Deerpond Ceramics
My studio began life as an old summer house attached to the garage which had become a storage space for garden tools and miscellaneous junk. On a cold, December night in 2017 we decided enough was enough and it was about time this redundant space was to be transformed into a working pottery studio. Read on to see the renovations step-by-step!
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December 2017 - out with the old.
After clearing the room, it became apparent that we needed to strip the building right back to see what condition it was in and what repairs were required. With the help of my son, husband and grandson, we stripped the place right back to the bare bones. Unfortunately, this process was not without incident!
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January/February 2018 - insulation and plaster boarding.
Once we had cleared the room, made repairs and applied a damp-proofing coat, it was time to insulate and plasterboard the studio. As most of the electrics had to be removed for safety, this proved somewhat of a 'challenge' in terms of lighting during the dark, winter months! (not pictured - the corner jointing of the plaster boards)
March 2018 - plastering and fitting a new ceiling
Although perhaps slightly daunting at first, the process of plastering was surprisingly easy and relaxing in equal measure. A careful, methodical approach ensured a fantastic end result of a smooth, even surface to be painted. The ceiling was completed using a basic pine tongue-and-groove which was cheap and aesthetically pleasing after a few coats of Danish oil.
April 2018 - tiling the floor
After filling the larger gaps in the concrete floor, we used a self-levelling compound to ensure a smooth, flat base on which to fit the tiles. Similar to plastering, a patient, methodical approach yielded excellent results.
May 2018 - let there be light!
Finally, it was time to add the electrics for the lights and power sockets. We used electrical conduit that we sprayed with copper paint to compliment the tiles and pine ceiling. Unfortunately, the shelving brackets we originally used that are pictured had to be removed as they weren't sturdy enough.
June/July 2018 - almost there...
The project was nearing completion and the finishing touches were starting to be made. We sourced a sturdy wedging table and installed a bespoke splashback for the wheel. An unexpected snag arose where my son discovered that parts of the outer wall were rotten and needed to be replaced, but thankfully this did not prove too much of an issue.
August 2018 - all done!
Finally, the project was finished and a grand opening was held with our family. It was wonderful to see the project through to completion and to see the transformation of an old shed to a working pottery studio from our own hard work.
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