I love making and using templates for pottery. Blame it on my childhood love of origami but there is just something wonderful about taking a flat sheet, folding it up and making something dimensional out of it. I also like problem solving and here’s a secret… I like math..yup, thats right. Deep down some part of me really enjoys math but let’s keep this between you and me okay.
But wait you don’t like math and you don’t have time to make templates well then you can always download the free templates here on ClayShare and not worry about those pesky figures and save time. Either way you’ll need a few supplies and just to temp you into trying your hand a making your own templates I’ll share a few pieces I’ve made using templates.
All you need to get started is some 12 x 18 Craft Foam Sheets, Printer Paper, Sharp Scissors, Sharpie Marker, and an 18 Inch Ruler.
Craft foam is by far the most readily available and easiest to manipulate template material. I buy mine in 12″ x 18″ sheets in packs of 25 without the sticky back. It is affordable and simple to cut with a pair of sharp scissors. As far a scissors go you can never go wrong with a good ole pair of Fiskars.
What can you make with a template? Honesty anything you can imagine can be made using a template. I’ve made templates for, bowls, baskets, cups, pitchers, spouts, handles, lids, knobs, rims. teapots, sugar jar and creamer sets, canisters, platters the list goes on and on. This image shows just a few examples from my template collection, which are all available here on ClayShare.
How can you use the templates on ClayShare? All of our templates are designed to go along with our classes so just download the template and print it out on regular printer paper. I’ve given you the dimensions but you can scale it up or down as you like. Then trace this onto the craft foam with the sharpie marker, cut out the shape and your ready to roll……out some clay that is and make some fabulous pottery!
Here are a two favorite projects of mine made with templates. Why not start the new year off with one of these great classes. Both of these are hand built using textured slabs of clay and suitable for all levels.
Why not challenge yourself by making up your own templates. I always start template development with a sheet of printer paper a pencil and scissors. Think about how the paper can be cut and folded and what shapes can be made. Once you have a paper template follow the steps above to make your craft foam template. I am sure you will come up with some great new designs.
Happy template making and Happy New Year!
Thank you for the templates!!! I’ve tried printing them out but don’t come out to the size you indicate. I may have to draft them on paper and then go to the craft foam. If you have any ideas as to why they won’t come out to size – let me know. I’ve tried the “landscape” on the printer but still cannot get them to the correct size you indicate. Anyway – love the templates!!
Hi Carol,
Because every printer prints different sizes they will all vary and may not be the same size as noted on the page. I put the sizes on the template so you can print them out then enlarge or shrink them as needed. Also for large templates you can take them to staples and have then make them larger for you.
🙂
J
Thanks for your note. When there is a radius are you measuring the radius or from one point (side) to the other point (side). I can print landscape with 13” paper. Thanks.
The measurements are for the entire length of the templates.
🙂
j
Just wondering if the measurement is on the straight (across) or the radius?
It is straight across.
🙂
j
Thank you Jessica for answering my question. It makes life easier knowing “where I’m going” – LOL!!!!
🙂
J