In our studio, we’re always looking for ways to improve efficiency and streamline our processes. Some of our best ideas have come from unexpected places, and occasionally, we’ve even created custom tools to solve specific challenges. Today, we’re excited to share two tools we’ve developed—the glaze claws and the Mystery Creek Ceramics knife—and how they’ve transformed our workflow.
The Glaze Claws
Traditional glaze tongs are a staple in ceramics studios, but they don’t work for us. Our delicate Nerikomi pieces, made with paper clay, are prone to damage from standard tongs. Imagine the frustration of a mug with a hole punched through its side!
This challenge sparked an idea: what if the tong ends could be separate, more adaptable, and attached directly to fingers? After a lot of brainstorming and a bit of trial and error, the glaze claws were born!
What Makes the Glaze Claws Special?
- Dexterity: The claws offer precision and ease, allowing us to glaze with minimal disruption.
- Efficiency: They’ve halved our glazing workload! Before the claws, we had to dip pieces manually, touching up finger marks with a second dip. Now, those tiny claw marks are barely noticeable, saving significant time.
- Durability: Made from lightweight aluminum, the claws are flexible yet sturdy and resistant to glaze reactions.
Each claw has three small points that leave minimal marks on the glaze, and the adjustable ring ensures a snug fit. Whether you’re glazing bare-handed or with gloves, the claws are a game-changer.
We’ve been using them for over four years, and they remain one of our favorite tools. Seeing others in the pottery community embrace them has been incredibly rewarding.
The Mystery Creek Ceramics Knife
A good clay knife is an essential tool, but finding the perfect one isn’t easy. Here’s what inspired us to design our own:
- Sharpness: It needs to cut cleanly without being dangerously sharp.
- Rust Resistance: Many knives rust easily if not cleaned promptly, a challenge for untidy potters (like me).
- Durability and Versatility: Flexy blades can lead to uneven cuts, and wouldn’t it be nice to combine tools for added convenience?
With these frustrations in mind, we created the Mystery Creek Ceramics knife—a stainless-steel blade with a built-in scratchy tool on the handle.
Why You’ll Love It
- Rust-Proof: The stainless-steel blade won’t rust, no matter how messy your studio habits.
- Safe and Sharp: A protective cover ensures safety while providing a precise, reliable cut.
- Dual Functionality: The integrated scratchy tool makes it easy to switch between cutting and scoring without searching for another tool.
It’s a simple but effective upgrade that’s made a big difference in our studio.
Studio Safety and Personalization
When using tools like the glaze claws, it’s important to consider safety. In our studio, we work with insoluble glazes that don’t penetrate the skin barrier, so touching them isn’t an issue for us. However, every studio is different—always consult the safety data sheets for your materials and handle them accordingly.
We hope these tools inspire you to think creatively about solving challenges in your own practice. Whether you’re interested in the glaze claws or the Mystery Creek Ceramics knife, we’re thrilled to share what’s worked for us and hear how these ideas might help you.
Do you have unique studio tools or solutions? Share them with us in the comments—we’d love to hear your tips and tricks!
