What is it?
Handmade or manufactured stoneware that features a distinctive gray-tan salt glaze and cobalt-blue designs. The term “salt-glaze” comes from the technique of throwing fistfuls of salt into the kiln during the firing of pottery vessels, resulting in a shiny, textured coating often equated to an orange peel. Developed in Germany in the 15th century, the technique made it across the pond with early settlers and traveled west with the frontier. Although the Europeans dabbled in colorful glazes and ornate motifs, potters in America made their wares simple in form and decoration.

Where do I find it?
“Most anywhere,” says dealer Greg Kramer of Robesonia, Pennsylvania. “This kind of stoneware was accessible to people because potters shared their techniques, it was durable for its time, and materials were as close as the nearest creek bed.” Check antiques stores, locally and online, as well as eBay, regional potteries, estate sales, and even the occasional yard sale.

What to watch for?
The best pieces were made from smooth clay, have a consistent finish, and are finely decorated, says dealer Burt Long in New Market, Virginia. Don’t worry if a piece is signed or not; most weren’t. “Potters made these pieces to be used, not admired,” Long says.

How much will I pay?
Manufactured wares, such as the uniform pieces with a whitish-gray glaze from RedWing Pottery, are less artistic and less costly. An antique, handmade piece in pristine condition with crisp painted details will fetch a high price. But thanks to salt-glaze stoneware’s far-reaching availability, you can buy small butter crocks or cake pots for as little as $20. Large or rare vessels from certain prestigious potters, such as John Burger from Rochester, New York, J.&E. Norton from Bennington, Vermont, and the Mennonite community in Rockingham County, Virginia, can go for $10,000 to $100,000 and up.

Overall tips to keep in mind when creating these projects:
To replicate the patinaed look of salt-glazed stoneware, give painted furniture a coat of age. Look for translucent glazes in the paint section of home centers and craft stores in colors like sepia, sienna, or mink. After the base coat of gray latex paint is dry, daub on the glaze with a wrung-dry rag. Apply it unevenly to mimic wear patterns and create authenticity.

Fusible webbing works like double-stick tape: It has a sticky side and a paper backing. Iron the sticky side of the webbing to the appliqué fabric, cut out the shape, then peel off the paper backing to adhere the appliqué to your base fabric.