How to Make a Ceramic Ink Dip Pen on the Potter's Wheel

Learn the complete process of creating a ceramic ink dip pen on a potter's wheel in this comprehensive 40-minute video tutorial. Master the techniques of throwing, trimming, glazing, and firing as you follow along step-by-step. Begin with centering clay on the wheel and progress through throwing the pen shape, allowing it to dry, and trimming for refinement. Discover how to use a specialized chuck for precise top trimming and drill the hollow for the ferrule. Explore the bisque firing process, glaze mixing, and application techniques. Gain insights into kiln packing and firing procedures for both electric and gas kilns. Finally, learn how to prepare and fit ferrules to complete your handcrafted ceramic ink dip pens. Perfect for pottery enthusiasts looking to expand their skills and create unique writing instruments.

- Introduction
- Centring the clay on the wheel
- Throwing the ink dip pen
- Covering them to dry overnight
- Trimming the ink dip pen
- Using a specially made chuck to trim the tops of the pens
- Drilling out the hollow for the ferrule
- Close up of drilled hole and ferrule check
- Trimming the top again
- Packing the bisque to fire to 1000ºc
- Unpacking the bisque
- Mixing up a batch of crackle glaze
- Glazing the ink dip pen
- Cleaning up a 'red' pen
- Cleaning up a 'white' pen
- Slotting the pens onto the firing rig
- Packing the gas kiln
- Firing the gas kiln to 1290ºc
- Unpacking the gas kiln
- Preparing the ferrules to fit into the pens
- Finished examples