What Makes a Great Honey Pot
A well-designed honey pot keeps honey accessible, prevents drips, and looks beautiful on the table. The essential feature is a lid with a slot or notch that allows a honey dipper to rest inside while the lid is closed. This keeps the dipper in the honey, prevents dripping on the table, and seals the pot against dust and insects.
The best honey pots hold about one cup of honey — enough for several weeks of use without going stale. The opening must be wide enough to insert a standard honey dipper and swirl it easily.
Throwing the Honey Pot
The Body
Start with about one pound of clay. Throw a rounded, slightly squat form about four inches tall and three to four inches in diameter. The belly should be full and curved — this classic pot shape is both attractive and practical. Create a gallery ledge near the rim for the lid to rest on.
The Lid
The lid is the most important part. Throw a small dome or flat disc that fits the gallery of the pot. Before the clay sets up, cut a slot or semicircular notch in the rim — this is where the honey dipper handle rests. Add a small knob on top for lifting.
The Dipper Slot
Cut the dipper slot while the lid is still soft. Use a sharp knife to remove a wedge-shaped notch from the rim. Smooth the edges carefully — rough clay edges chip easily. The slot should accommodate a standard wooden honey dipper handle.
Glazing and Finishing
Glaze the entire interior with a smooth, food-safe glaze. Honey sticks to rough surfaces, so the interior should be as smooth as possible. Ensure the gallery and lid edge are either waxed or left unglazed so the lid does not fuse during firing.
Learn from Stephen Jepson
Stephen's pottery video lessons teach the wheel skills and lid-fitting techniques essential for honey pots and all lidded vessels. His instruction on gallery cutting and lid proportions saves hours of trial and error. One-time purchase, lifetime access to all lessons.