Bouchet Agateware Thimbles

In order to avoid cracking and breaking which come along with mixing a variety of different kinds of clay, potters generally use one white or very light clay as a base. They then add colors in the form of stains or oxides. Colorant is added to the clay when it is in powder form in order to avoid blistering. 1-10% of colorant is generally applied, however it is up to the individual taste of the potter. The drying process is the most crucial part of this technique.