Introduction to Pottery

Class Preview

Make your own decorative mug as you learn pottery throwing basics. Master potter Sarah Wolf shows you how from start to finish in this beginner’s class.

Clay & Cones

Discover how to prepare your clay and about the different kinds available. You’ll also get a basic understanding of cones, a measurement of heat being absorbed in the kiln.

Inspiration

Sarah is deeply moved by her surroundings and the solace of her studio.

Space & Tools

Sarah shares her tips for arranging your setup, whether you’re in a home studio or a community center. Then learn about the tools you’ll need.

Transformation

Get an introduction to the concepts behind throwing before you start.

Centering

Centering is a critical first step. In this lesson, learn to balance wheel speed, pressure and hand position as you move the clay up and down, aligning it perfectly to the center of the wheel.

Opening & Pulling

Now open your piece and pull up the walls to create a cylinder. See how to compress the base of your vessel, control wall-thickness and create your desired shape.

Troubleshooting & Final Touches

Here, Sarah takes a look at what can go wrong as you learn how to throw and fix any mistakes. After that, practice an exercise that will help you achieve a perfect profile in your cylinder.

Connection & Community

Sarah reflects on how her work has given her connection and collaboration.

Trimming & Surface Texture

Sarah demonstrates trimming techniques that will allow you to remove unwanted throw marks or mistakes, or to add a foot or other design element. Learn how to carve the surface of your piece to make it unique.

Useful & Beautiful

Discover the importance of making something with purpose.

Handles

The perfect handle is a personal and creative design choice. Learn two ways to create handles, by pulling and extruding, and a method for attachment that leaves plenty of room for you to smooth over the joint later to create cohesive pieces. Learn techniques for avoiding and dealing with detaching or cracking connection points.

An Artist’s Daughter

Explore a mother’s influence on her daughter’s evolution as an artist.

Glazing

Glazing can create simple clean lines or bright pops of color. Learn the basics of glaze as well as the most common application method: dipping. Use wax to create two simple designs that can inspire your own creativity.