The Journey of Handmade Pottery

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a handmade pottery mug, bowl or vase? There is so much more to pottery than simply putting a piece of clay on the wheel and shaping it.

Every handmade piece goes through several stages, each requiring patience, practice, time and care. Let me take you through the journey!

 

1. Preparing the Clay – Wedging

It all begins with a lump of clay!

Before the clay can go onto the pottery wheel, it needs to be wedged. This usually takes about five minutes or longer, depending on the clay.

Wedging helps prepare and evenly condition the clay, making it easier to work with. It also helps remove air pockets and creates a more consistent, workable piece of clay.

 

2. Centering the Clay

Once the clay is prepared, it is placed firmly in the center of the pottery wheel head.

Now comes one of the most important steps: centering.

The potter uses their hands and pressure to bring the clay into the exact center of the spinning wheel. For some people, this comes naturally and takes only a few minutes. For others, it can take considerable time and practice.

But don’t get discouraged! Centering is a skill that develops with patience and repetition.

 

3. Coning Up

Once the clay is centered, the next step is coning up.

I like to cone my clay at least twice. This helps further condition and homogenize the clay, encouraging a more consistent structure throughout the material.

It also helps bring the clay into a workable shape before we begin forming our vessel.

 

4. Pulling a Cylinder

Now the real fun begins!

The cylinder is the foundation of wheel throwing. It is one of the first basic forms every potter learns to make.

Using your hands, you gradually open the center of the clay and begin pulling the walls upwards to create a cylinder.

This step can be challenging. Learning how much pressure to apply, how to control the clay and how to maintain an even wall takes time.

There is no shortcut. It takes practice, patience and plenty of clay!

 

5. Shaping Your Piece

Once you have successfully pulled a cylinder, you can begin transforming it into something of your own.

With the help of your fingers and pottery ribs, you learn to shape the clay into bowls, mugs, cups and other forms.

This is where your creativity starts to shine. Every piece becomes an opportunity to explore shape, movement, texture and design.

 

6. Drying – Patience Is Key

Once your vessel has been shaped, it needs time to dry before it can be fired. However, you don't want it to become completely dry just yet! Ideally, the clay should reach a stage called leather hard. At this stage, the clay is firm enough to handle but still slightly moist, making it the perfect time to trim the vessel or add finishing details, such as a foot to the bottom of your mug or bowl.

Drying time depends on several factors, including the size and thickness of your piece, studio temperature, humidity, and air circulation. It can take anywhere from several days to a week.

Remember, slow and even drying is key! If clay dries too quickly or unevenly, it can crack or warp. Be patient and allow your vessel to dry gradually to achieve the best results.

 

7. The First Firing – Bisque Firing

Once completely dry, your pottery is ready for its first trip into the kiln.

This is called the bisque firing.

During this firing, the clay is transformed into a hard but still porous ceramic material. This makes it strong enough to handle and ready to absorb glaze.

My kiln fires to approximately 2,200°F, using a cone 6 clay body. The bisque firing can take up to 12 hours, depending on the kiln schedule and any programmed holds.

And remember, the kiln also needs time to cool before the pottery can be removed!

 

8. Glazing – Adding Color and Personality

Now comes one of my favorite stages!

After the bisque firing, each piece is carefully glazed. This is where color, texture and personality come together.

Glazes can create beautiful finishes, from soft and subtle colors to rich, flowing and unexpected combinations.

No two pieces are ever exactly alike. Sometimes the kiln surprises us, and that is part of the magic of pottery!

 

9. The Final Firing – Glaze Firing

Once glazed, the pottery goes back into the kiln for its second firing.

This firing allows the glaze to melt, develop and bond with the clay body, creating the finished surface.

My glaze firings are approximately 10 hours, reaching cone 6 temperatures of around 1945F. Again, the kiln must cool before the finished pieces can safely be removed.

And finally, your pottery is ready!

So, Why Does Handmade Pottery Cost What It Does?

When you purchase a handmade pottery piece, you are purchasing much more than a mug, bowl or vase.

You are paying for:

● The potter’s time, knowledge and experience.

● The clay and other materials.

● Glazes and underglazes.

● Water and electricity.

● Kiln maintenance and firing costs.

● Studio equipment, tools and supplies.

● The time spent preparing, shaping, drying, glazing and firing each piece.

 

And most importantly, you are purchasing something made by hand, not mass-produced in a factory.

 

From My Hands to Your Home

A handmade pottery piece can take up to a month to complete, from the initial preparation of the clay to the final firing.

Every stage requires attention, patience and care. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Pieces crack, glazes surprise us, and occasionally something doesn’t survive the kiln.

 

But that is pottery!

 

Every finished piece tells a story. It represents hours of work, creativity, learning and a little bit of magic from the kiln.

 

The next time you pick up a handmade mug or bowl, remember there is a whole journey behind it.

 

Thank you for supporting handmade pottery and appreciating the art behind every piece.