Using Wooden Rolling Pins for Texturing Clay – Ceramics by Jas

Using Wooden Rolling Pins for Texturing Clay

This week's focus is using wooden rolling pins for adding texture to clay slabs and some tips on using them.
 
Textured wooden rolling pins are one of my favourite tools for adding texture to clay. But as far as I know, these were originally made for decorating baked goods but somehow found their way into pottery studios. I guess people obsessed with texture will find anything and everything they can lay their hands on. I know I do!
 
Since they are made of wood, they are absorbent making it easy to roll them on clay slabs without many issues. Also, a single effortless roll gives you a full field of textured slab. It's these qualities which make them one of my favourite tools for texture. 
 
Additionally they require minimal upkeep. Some people like to oil them occasionally depending on the frequency and conditions of use. I believe colder climates warrant the addition of some oil to maintain them for long-term use. I live in Singapore where its hot and humid pretty much through the year and so far I've not really done much in terms of maintenance.
 
Even though they are fairly easy to use, there are a couple of challenges that some of us might run into occasionally.
 
Clay sticking to the rolling pin- This is most likely to occur when using a rolling pin for the first time. As a good practice, before your first use, simply dust your clay slab and the rolling pin with a fluffy brush dipped in cornstarch. This thin layer of cornstarch acts as a barrier, preventing the clay from sticking to the surface of the rolling pin. After a few uses, the rolling pin will accumulate a layer of dry clay dust on its surface, which serves as a natural barrier against sticking. Another helpful tip is to start rolling the pin slightly away from the edge of the slab to prevent the slab from sticking and rolling along with your pin. However, in cases where the clay is too wet,  despite all these measure, your clay will still stick to the pin. Allow your clay to set up a bit before rolling in the textured pin.
 
Having trouble getting a deep even texture- There could be a few different reasons for this issue. Firstly, it's possible that the texture on your rolling pin isn't deep enough. Depending on where you bought your pin, you may face this problem. Initially, I purchased some pins from Amazon that were of poor quality, mainly because the texture wasn't deep enough to create a clean, uniform pattern on clay. Therefore, the quality of your pin matters. Secondly, if the clay you're rolling on has dried out and become stiff, it can be difficult to achieve a uniform, deep texture as more effort is required to create an even impression. So, it's important to remember that the clay should neither be too soft nor too stiff.
 
And the final question- Where can I buy them? I have listed down some of the rolling pin makers I am aware of and the ones I've used.
 
Algis Crafts is a small family-run business based in Lithuania. They offer a wide range of textures with high-quality and affordably priced rolling pins. These were among the first pins I purchased, and I've been using them ever since.
 
Pastrymade is another small family run business from Poland. Their pins are also good quality and relatively reasonably priced.
 
Vermont Pottery Works is also a small business from US. They offer really beautiful, intricately designed rolling pins but unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to use them due to high shipping costs.
 
That wraps up this week's tips. If you have any questions about pottery or the pottery business, don't hesitate to reply to this email with your queries.
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