Unpopular opinion: Ditching molds for hand work improved my vase

Molds were my go-to for color blends, but I layered by hand on a vase. The result had a cool, organic pattern that looks more alive. This small win changed how I see my own process. What's your take on hand techniques versus tools?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannaht911mo ago

Totally get what you're saying. My own hand-built stuff just feels different, like @the_olivia said, it's not about ditching molds for good. That balance is key for making things that feel real.

the_olivia1mo ago

But what if you need the same look every time? Molds lock in your blends for matching pieces, like a set of bowls. Hand work can go wrong fast, like when my glaze dripped and ruined a plate. Your vase turned out neat, but molds still give control. It's not one or the other, it's using both right. Don't ditch a tool that works just because hand stuff felt good once.

sandrab911mo ago

Wait, what if the little flaws are what make a set feel like a real set though? Like each piece has its own story, not just a factory copy. Makes it more special to use, lol.