How to Make Pottery

Co-authored by Deanna Ranlett

Last Updated: March 15, 2022 References

So you've got a set of plates, bowls, and cups that you love -- but it's even better to make your own in a process we call "pottery." Finding a cute set at the store is nice, but being able to put your own twist on objects you use every day is priceless - and easier than you'd think!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Your Object

1
Pick your clay. To pick the right clay for your project, determine where you will be firing and check what the cone firing temperature will be. Both low-fire and high-fire commercial glazes are available in a wide array of colors. You might consider air dry clay, which doesn't need to be fired.^{[1]
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Natasha Dikareva, MFA
Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor
Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.} But it's a bit expensive, so you might want to stick to smaller creations. Alternatively, Fimo clay is baked in a regular oven and already comes in various colors which can be blended together. Otherwise, there's low-fire or high-fire clays, and they warrant different results.^{[2]
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- Low-fire clays are great for bright colors and detailed decoration. But they're not super good in water, so if you do go for low-fire clay, get a glaze that you know will seal 'er up.
- High-fire clays aren't so great with bright colors, but they're sturdy, waterproof, and can be texturized easily. Glazes may move when fired, so detailed images could get blurred.^{[3]
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2
Decide which method will work best for your project. You have a few options to choose from:^{[4]
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- Potter's wheel: Best for bowls or plates, vases or anything you need to be symmetrical and round, it takes a lot of practice to get really skillful at this.^{[5]
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  Deanna Ranlett
  Pottery & Ceramics Professional
  Expert Interview. 12 November 2021.} It also requires a kiln and knowledge of firing and glazes. It's good for large and small objects, but again it is tough to rework if mistakes happen initially.
- Pinching by hand: Best for small objects.^{[6]
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  Deanna Ranlett
  Pottery & Ceramics Professional
  Expert Interview. 12 November 2021.} The method is fairly straightforward: Start off with a small amount of clay that you can work with in your palms. Mold it with pressure from your thumb and index finger and keep turning it in your other palm if you want it round, and keep the "walls" even.^{[7]
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  Natasha Dikareva, MFA
  Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor
  Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.} Use a damp sponge to smooth the surface.
- Coiling:^{[8]
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  Deanna Ranlett
  Pottery & Ceramics Professional
  Expert Interview. 12 November 2021.} Best for hollow or non symmetrical objects. You can create an interesting texture or pattern by or coiling layers together. Instead of one block of clay, you simply pile or coils into a shape.^{[9]
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  Natasha Dikareva, MFA
  Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor
  Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.} They adhere together with slip and create one mass.
- Slab making: Best for flat-sided objects.^{[10]
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  Deanna Ranlett
  Pottery & Ceramics Professional
  Expert Interview. 12 November 2021.} You put the sides of the clay onto a form. Use a plastic bag so it won't stick or use a light coating of cooking oil. As it dries remove it from the original form, it will shrink and possibly crack if left draped over a bowl but it will maintain its shape.
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3
Form away. This is up to you and your skill level. If you have a wheel, great. If you don't, there are ways around that. If you're brand new to pottery, seek out a professional or watch a few videos online; it's an art that requires skill, most definitely.
- Some clays aren't able to be molded, shaped back into a ball, and molded again. So when you make your choices, be careful -- your clay may not be too keen on giving you a second chance.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Firing Your Object

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Place the pottery in an electric kiln. Raise the temperature of the kiln to 850°F (455°C) for 12 hours. This will produce "bisque" or "unglazed pottery." This initial firing removes the physical and chemical water so that the piece can be glazed without returning to mud and breaking. Ranges of temperature are referred to as "cones" in the ceramics world.^{[11]
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- Allow the temperature to drop and remove the pottery 48 hours later after the temperature has completely cooled.
- Bisque temperature is approximately 1,850–1,950 °F (1,010–1,070 °C) for a cone 06-04 firing for bisque. Cone 6 is 2,180–2,232 °F (1,193–1,222 °C) and Cone 10 is 2,300–2,400 °F (1,260–1,320 °C).
2
Paint your object with glaze.^{[12]
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Deanna Ranlett
Pottery & Ceramics Professional
Expert Interview. 12 November 2021.} Keep in mind that glaze will run. Cover the bottom of your pottery with wax to shield it from sticking to the kiln shelf itself. If you want more precise lines, paint with "bisque stain" and then cover with a clear glaze.^{[13]
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- If your surface isn't smooth, use a 100 grit sandpaper or a kitchen paring knife edge to make it so. Then sponge the entire surface of the pot to remove any dust left from sanding to provide a clean surface for the glaze to adhere to.
- Glazing takes on a number of forms. You can dip, brush, sponge, or etch -- just to get the list started. Use wax to keep the bottom from getting glaze on it during firing. You can also buy glazes in liquid or dry form. If you want to be a real pro, eventually you can make your own.
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Reheat the pottery to melt the glaze and seal your object.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Deanna Ranlett
Pottery & Ceramics Professional
Expert Interview. 12 November 2021.} Depending on your clay, the size of the object, and the glaze, you may need a kiln that hits 2500° Fahrenheit (1148° C).^{[15]
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- Overnight, warm up your kiln at very low heat. Spend two hours at low heat (an increase in temperature of no more than 200°F per hour) and then two hours at medium heat (an increase in temperature of no more than 300°F per hour). Finally, finish at high heat (an increase in temperature of 300 to 400°F per hour) until the required temperature has been reached.
4
File down the bottom of your object. It may have rested on the bottom of the kiln in an awkward position, forcing it to lose its flat bottom. Smooth it so that it sits without wobbling on a surface such as a table or shelf.
- Add felt onto the bottom of your object if you so desire. Then, admire your finished product!

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you make a clay mug by hand?

Deanna Ranlett
Pottery & Ceramics Professional
Deanna Ranlett is a Pottery and Ceramics Professional and the Owner of Mudfire Inc. in Decatur, Georgia. With more than 22 years of experience in the ceramics industry and eight years of experience owning a studio, they specialize in glaze formulation, firing ceramic and pottery pieces, general clay projects, and screen printing for ceramics. Deanna holds a BFA in Ceramic Arts and Ceramics from Georgia State University.

Deanna Ranlett

Pottery & Ceramics Professional

Expert Answer

The slab method is ideal if you're working at home without any studio equipment. You can use just about anything as a template for your slab, like a tumbler or paper cup. A pottery wheel is another great option, if you have one.
Question

Which method is the best method of making pottery?

Deanna Ranlett
Pottery & Ceramics Professional
Deanna Ranlett is a Pottery and Ceramics Professional and the Owner of Mudfire Inc. in Decatur, Georgia. With more than 22 years of experience in the ceramics industry and eight years of experience owning a studio, they specialize in glaze formulation, firing ceramic and pottery pieces, general clay projects, and screen printing for ceramics. Deanna holds a BFA in Ceramic Arts and Ceramics from Georgia State University.

Deanna Ranlett

Pottery & Ceramics Professional

Expert Answer

It really depends on your project! A project worked in the round is best suited for a pottery wheel, while slab-building is better for a uniform project. If you're sculpting a figure or face, working with coils might be best.
Question

What is the easiest way to make pottery?

Deanna Ranlett
Pottery & Ceramics Professional
Deanna Ranlett is a Pottery and Ceramics Professional and the Owner of Mudfire Inc. in Decatur, Georgia. With more than 22 years of experience in the ceramics industry and eight years of experience owning a studio, they specialize in glaze formulation, firing ceramic and pottery pieces, general clay projects, and screen printing for ceramics. Deanna holds a BFA in Ceramic Arts and Ceramics from Georgia State University.

Deanna Ranlett

Pottery & Ceramics Professional

Expert Answer

Slab building is one of the easiest pottery methods to learn! You're essentially working with a sheet of clay, which is similar to working with cookie dough, pie dough, or playdough in a flat form.