I started my 500 pieces project with one of the most simple shapes for throwing on the wheel, a cylinder, because I hadn’t been throwing consistently for a couple months.
I used 1.5 lbs of a light clay (b-mix from Aardvark) to throw cylinders that are about 4″ tall and 4″ in diameter.
I know making multiples of something isn’t thaaat big of a deal, but I felt so giddy each time I finished a cylinder and it was about the same size and shape as the last cylinder I finished on the wheel. There’s seriously so much diligence and practice required to make dozens, if not hundreds, of the same things. Production potters are truly amazing.
Next, I went for four medium sized bowls with a medium brown clay (cafe cinco, from Aardvark). I foolishly thought the bowls would be relatively easy too but make them the same shape was so hard! The curve on each bowl was at varying heights even though I was referencing a ruler and calipers.
One of the four bowls was quite the fail. I was actually done with the bowl and then realized the curve of the bowl was higher than the other bowls so I just *had* to fiddle with it a bit more on the wheel and it flopped.
In addition to working on consistent width and heights, I want to work on consistent thickness. Notice the clay is of varying thickness along the rim.
I think I would have made a couple more pieces this week, but I was gone over the weekend. When I start working again next week, I’ll definitely be relying on the weekends to make the bulk of the pieces. I’m hoping to make or trim atleast 2-3 pieces during the weekdays to reflect a better work-life balance.
rachel om pottery 
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