Customer Reviews

Decorating Techniques (Ceramics Class)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book for decorating techniques (that is the title, after all), but found that a good part of the book covers handbuilding to the detriment of covering decorating in detail. For example, there several pages on using engobes, but nothing explaining engobes v. slip. In another section on using engobes and oxides, percentages aren't given, nor are details given about preparing tobacco water. As a general overview of decorating techniques, this book is ok; I did get a couple of new techniques from it making it worth the purchase price, but I expected more.

One additional note: the publisher should make sure books like this have an index. With no index, I can't find the all the techniques that use oxides or slips, etc.

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.

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.

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!

This is a great book for pottery hand-builders. I haven't taken to throwing pots but love handbuilding. I found the ideas in this book to spur on my own creativity. "Their" ideas caused many of my own to flow. The only drawback and curiousity is that one of the items, shown on the front cover, isn't covered inside the book.

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

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.

I loved this book--as a professional artist I love the ideas and I find that they are inspiring me to add my own twist and even to head off in a new direction. I love the photos and the layout of the book, very visual and enticing. worth the money for sure!

I'm a college student and hobbyist who dabbles in ceramics. This book is awesome! It provides information on a variety of projects, and details the steps to guide you through each project. I can hardly wait for fall classes, so I can experiment with some of the techniques in the book.

Too many photos showing too many interesting possibilities! A very good book concerning clay decoration. Very inspiring.