Decorating Techniques (Ceramics Class)

by Joaquin Chavarria

Book Overview

Starting with an introduction to materials and tools, this idea-packed book then shows arts and crafters myriad techniques for transforming standard ceramic pieces in to beautifully ornamented,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823005941
• ISBN13: 9780823005949
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.9" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Like a teacher standing next to you.

As an amateur potter, I found this book to be one of the very best I've found. Not only is everything clearly explained, the pictures show you exactly what he's talking about. Generally, pottery books are either inspiring source books, or flat how-to's. This one has the virtues of both Virtuallly every page has a helpful insight into a technique, e.g. how to make perfectly bevelled edges for square shapes: so easy and helpful. This is a great book for beginner potters, like me, but there are so many lovely pieces that I'm sure it will inspire skilful artists as well. Rosem'ry

Excellent photos-this book is Visual!

I love this book, and the other by the same author, Joaquim Chavarria. Both are organized very well and present step by step pictures that make it easy to see how to get through the project. People who like to dive right into something and not spend a lot of time reading, will really like this book. It's definitely made for visual people. Some of the techniques presented are very easy, some much more complicated. I've tried a couple already with great success. Overall, I feel that this book is a great buy for any potter, beginning or experienced.

Invaluable tool

I was looking for a book--to share with my students--that would give an overview of decorating techniques in a concise manner. This is definitely THE book. Packed into this slim 64 page book are easy to understand written instructions and wonderful color photos showing step-by-step approach to any style and/or method of decorating available. I originally bought this book to use as a starting reference point, but have concluded that until all the the techniques Mr. Chavarria demonstrates have been tried and experimented with, no more searching is necessary. I especially like his idea that there are no hard and fast rules to the creative process. My students have enjoyed this book, but more importantly, so have I.

Excellent instuctions, wide variety of techniques

Continuing the excellent Ceramics Class series, this is a fantastic book for those wanting to decorate ceramics. There are excellent step-by-step instructions accompanied by lots of demonstrating pictures, plus any formulas you need. Decorations can be applied at various points in the creation process. The book starts out with decorations for soft damp pieces. I love the sculptures and jewelry using an Egyptian paste. Other pieces shown use texture application, paddling, inscribing and an agate look. Next, leather-hard pieces are decorated using fluting, faceting, carving, cloisonné, englobe painting, paper resist, combing, marbling, burnishing and encrusting. The openwork bowl, relief jug and mishima tray in this section are simply gorgeous. Decorating dry pieces is then covered. This includes using oxides, sgraffito and using resists. Bisque-fired pieces are next. Here, underglazing, using resists, overglazing and superimposing glazes are shown. An Indian design using the cuerda seca technique, in which different glazes are used to prevent them for mixing, was my favorite. There is a helpful glossary of terms in the back. With so many wonderful techniques and a wide variety of projects, there is something for everyone here.

Decorating Techniques by Joaquim Chavarria

Although Joaquim Chavarria's book is only 64 pages long, it's packed with lots of photos, great ideas, and easy to follow demonstrations! I'm a professional sculptor and potter who also teaches classes. Whenever I find a book that I feel is exceptional, I bring it in to share with my students. When I bought "Decoration Techniques" to a recent class, every student decided that they also wanted this great little book foor their personal library! I highly recommend it! Bravo Mr. Chavarria!