Wheel Talk

Ryan and Becca have a great time chatting today with Tim See from Tim See Ceramics. He is known for his robotic illustrative work, Facebook commentary in the Clay Buddies group, & hilarious personality. We cover such a wide range of topics across our 3 hours of discussion and it was such a fun ride. We hope you enjoy!

-----Find more about Tim's business below-----
Instagram - @timseeclay
Website - http://www.timseeceramics.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTkXls_DXtwl9f2lt5qmosw
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/TimSeeClay/
Facebook group - Beginners Throwing Class with Tim See
Facebook group - Tim's Pottery Sale Group

Resources
Ceramics Monthly Workshop Logistics - https://kiefferceramics.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/kieffer-workshop-logistics-2020-cm.pdf

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca answer a number of listener questions related to studio practice. Topics include attaching handles, rehydrating clay, studio waste, kiln sitter kilns, and an in-depth breakdown of someone who is struggling with pulling up their walls. Some answers are quick, some longer, and plenty of fun discussion as always.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Have you tried attaching handles with vinegar, or that magic water shit?? I often develop a little hairline crack or it separates where I attached the handle to the bottom of the mug no matter how careful I score, slip, and let SLOWLY dry. -Anonymous
- How do you rehydrate mugs that have gotten past the moisture level to attach handles. @lindygarnerceramics
- I was wondering if you could touch on the best practices for studio waste, and glaze disposal. Is it safe to dump water I used to clean tools after glazing in the back yard? Should I be taking it to a hazardous waste recycling plant? Does it depend what’s in the glaze for how you go about disposing of waste? @tinycatpottery
- I have a throwing question. So I have a student who is having the hardest time pulling without pulling off lots of clay. What exactly is that caused by? Because she’s got a good amount of water on her fingers (not too much or too little), she’s moving slower than her wheel is turning, using the pads of her fingers rather than the tip, and she’s got her fingers staggered. Most of the students I’ve taught who have had this problem it was always because of using their finger tips and it was fixed by using more of the pad of their fingers, but I’m wondering if that changed something else because of how much she’s struggling with it. @passionateartsandcrafts
- I have had my eyes set on a skutt KM kiln and have been saving up. A friend recently mentioned that they are looking to sell their cress manual kiln that they had bought refurbished from a reputable place. I’m nervous about a kiln sitter set up but excited to pay 1/5th less than I was planning to for a kiln. Are there any downsides to starting with a kiln sitter setup? @a_niche_insta

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan & Becca bring you a special episode discussing all things #potswap2022, our 5th year hosting this global event. Follow along with all Pot Swap happenings on Instagram @potswapofficial. Registration is free and open to the first 1,000 entries this year starting on Sunday, October 16th at 12pm EDT. First come, first serve on sign-ups so set a reminder (we have a reminder shared in our Instagram stories)! Spots WILL fill up very fast so don't wait!

We're joined by a great group of clay friends to help with all of the tasks involved to make Pot Swap a success year after year. We've received some great survey feedback from the last few years we've hosted it and have been making efforts to improve more each year. Thanks for the continued support!

Full details on our website at https://www.wheeltalkpotcast.com/potswap

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca talk about a hypothetical life running a small business without social media in existence. Where would you focus your efforts? Are there areas that you could be focusing on now outside of social media that fits your business? We hope you enjoy today’s thought experiment.

What would you do if...
your car breaks down the week of a show?

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I have an older Skutt with a kiln sitter.  The first couple years using it, it would fire perfect, on time, every time.  But the last 3-4 firings, either bisque or glaze, its going into cone 7 when I do 6, 6 when I do 5, 04 when I do 06 etc.  So only one cone usually, not a huge deal, but wondering if this may get worse, and how to correct it?  Elements are in good shape, just have one coming out that is pinned, bricks are nearly perfect. Also, its max is cone 8.  I use clay and glaze for cone 5-6 vitrification, for the life of the kiln, should I fire to 5 primarily? Ryan from Little King Pottery

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca share some stories about what’s changed since starting Wheel Talk over 3 years ago. Their businesses are in way different places over the years since this all started & their relationship has evolved a lot along the way. Thanks so much for listening, sending questions, leaving reviews, & sharing with friends over the years.

