Pottery Making Cheatsheet
- Clay
- Pottery Wheel or Hand-building tools
- Water
- Sponge
- Clay cutting tools
- Kiln
- Glaze and brushes (optional)
Basic Steps
- Prepare the clay by kneading it and removing air pockets
- Center the clay on the pottery wheel
- Open up the clay to form the base
- Pull the clay up and shape it to create the walls of the vessel
- Smooth the surface of the pot with a sponge
- Use clay cutting tools to trim excess clay and refine the shape
- Allow the pottery to dry completely
- Fire the pottery in a kiln to harden it
- Optional: Apply glaze to the pottery and fire it again in the kiln
Terminology
- Wedging: The process of kneading the clay to remove air pockets and improve workability
- Centering: The process of positioning the clay on the pottery wheel to create a stable base for forming the pottery
- Throwing: The process of shaping the clay on the pottery wheel
- Coiling: The process of creating pottery by building up the walls with coils of clay, rather than using a pottery wheel
- Glaze: A coating of glass that is applied to the surface of the pottery to create a decorative finish and protect the surface
- Bisque firing: The initial firing of the pottery to harden it and prepare it for glazing
- Glaze firing: The second firing of the pottery after glaze has been applied, which melts the glaze and creates a finished surface
Tips and Tricks
- Keep the clay and your hands moist to prevent cracking
- Use a steady, gentle pressure when forming the pottery
- Avoid making the walls too thin, as they may collapse during the firing process
- Experiment with different shapes, textures, and colors to create unique pieces
- Be patient and take your time - pottery making requires practice and skill development over time
Resources