Trial and error has long been considered the best way to learn the craft of pottery. Discovering how to avoid and repair issues like cracks, blistering, and color distortions happens over time through working with various clays again and again. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a resource that took some of the guesswork out of the ceramic process? This comprehensive, down-to-earth manual, created by master ceramicist Jacqui Atkin, is the answer. Inside, craft potters will discover how common problems arise and learn foolproof solutions for fixing them. Organized into sections that cover each step in the ceramic process--from preparing clay, to glazing and firing--readers will find methods for dealing with just about every issue imaginable. Handy diagnostic charts at the beginning of the book provide a super-quick reference for problems and solutions. Hundreds of detailed drawings and illustrative color photos provide even more help.