Three Types of Pottery Making
- Wheel Throwing - Using a pottery wheel to create symmetrical pieces
- Hand-Building - Shaping clay by hand (pinching, coiling, slabs)
- Slip Casting - Pouring liquid clay into molds
1. Wheel Throwing
Clay spins on a wheel while you shape it. Creates symmetrical forms like bowls, mugs, vases. Requires centering technique and practice.
Best for: Functional pottery, matching sets, round forms
Difficulty: Moderate to hard (centering is challenging)
2. Hand-Building
Shape clay with your hands and simple tools. Includes pinch pots, coil pots, and slab building. More forgiving for beginners.
Best for: Sculptural pieces, unique forms, beginners
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
3. Slip Casting
Pour liquid clay into plaster molds. Creates identical pieces. Common for production pottery and complex shapes.
Best for: Production runs, complex shapes, consistent pieces
Difficulty: Easy once you have molds