Conscious Crafts: Pottery (Mindful Makes)

by Lucy Davidson

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Conscious Crafts: Pottery is a tutorial guide with projects by Lucy Davidson. Released 15th June 2021 by Quarto on their Leaping Hare Press imprint, it's 144 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

I liked the layout a lot. There's a casual philosophical feeling throughout which is much more focused on the process and mindfulness than in the finished product. The introduction includes some basic clay recipes (air drying dough type clays) as well as a primer on basic tools and supplies. The following chapters include process tutorials for lace/botanical surface impression, slab work dishes jewelry components and several others, pinch pots, wall art, plant pot markers, and several other tutorials for a wide range of objects both practical and whimsical (or both at the same time).

Each tutorial has an introduction, tools and supplies in a bullet list in the sidebar, and step-by-step directions. The accompanying photographs and line drawings are clear and easy to understand and illustrate the process well.

There is some good information here about the artistic process and skill building. The projects themselves are simple, the clay recipes provided are non-toxic and easy to use. This would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or use in maker's or activity groups. The tutorials are appropriate for all ages (with a facilitator for the youngest artists).

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.