clay soft and warm and ready to be formed on the potter’s wheel into a desired shape. After the pieces are shaped, they rest for few days to become leather hard and then get trimmed and have handles attached. When this stage is completed, the pieces are left alone until air-dried and ready to be loaded for the first firing to bisque fire the clay.
Our firing takes over 17 hours until the temperature in the kiln reaches bright orange color of 1,860 Fahrenheit (F). After 24 hours of cooling, all pieces and unloaded, waxed, and glazed. All our glazes are lead free and food safe. Each piece is individually glazed with a dipping and pouring technique and loaded back to the kiln for the final glaze firing. During this time, the temperature is brought to over 2,215 F and then slowly cooled down to 100 F, when the kiln is opened and unloaded.
We are inspired by nature surrounding our studio and choose glaze colors from a natural pallet. By leaving the clay exposed (unglazed), we provide connection between the clay and the user. All exposed clay is polished to create a smooth and velvety feel for your hands and be gentle to your counter surfaces.
When the clay and glaze are combined, the results are often unique. If a thin glaze is applied on a clay, you will see more of the clay and iron/manganese speckles penetrating through the glaze. This may cause the glaze to have a slightly darker or earthier tone. Firing process and heat buildup in the kiln can also influence the look of the final piece especially in areas where the clay is exposed. The clay may become darker and display an isolated or directional heat footprint.
Even though we strive for perfection and making our pieces as similar as possible, they are handmade and vary slightly in sizes, shapes, glaze depth, and final clay fire color. It is what makes each piece having its own character, personality, and piece of our soul.
All our ceramics are created with non-toxic, lead-free materials to be food safe and microwave and dishwasher friendly.
Materials
Sandy Desert Stoneware
Dark Chocolate Stoneware
Dark Chocolate Stoneware
Our Desert Sand dinnerware uses a buff stoneware clay that contains a small amount of sand. All ware is glazed with a white satin matte glaze and an accent color such as green, turquoise, blue-grey, brown-blue, blue purple, or purple. On cups, the glaze covers both the interior and exterior of each piece with exception of the bottom and/o
Our Desert Sand dinnerware uses a buff stoneware clay that contains a small amount of sand. All ware is glazed with a white satin matte glaze and an accent color such as green, turquoise, blue-grey, brown-blue, blue purple, or purple. On cups, the glaze covers both the interior and exterior of each piece with exception of the bottom and/or lower portion of the cup. On bowls and plates, the interior is glazed, but the rim and the exterior remain as exposed raw clay. The color of exposed clay ranges from light sandy tones to deep buff color, which comes from accumulation of heat during the firing process and varies from piece to piece. All exposed clay surfaces are polished and smooth.
Dark Chocolate Stoneware
Dark Chocolate Stoneware
Dark Chocolate Stoneware
The Dark Chocolate dinnerware is made out of smooth plastic clay with high content of iron. All ware is glazed in white satin matte glaze. On cups, the glaze covers both the interior and exterior of each piece with exception of the bottom and/or the lower portion of the cup. On bowls and plates, the interior is glazed, but the rim and th
The Dark Chocolate dinnerware is made out of smooth plastic clay with high content of iron. All ware is glazed in white satin matte glaze. On cups, the glaze covers both the interior and exterior of each piece with exception of the bottom and/or the lower portion of the cup. On bowls and plates, the interior is glazed, but the rim and the exterior remain as exposed raw clay. All exposed clay surfaces are polished and smooth.
Speckled Stoneware
Dark Chocolate Stoneware
Speckled Stoneware
The speckled stoneware uses a smooth, plastic, and durable clay with high content of kaolin with small amount of manganese and brown iron oxide. All ware is glazed with a white satin matte glaze or/or glossy blue-grey. On cups, the glaze covers both the interior and exterior of each piece with exception of the bottom and/or lower portion
The speckled stoneware uses a smooth, plastic, and durable clay with high content of kaolin with small amount of manganese and brown iron oxide. All ware is glazed with a white satin matte glaze or/or glossy blue-grey. On cups, the glaze covers both the interior and exterior of each piece with exception of the bottom and/or lower portion of the cup. On bowls and plates, the interior is glazed, but the rim and the exterior remain as exposed raw clay. The amount of speckles affects the color of the glaze, resulting in darker tones of blue and white. The firing process itself provides the clay with different surface effects such as lighter or darker brown tones in the clay. All exposed clay surfaces are polished and smooth.