Guide to Making Pottery on a Wheel with UKBritish ceramics

Pottery making is a timeless art that has been around for centuries. It’s a craft that requires patience, skill, and creativity. If you’re interested in learning how to make pottery on a wheel, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making pottery on a wheel, step by step.

1. Preparing the Clay

Before you start making pottery on a wheel, you need to prepare the clay. Clay is a natural material that is mined from the ground. It’s important to choose the right type of clay for your project. There are different types of clay available, including earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Each type of clay has its own unique properties and is best suited for different projects.

To prepare the clay, you need to first wedge it. Wedging is the process of kneading the clay to remove air pockets and create an even consistency. Once the clay is wedged, you can start preparing it for the wheel. We have a maintenance guide for pottery that may help you.

2. Centering the Clay

Centering the clay is one of the most important steps in making pottery on a wheel. It’s the foundation for all other steps that follow. To center the clay, you need to place it on the center of the wheel head and apply pressure with your hands while the wheel is spinning. This will create a symmetrical shape that is ready for shaping.

3. Shaping the Clay

Once the clay is centered, you can start shaping it into the desired form. There are many different techniques you can use to shape the clay, including pulling, pushing, and cutting. It’s important to keep the clay wet throughout the shaping process to prevent it from cracking.

4. Trimming the Pottery

After the pottery has been shaped, it needs to be trimmed. Trimming involves removing excess clay from the bottom of the pottery to create a smooth surface. This is done using a trimming tool.

5. Drying the Pottery

Once the pottery has been trimmed, it needs to be left to dry. Drying can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size and thickness of the pottery. It’s important to let the pottery dry slowly to prevent cracking.

6. Firing the Pottery

After the pottery has dried, it needs to be fired in a kiln. Firing is the process of heating the pottery to a high temperature to harden it. There are different types of firing techniques, including bisque firing and glaze firing. Each technique has its own unique properties and effects on the pottery.

7. Glazing the Pottery

Once the pottery has been fired, it can be glazed. Glazing involves applying a layer of liquid glass to the surface of the pottery. This not only adds color and texture to the pottery, but it also makes it more durable and waterproof.

Conclusion

Making pottery on a wheel is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It’s a craft that requires patience, skill, and creativity. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can learn how to make pottery on a wheel. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process. Remember to choose the right type of clay, center the clay, shape the pottery, trim the pottery, dry the pottery, fire the pottery, and glaze the pottery. Happy potting!