Pottery At Home: What You Need

So, you’re thinking of diving into the wonderful world of pottery from the comfort of your own home? That’s fantastic! Pottery is such a rewarding craft, offering a unique blend of creativity and connection with the earth. Let’s break down what you’ll need to get started, from the right kind of clay to the essential tools and safety considerations.

First, let’s talk clay. Choosing the right clay is crucial, especially when you’re just starting out. A great option for beginners is stoneware clay with a fine grog. Lesley from The Pottery Wheel says it best: it’s “cooperative and does what the potter wants” and holds its shape well. Stoneware is durable and versatile, perfect for both wheel throwing and hand-building. It fires at mid to high temperatures (around 1,200°C to 1,300°C), giving you a strong, non-porous piece that’s ideal for functional items like mugs and dishes. Earthenware clay is another beginner-friendly choice. It’s very plastic and easy to shape, firing at lower temperatures (around 1,000°C to 1,150°C), which is great if you’re using a less powerful kiln, or even a home oven in a pinch. Just remember, earthenware stays porous after firing, so you’ll need to glaze it to make it waterproof.

Choosing the right clay is very important when starting pottery. Stoneware and Earthenware clays are the most commonly used due to their versitility and ease of use!

Now, onto the tools! You don’t need a mountain of equipment to get started. A few essential tools will set you up nicely. A potter’s rib is fantastic for shaping and smoothing your clay surfaces. A needle tool is perfect for scoring clay before joining pieces, measuring thickness, and adding fine details. You’ll also want a wire clay cutter for slicing clay and removing your finished pieces from the wheel. Loop and ribbon tools are great for trimming and carving, and a simple sponge is invaluable for keeping your clay moist and smoothing surfaces. A wooden modeling tool is versatile for sculpting and cutting, and a fettling knife helps with making precise cuts and cleaning up seams. If you’re planning on joining clay pieces, a serrated rib will help you score the surfaces for a strong bond. And for hand-building, a rolling pin is essential for creating even slabs of clay. Finally, calipers can be super handy for making consistent pieces, like matching cups or bowls.

Firing your pottery is the final, crucial step. If you don’t have a professional kiln, don’t worry! There are alternative methods you can try at home. Pit firing is an ancient technique where you bury your pots in a pit with combustible materials and set it on fire. Barrel firing uses a metal barrel as a makeshift kiln, surrounding your pottery with materials like wood shavings or sawdust. Raku firing, a Japanese technique, involves quickly heating the pottery and then placing it in containers with combustible materials for a unique, vibrant finish. Sawdust firing involves burying your pottery in sawdust, creating a reduction atmosphere that gives a range of metallic and iridescent effects. You can even try firing certain clays in a home oven, though this is best for air-dry or low-fire clays and will result in more fragile pieces.

Safety is key when working with clay and glazes. Always keep your workspace clean and use wet cleaning methods to avoid dust. Wear a dust mask or respirator when handling dry materials, and gloves when working with glazes. Make sure your studio is well-ventilated to disperse harmful fumes. And of course, always wash your hands thoroughly after working with clay and glazes. With the right materials, tools, and a focus on safety, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful pottery at home. Enjoy the journey, and don’t be afraid to experiment!