Things You'll Need:
- Clay
- Pottery wheel
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Step 1
Prepare the clay with minimal water. You want a stiff clay. Wedge and knead the clay enough to mix it well and dispel any air bubbles.
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Step 2
Dampen the wheelhead to help the clay stick to it, but do not overwet it, as your clay will slide off when the wheel reaches a high enough speed.
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Step 3
Center your clay by slamming it in a ball shape down on the wheelhead. Use both hands to hold it as you get the wheel spinning.
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Step 4
Create a cone by squeezing gently upward on the clay slowly while it rises.
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Step 5
Press down on the clay with your thumb once you have a cone constructed. Compact the cone down by pressing downward and inward. Your clay should be centered on the wheel during the throwing.
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Step 6
Slowly pull outward on your clay with one hand while supporting it with the other.
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Step 7
Raise the walls of your pottery by using the palm of one hand to continually pull up while supporting the clay with your other hand. Guard against the walls expanding too far out.
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Step 8
Narrow the walls of your pottery by continuing to pull up with one hand while supporting the vessel with your other hand.
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Step 9
Lift the clay with the fingertips of one hand on the inside of the pottery while you use the knuckle of the forefinger on your other hand to lift the clay. Place the knuckle on the outside lower than your fingers on the inside while you press inward.
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Step 10
Continue to create height in your pottery, which will thin the clay walls. Keep uniform pressure as your wheel spins to achieve consistent thinning. Do not squeeze too hard as the wall is thinning, or the clay will twist or fall into itself.
