Dee's Potting Adventure's

How to make a vessel!

Step 1

Cut a piece from a block of clay. Slice more than you plan to use, since you will trim some clay while working on the wheel, and your pot will shrink during the firing process. The amount of shrinkage will depend on the firing process and the type of clay you are using to make your pot.

Step2

Place the clay on a kneading table covered with canvas and knead the clay as you would a piece of bread dough. Do not fold the clay over or you will form air pockets. Knead the clay until the moisture is evenly distributed and the air is worked out. Form the clay into a compacted cone.

Step3

Center the ball of clay on the wheel on a bat, slapping it down firmly so that it holds in place. Once the clay is centered, slowly begin to move the wheel. With wet hands, move slowly and gently down the clay ball to make an even and centered clay mound.

Step4

Move your hands up from the base of the clay mound to the tip to form a cone and then cup the cone so that your fingers rest gently around the sides. With your thumbs held together, press on the tip. Work the tip of the cone down until you have a small rounded mound once again.

Step5

Keep the wheel spinning at an even pace and hold your hands in the same position. Carefully curve your thumbs, pressing into the center of the clay to make a hole, and then gently pull your thumbs towards you to open the hole. Do not open the hole too far, as the edges of the clay should remain straight or slightly curving in until you are ready to form the shape of your pot.

Step6

Repeat the movements with your thumbs until the clay on the bottom of your pot is 1/4 inch thick. Begin to create the shape of your pot. Hold a damp sponge in one hand. Rest it gently on the outside of the spinning pot and keep it even with your inside fingers. With your opposite hand, gently press against and pull up on the inside of the pot, starting at the bottom. Lift gently and evenly on all sides.

Step7

Continue these movements until the pot attains the height you want, and then add some pressure as you move the inside fingers, creating the shape of a bowl, vase, mug or any other object. Keep the edges and bottom of the pot an even thickness. When ready, stop the wheel and slide a piece of wire or string between the base of the pot and the bat. Set aside the object to dry.

Warnings

• Don't stop the wheel to smooth out or correct mistakes, as it will throw the clay off balance. Any corrections should be made while the wheel is spinning.
• Throwing clay pots is challenging. It is best that beginners throw their pots and then cut them in half with a wire or string cutter to inspect the edges and base thickness. Only when you can throw a pot with even consistency should you begin firing and keeping your work.