Resources
#106 - 2 years of Wheel Talk!!
#37 - Kiln venting…Becca explains what not to do…
#43 - Talking glazes with Joshua Heim
#86 - Art show Q&A pt 1
#87 - Art show Q&A pt 2
#52 - A call to adventure with Matt & Tara Brault
#116 - Don’t waste your talents with Chris Burch
#95 - Let’s talk about clay with Link Henderson
#108 - Finding your market with Isaac Shue

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca answer a listener question today about offering the right products & pricing your work for wholesale. Cindy sent us a great question with a detailed list of her wholesale and retail pricing to get a better understanding how she can balance making work for wholesale clients, if she's pricing them appropriately, and how she can have enough left for the markets she's selling at. Having a wholesale game plan is important for a number of reasons, whether you're new to it or you've worked with several clients over the years. Lastly, make sure you're thinking about how these commitments fit into the medium to long term goals of your business as well, whether it's selling via wholesale, shows, consignment, online, commissions, or otherwise.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- First time caller, long time listener! Do either of you have any practices that go against consensus or traditionally held beliefs in the pottery community? I was listening to an episode where Becca mentioned there’s really no need to wire a pot off, and you can simply let it dry on the bat and it’ll pop off on its own, reducing the need for trimming. This blew my mind and I can’t wait to try it. It made me wonder if there are any other things that we all do just because you’re supposed to, but maybe there is no need or maybe there is a simpler way. Thanks! @elsewarealchemy
- I have been asked for a wholesale product list. Is there a formula? Is there a way to keep it simple instead of everything that I make? I have 5 wholesale customers (and two large custom order clients) at present and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed! In early spring, they request products that I make (mugs, 3 lb. bowls, planters, goblets, small plates, espresso cups, soup mugs) and amounts from 30 -100 of each for a seasonal order. They run out and want more half way through the summer. I have two baby kilns! I am working my ass off and don't get enough done for any local shows! Okay Ryan, how do you even have bisque ware on your shelves? How?? Any advice? How do I figure out WHAT I can do  - and let the customers know that there is a limit ? The monster has been created... now how to make it manageable! @greencabinpottery

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca get into what would be involved in having someone work for you in exchange for access to your personal studio. Some may consider this as a good alternative to paying someone directly for their services or they have ample space to share so we get into the weeds here. We hope you enjoy today's chat.

Resources
Episode 311 of The Maker's Playbook

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- You have mentioned not making certain items because you just do not like making them. I get that, I don't make handwarming mugs either for the exact reason. But are there pieces that you refuse to make because of liability reasons? Example: oven safe pieces like baking dishes/pie plates. This seems to be a controversial topic on Facebook groups. So do you make and sell oven safe pieces? What clays do you use? Or what are your opinions? @clayhavenstudio
- Do you have any tips on throwing tall, narrow forms? A local distillery is interested in me making some bottles for them but they have to fit in their current packaging. This means they have to be narrower than my hands and about 12 inches tall. Do you have any tips for throwing pieces when your hand can’t fit inside? Thanks for your help,Hannah @reactionceramics

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support Becca’s new Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca talk about preorders leading up to the launch of Ryan's new carved oil bottles. We discuss what items we would and would not consider preorders for, if there's a difference between preorders and made to order, and how to market them effectively. It's still newer territory for us but worth a discussion nonetheless.

Resources
@lizcohenceramics
@hammerlyceramics

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I'm in a local craft show this weekend. I'm collaborating with two other artists: candles and soaps. For the candlemaker, she bought the jars outright at a reduced cost so that she can make a profit. With the soap lady, I gave her dishes and told her my price so she’s just going to give me my cut once its over. Moving forward, which way is better? I have a feeling it's only going to grow. @greencabinpottery

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support Becca’s new Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca have an open discussion about what they think it takes to get "good" at pottery. Everyone isn't on the same timeline, but we try to do some managing of expectations for where you should be by year one, year two, and beyond as you are learning the craft. You can take many approaches to learning this medium from the beginning: school, local community studio classes, YouTube University, or being completely self taught. We also talk about when you should start selling and some challenges to consider as you try to produce higher quality pots. We hope you enjoy our banter, distractions, and candid discussion.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- What would y'all order at Starbucks? And if you don't normally like to go there, pretend you're on a trip and the whole party is stopping there in the morning, what do you order? @torisolis.ceramics

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support Becca’s new Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca are joined today by Diana Adams from Sample Haus. She's mostly known for her entertaining Instagram but we get into so much more on today's episode. We cover how she got into pottery, her recent experience at the Clay Challenge in Tacoma, WA, partnership with West Elm, balancing her workload, Patreon, managing Instagram, and a bit more. Thanks to Diana for joining us on another fun episode!

We forgot to talk about the upcoming Clay Con West conference  that Diana and we will be presenting at. We hope to see you there in Saint George, Utah in January 2023. Check out the website at https://clayconwest.com/.

-----Find more about Diana's business below-----
Instagram - @sample.haus
Website - https://www.mysamplehaus.com/
Shop - https://sample.haus/
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sample.haus
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mysamplehaus/

Resources
Clay Challenge @claychallenge
Phi Pottery @phipottery
West Elm partnership https://www.westelm.com/search/results.html?words=samplehaus
Viral reels https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdoLhiOpkj3/ & https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ccf6ERTpWZN/

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- How do you guys manage your time with regard to working in the studio and marketing (posting studio pics/ videos/ updates/product updates etc) . Do you create content, save it, &  post it at the end of the day or do you just go with the flow and post it as and when stuff happens? Do you plan your posts and curate them accordingly or they are more of an impromptu thing? @matibani_pottery

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel