- The first step in the throwing process is wedging the clay. Wedging is a process of kneading the clay. Wedging is important because it gets rid of air bubbles that make it difficult to center the clay and keep it centered while throwing. To wedge the clay, cut off the desired amount from the block using the wire tool and knead it like kneading bread. Push down with the heels of your hands and then bring the sides of the clay in toward the front. Repeat 10 to 15 times to ensure the clay is free of air. Form the clay into a ball or cone by hitting it with your hands. You can throw the clay either on the wheel itself or on a bat, which is a disc made of wood or plaster that serves as a removable working surface on the wheel.
-
Place the clay in the center of the bat or wheel and begin spinning. Make sure the clay is wet. If it begins to feel tacky or sticky, add more water. Seal the clay onto the bat by running your fingers along the bottom of the clay where it meets the wheel or bat. Using your whole body to center the clay is crucial because your arms alone can wobble, making centering difficult. Keep your elbows against your hips, and push down on the top of the clay until it forms a disc shape. Pull the clay back up into a cone shape and repeat this step until the clay is centered.
Drill a hole straight down in the middle of the clay. Using the needle tool, check the thickness of the bottom; it should be between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick. Slowly widen the hole until the bottom is the desired width. Starting at the bottom, place one hand on each side of the wall and pull the clay up. Keep the clay wet so it slides easily through your fingers. Continue pulling until the clay is about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick on all sides. Use the needle tool or wooden shaper to trim the bottom. Slow the wheel and use the wire tool to cut the pot from the bat. - Allow the pot to dry until it is leather-hard. Center it on a trimming wheel or bat and use the trimmer to cut away the excess clay. This is also a good time to create a foot on the bottom or add initials or designs.
- Dry the pot completely before firing it in the kiln. Bake the pot at about 1700 degrees Fahrenheit, then glaze it. Use wax to keep the glaze from the bottom of the pot. Glazes can--often do--run during the final firing, causing pots to stick to shelves. Once glazed, fire the pot again at about 2100 degrees Fahrenheit.
