What Do You Need for Pottery?

Clay and a potter's wheel are crucial tools for potters.

Many people who are first getting started in pottery need some guidance when buying the supplies they need. While pottery is not an equipment intensive hobby there are still a few items that all levels of potters will need. As your skills advance, you may find yourself expanding by adding on a variety of pottery accessories or even setting up a multi-kiln pottery studio. Regardless of your skill level, here are a few basics to get you started spinning your own pottery.

Clay

One of the most obvious items you will need is pottery clay. There are many different types of pottery clay, each with their own special uses. When choosing your clay, select one that is considered to be plastic. Plastic clay simply refers to the fact that the clay can be shaped or molded into various forms. Silica deposits in the clay create the plastic effect, the less silica the clay consists of, the less plastic the clay will be. Stoneware, porcelain, and earthenware are the three main categories of clay. All three are to be considered plastic clay. Earthenware is the most recommended type of clay for beginners as it can be dried at low temperatures and is the most economical clay to work with. Porcelain and stoneware are good choices for making dishes and china, but must be fired at high temperatures in a kiln which you may not have access to.

Pottery Wheel

Primitive pottery wheels were operated using a foot pedal or spun by hand. In some areas, early pottery wheels were spun by young boys who were considered to be a potter’s assistant. While kick wheel models are still popular among many potters, modern times saw the advent of a motorized potter’s wheel. Purists often choose to use a kick wheel because they believe it gives them a better feel for the pottery as well as giving them more control. Electrical wheels, however, offer a potter more portability and are less physically draining to use. Experiment with both types of wheels before deciding on the right wheel for you.

Kiln

Kilns can be very costly, but more often that not, are a necessary part of growing as a potter. Many novice potters may choose to put off buying a kiln, opting instead to borrow a friend's or school's kiln. By doing so, they are not making a large financial investment into a hobby they are still unsure of. Once you have established you craft enough to be comfortable purchasing your own kiln there are a few options to take into consideration. First, think about the size of kiln you will need. Are you going to be firing large pieces or small pieces? How much space can you dedicate to storing the kiln? Also, be sure to purchase a kiln that is rated high enough to fire the pottery you will be making. Some types of clay need temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas other clays can be dried at temperatures as low as 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Potters Tool Kits

Besides the more obvious supplies you will need, there are also a handful of smaller accessories available on the market that can help bring your pottery to the next level. Consider purchasing a set of potter’s ribs to assist in making openings and smoothing out your pottery. You will also need a good potter's wire so you can easily and cleanly cut your clay. You will also want to add a couple of quality sponges to your toolkit. The sponges will help you keep the clay moist and assist in smoothing. Finally, purchase a pair of turning tools. These specially designed tools will help trim and counter your clay when you are using your wheel.

References

• Arts and Crafts Create and Show: Pottery Supplies
• Figurine Sculptures; Pottery Clay - The Online Guide To Sculptural Ceramics; Peter Holland; 2007
• Smith College; Potter's Wheel, Egypt, 2400 BCE; Ann Hellmold; 2001
• Great Clay: How to Buy A Wheel
• Paragon: How to Choose an Electric Kiln
• Hilldav Industries: Pottery Tools