Mixing Shards of Obsidian, Tungsten, Malachite and Tourmaline into Clay

Learn advanced ceramic experimentation techniques by wedging unconventional raw materials including tungsten, tourmaline, malachite, and obsidian shards into high iron stoneware clay. Follow the complete process from initial material preparation through throwing five test bowls on the pottery wheel and trimming them to leather-hard stage. Discover proper safety protocols when working with sharp and potentially hazardous materials, including preemptive wheel cleaning, safe drying methods, and contamination prevention techniques. Observe professional workshop practices for handling experimental clay bodies and understand the extended timeline required for reduction firing to cone ten (1290°C). Master the art of wedging foreign materials into clay while protecting both tools and hands, and gain insight into the patient, methodical approach required for ceramic material testing and development.