NCECA is less than a week away and I’ve been thinking about all of the fabulous vendors in the resource hall that will be there and making my list of must get ceramic tools and supplies. If you can’t make it to NCECA this year I’ve linked sites where you can find these tools and supplies. Also be sure to download my tour map and list of vendors.
- Speedball Art, Booth #616-618–620
While Speedball art won’t have items for sale they will have demos (be sure to stop by during my demo on Wednesday 12-2pm) and samples of underglazes and other supplies. They are the makers of Clay Boss Wheels and will have them on display for attendees to check out. They also have a line of glazes which is what I am really interested in testing out this year. I use Speedball underglaze for sgraffito, mishima, staining, surface painting and adding color to my pieces.
- Diamond Core Tools, Booth 601-603-605
Diamond core Tools makes some of the best ceramic carving tools on the market. They are know for their zebrawood carving tools, sticky bats/pads, sanding pads and other unique ceramic art tools. I will be picking up a new P8 palm carving tool for my sgraffito carving!
- Mudtools, Booth # 600-602
Mudtools makes my favorite ribs for hand building and throwing. They have quite a selection of ceramic tools, ribs and studio accessories. I use my large yellow rib and small red rib everyday! I am looking to get a red bowl rib to try out along with one of the brand new platter ribs!
- AMACO/ Brent, Booth #401
I adore AMACO’s line of celadon and potters choice glazes and I’ve heard rumors that they are introducing some new colors at NCECA! Squee!! because you can never have too many glaze color options! I will be sure to share any new products with all of you love lovely ClaySharers! In addition to glazes, they have underglazes, ceramic tools, pottery wheels and clay.
- Bailey Pottery, Booth #301-309
I use a Bailey slab roller, extruder and pottery wheels in my own studio and can not say enough good things about this company. Although I don’t need any new equipment…(well except for a pug mill but that’s bit out of my budget just now!) it never hurts to look. They have a large selection of pottery supplies, wheels, kilns, slab rollers, extruders, pugmills, tools, glazes, clay and much more.
- Ceramic Arts Network Booth #201
Be sure to stop by here to pick up a free copy of Ceramics Monthly or Pottery Making Illustrated Magazine! They also publish ceramic books and instructional dvds! Such a great ceramic resource.
- The Ceramic Shop Booth #209
The Ceramic Shop is always one of my musts for NCECA. They are the makers of Mr. Marks wax-on my favorite wax resist and they also sell the Work Mat that I often use for hand building. They have many many many ceramic tools, molds, texture mats and supplies available so plan on picking up few new things to try out!
- Shimpo Booth # 314
Shimpo makes the best, smoothest most well balanced banding wheels available, I absolutely LOVE my shipmo banding wheel. They are a bit pricey but it will last you forever! This year I am adding one of the tall banding wheels to my studio. I just have to make up my mind whether I want the 25HC or the 30MC…. decisions decisions. Also Shimpo does a lot of product giveaways during NCECA so be sure to sign up to win! In addition to banding wheels they make great pottery wheels, tools and ceramic supplies.
- Dolan Tools Booth #328
I can not live without my Doian 220s clay knife. I do also have the 220c clay knife which has an ergonomic handle and is nice for those who prefer that made to fit your hand feel. I also love the Dolan trimming tools and have the round and triangle ribbon loop tools in many sizes for trimming wheel thrown pots. Be sure to stop by and see these handcrafted tools.
- Chinese Clay Art Booth # 330
Transfers, decals, brushes oh my! All of these and more are available at the Chinese Clay Art booth. Be sure to plan ahead and take you time here because there is so much to see. In addition to rice paper transfers they have innovative and unique clay tools, decals, brushes, glazes and books.
There you have it my NCEAC 2018 top ten must visit vendor booths. It was quite a chore to narrow it down because really all of the vendors at NCECA are a must see. This list is just a good starting point if it is your first NCECA or if you have limited time available. I would love to hear who your favorite vendors are so please feel free to share with me your NCECA musts!
ClayShare’s NCECA 2018 Resource Hall Tour
NCECA 2018 Resource Hall Vendor Map
Stay tuned for my list of educational resource booths which will include clay centers, schools and residencies!