How to Make a Clay Pot by Wheel

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Grab some old clothes.

   Find the kind that you can get messy.
   
   Make sure the clay you're using is washable, and that no valuable things are in the room.
2. 2

   Step 2: Get your clay (about a half pound is a good start for beginners) and start squishing it.

   Squish on it here, then over there, then there...
   
   I advise to not fold it over itself, as that would create what you're trying to get out, air bubbles.
   
   Squish your clay until it's workable.
   
   You can check your clay by cutting it in half with a wire.
   
   When you cut it and don't see any air bubbles it should be good to go.
   
   Kneading is best you can either throw your clay at a surface or ox head knead it. , Smack, not pound. ,,,, Center the clay by placing one hand on the side and the other on top of the clay cone.
   
   The hand on the side should push towards the middle of the wheel and the hand on top should just keep the clay from pushing up into a mess.
   
   You will know it is centered when the clay looks like it is not moving but the wheel is moving.
   
   This step is extremely important.
   
   If your clay is not centered, it will be difficult/impossible to make a nice pot. , You can do this a couple of times.
   
   It is called wheel wedging and it helps condition the clay.
   
   Make sure it is still centered when you are done. , Also until it makes a round hole in the clay.
   
   OR you can use the carrot method by pressing your fingertip into the clay about an inch from the center slowly moving into the center, this method is harder than the first. , This is unnecessary if you are making something thin.
   
   This is called a fishhook. , Place one hand on the outside and the other on the inside of the clay wall make sure they are directly in line with each other so if you removed the clay from between them your finger tips would touch.
   
   Pull up the walls by starting at the base of the pot and pulling towards the top with even pressure on you finger tip.
   
   Continue this until you reach your desired height or until the walls are about a centimeter thick.
   
   Pull slower than the wheel is rotating to be even and push extremely lightly this may take a while so you have to be patient. , This just take practice to learn.
   
   Experiment with different objects you can try patterns or pulling and pushing different ways as long as you WATCH the clay for signs of weak walls or collapsing. , Not too much, or it'll fall off. , You stop the wheel, wet the wheel not the pot, then slowly starting away from you take the wire/fishing line and pull towards you until the pot is off, be careful to keep the wire down! , Once footed you use a kiln depending on the clay.
   
   Then you glaze it and fire it in the kiln once more.
   
   The first firing is optional.
3. 3

   Step 3: Smack it into a round ball.

4. 4

   Step 4: Get the surface of your wheel dry.

5. 5

   Step 5: Place your clay as close to the middle as you can.

6. 6

   Step 6: Pat the clay down into a cone shape.

7. 7

   Step 7: Start spinning the wheel and wet your clay

8. 8

   Step 8: then begin to center your clay.

9. 9

   Step 9: Wet your hands

10. 10

    Step 10: and raise the clay into a cone

11. 11

    Step 11: then squish it down into a thick hockey puck.

12. 12

    Step 12: Stick your thumb slowly into the middle (spinning of course) until it leaves about 1/2 of an inch for the bottom.

13. 13

    Step 13: Stick your four fingers into the hole

14. 14

    Step 14: and slowly pull out until the hole is about as big as you want the bottom to be.

15. 15

    Step 15: Place your fingers on the edge of your newly widened hole.

16. 16

    Step 16: If you want to shape it

17. 17

    Step 17: just "cup" the part of it that you want to be smaller then the other.

18. 18

    Step 18: If you want the top to be a bit wider than the neck

19. 19

    Step 19: slowly pull it out a bit.

20. 20

    Step 20: When you're finished

21. 21

    Step 21: get a wire or fishing line

22. 22

    Step 22: and use it to cut the bottom off the wheel.

23. 23

    Step 23: Dry it by air for about two nights then you are ready to foot.

Detailed Guide

About the Author