How to Make a Stoneware Crock
A crock is an earthenware container used to cook food, usually at low heat for a long period. Stoneware is a strong type of ceramic made by heating the clay at high temperature in a kiln. Stoneware crocks are commercially available, and they can be made by amateur pottery makers.
Things You'll Need:
- Stoneware clay
- Pottery wheel
- Glaze
- Kiln
- Sponge
- Wire
- Knead the stoneware clay to remove the air bubbles. This is essential to prevent the clay from becoming fragile after it is fired.
- Place the stoneware clay on a pottery wheel so that it is centered on the wheel. Spin the pottery wheel and mold the clay into the desired shape for your crock. This generally involves pressing your thumbs into the center of the clay while the wheel is spinning, create the opening for the crock.
- Pull the clay up with your hands to create the sides of the crock. These sides should have a thickness of approximately one-fourth inch. Slide a wire under the clay to separate it from the pottery wheel. Allow the clay to air dry until the surface hardens.
- Trim the clay as needed to give it its final shape. Dampen a sponge and smooth the surface of the clay with the sponge.
- Allow the crock to dry completely, and fire it for at least nine hours at a temperature of about 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit. This phase is bisque firing. Allow the crock to cool for at least nine hours.
- Apply the glaze to the crock, and fire it for at least 12 hours at a minimum temperature of 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. This phase is glaze firing. Allow the crock to cool for at least 12 hours.