If you don’t have a kiln at home, you need to go to a nearby potter studio or shop to get your pieces fired. And whether the trip takes 5 minutes or an hour, it’s always nerve-wracking.
Because one unexpected bump or too abrupt use of the brakes could mean your latest creation won’t survive the transport in one piece. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to reduce that risk.
5 tips to pack your pieces securely
It is best to drive slowly and carefully when transporting your pieces. But what is much more important is good preparation. If your pieces are packed properly, they are more likely to arrive safely.
- Choose a sturdy box to transport your pieces in. Use enough padding between the different pieces so they don’t touch.
- Put similar pieces together. Small cups in one box, taller vases in another box, and your largest pieces in their own separate box.
- To protect handles, put your piece either with the handle toward a corner of the box, or with the handle up. To protect rims, place your piece with the rim down, on top of a thick layer of soft padding.
- Do you have enough space? Then it’s better to avoid stacking your pieces. Can’t avoid it? Then make sure that the heavier pieces are at the bottom. Or maybe one of your smaller pieces will fit perfectly inside a larger one.
- Is your box all filled up? Then shake it gently back and forth. If your pieces move, you will need more padding.
10 padding options
So the main thing is to pack up your creations with enough padding. Ensuring that any shocks are easily absorbed without damaging your pieces. What can you use as padding?
- Newspaper
Shredded if you have a shredder, or just crumpled up. You can also use toilet paper or kitchen roll. - Packaging material such as bubble wrap or foam
Just received a package? Reuse the packaging material for your ceramics. - Balloons
It takes a while to find the right proportion of air in the balloon. They should be flexible but also offer enough support. - Plastic bags
Do you also have a drawer full of plastic bags from the supermarket because you keep forgetting that reusable bag? This is where they come in handy. - Fabric
Old towels, rags, sheets, you name it. For larger pieces of fabric it’s better to cut them into pieces, so you can them into all the nooks and crannies. - Nappies
A nappy can take quite a beating. And the shape is ideal to wrap your pots. - Wood shavings
Almost the same effect as packing foam, but a lot more sustainable. You can also use nesting material from the pet shop. - Stuffing for cushions such as poly-fill or kapok
Maybe you have an old pillow lying around? Or you can also stop by a craft supply store, or order online. - Old yoga mat
Use part of the mat to cover the bottom of your box. Then cut the rest into strips to place between your pieces. - Foam rubber
If you also do other creative crafts, you might have some foam rubber lying around in your studio. Don’t feel like cutting it into pieces yourself? You can also buy shredded foam.
With these tips, your creations are properly protected on the trip to the kiln. Hopefully that helps you keep the amount of casualties low. Good luck!
