Things You'll Need:
- Clay
- Potter's wheel
- Carving knife
- Smoothing tools
- Chamois
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Step 1
Push down and away on a block of clay with the palms of your hands. Roll the clay back into a block and repeat the process 20 times. This is wedging, which thoroughly mixes the clay and removes air bubbles.
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Step 2
Pat the clay carefully to round the bottom of your cup, and then center it onto the potter's wheel. It may take several attempts if you are not used to making pottery on a wheel.
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Step 3
Push two fingers down into the middle of the clay to create an opening as the wheel spins. Go deep enough to form the bottom of your cup without making the clay too thin.
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Step 4
Pull your clay up and out so the hole opens. Keep your fingers moist, so the clay does not stick to your skin and flows easily.
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Step 5
Form the sides of your cup by pulling the clay upward. Keep one hand on the inside of the cup and the other on the outside while you rest your elbows on your knees. Push gently upward on the clay with your outer hand until you reach the top, and then repeat the process until you have the desired height of your pottery.
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Step 6
Smooth both the inside and outside of your cup with pottery tools, such as wooden ribs. When you have the clay smooth enough, remove it from the wheel and let it dry for several hours.
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Step 7
Add a handle to your cup once it has dried. Coil a small amount of clay into a handle shape, affix it to the pottery and allow it to dry.
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Step 8
Decorate your cups. Carve little pieces of clay to make textures or carve thin lines for assorted patterns. Apply an underglaze to your work.
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Step 9
Fire your pottery cup in the kiln. Then apply a thin glaze and fire again to produce a glossy finish.
