Minnesota Pottery Suppliers

Hi,

I thought I would include where I get my supplies, so that if any other potter consults my blog they know where I purchase my materials.

Continental Clay, http://www.continentalclay.com/index.php
Excellent store, fair pricing, and knowledgeable staff. Mike, Ed, and Mary are top-notch, and everyone else there from the storefront to the shipping dock are very nice and helpful. As I work only a block or two away, it's easy for me to go pick-up a few things for a project. Ordering in bulk saves money, so if you know a recipe that works well make sure and buy it in 50lb bags if you can afford it. I recommend their clay too! I use a Fireclay Stoneware with a bit of Iron, and it has excellent plasticity and workability for large forms too. Fires to Cone10 no problem, and I've even had it go up to cone 12 without issue. Add a little grog, Redart for color, maybe some bentonite, and your reclaim will zing!

Smith-Sharpe, http://www.ssfbs.com/index.htm
Didn't know about this place for awhile, but they have good pricing on Fire Brick, Fireclay, Grog, and Advancer Shelves! I don't use the Advancer's myself, but I heard they are great. I use corderite shelving, and should be set for awhile. I had one shelf crack down the center maybe about 4-5", so I'm just going to crack it in half and use it for situations when I need a 1/4 shelf instead of 1/2 shelf.

Home Depot
Hardi-backer board. Excellent for storing pots on; alternative to wood.

Ace Hardware
Excellent deals on buckets! Have to buy the lid separately though, ;(

Bailey Pottery Supply, http://www.baileypottery.com/
Excellent online selection. I was looking for granular and powdered ilmenite, and they had it, works good. Shipping can be a bit pricey though, but I think it's worth it for those hard-to-find chemicals.

CraigsList
Often some good deals on used equipment. Just be aware that it is USED, and you should have experience in assessing the equipment for your purpose.