Pottery Making Essentials: 3 Must-Have Tools for Beginners

Pottery-making is considered one of the oldest crafts invented by humans. According to historical data and research some of the first objects made from clay first appeared in Eastern Asia, specifically in the Xianrendong cave where diverse shapes of pottery pots were found. Since then pottery has evolved into beautiful and functional art that is still practised today by many pottery enthusiasts around the world. 

If you are interested in this ancient craft, you may benefit from learning more about the unique tools needed for practising this especially rewarding and therapeutic discipline. From selecting the right pottery kiln to choosing the right type of clay and experimenting with various glazes and finishes you can craft various pottery pieces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. To help you navigate the sea of diverse pottery equipment and unleash your creative potential we’re going to explore in detail some of these tools that will allow you to develop and refine your unique pottery skills.

Pottery Kiln

The pottery klin represents the central piece of equipment essential for the overall pottery process. This tool plays a crucial role in the final stage of finishing your moulded object, which involves the process of drying, bisque firing and glaze firing essential for achieving the desired texture and hardness of the pottery. 

There are so many designs of kilns on the market, each offering distinct features and qualities. Depending on your skill level you can choose a model that suits your needs. For example, you can opt for easy-to-use electric pottery kilns as these are mostly suitable for beginners. These types of ovens can accommodate different types of metals and ceramics, that require baking at high temperatures during two different firing stages. 

The first firing stage includes the process of bisque firing which hardens the clay, by making it more porous and suitable for glazing. The subsequent process is the glaze firing stage which involves applying a specific glaze and colour to the poetry to embellish its surface. What’s best about these kilns is the fact that they offer precise temperature control. They come equipped with digital controllers that allow the user to adjust the preferred temperature and provide consistent and even heating throughout the entire firing process.

Moreover, they are suitable for indoor use, as they can generate a minimal amount of fumes compared to some other designs. While many beginner potters find the electric kilns to be particularly useful others prefer pottery kiln designs that allow them to manually adjust the temperature and get a better understanding of the whole firing process. 

For example, people who prefer a more traditional approach can opt for a brick kiln design. These pottery kilns are made by using brisks or refractory materials to construct a chamber where the firing process is controlled. In these types of kilns, the temperature is manually controlled by adjusting the fuel supply, and airflow. They can be made in various shapes and sizes and accommodate versatile pottery and firing techniques that involve diverse types of clays and glazes.

source: thepotterywheel.com

Pottery Wheel

In addition to choosing the right pottery kiln, you should consider other important tools. To get a hands-on experience and immerse yourself in creating various pottery tools you should supply yourself with the right pottery wheel. The primary function of this tool is to assist you in the process of creating symmetrical and precise forms from clay including diverse types of bowls, vases, and plates. 

There are various types of pottery wheels on the market, each offering a specific experience in the creation process. For instance, electric wheels as their name suggests are powered by electricity and provide consistent rotation speed that allows for precise shaping and throwing of the clay to achieve the desired shape and form. 

They are often suitable for beginner potters as they come equipped with different speed adjustments which make it easier to control the rotation of the wheel head. These wheels are compact and lightweight, so you easily move them from one place to another, depending on your needs. Compared to the electric, the kick wheel design is manually operated and is often chosen by experienced potter makers.

This wheel design requires getting skilful in many techniques, such as centring the clay right on the wheel head and using your hands to shape it into the desired forms, etc. Learning all of these skills requires practice, true passion and determination from your side.

source: creativehandsstudio.net

Glazes and Brushes

To make your pottery stand out you need to experiment with diverse glazes and brushes to embellish its surface and provide a protective coat. To select the right type of glazes you should explore various glazes suitable for different firing temperatures. You can choose between a wide array of colours, textures and finishes to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your finished pottery. 

For example, you can opt for low-fire glazes, to provide a glossy finish to the surface and add depth and vibrant colour to the pottery piece. As their suggests, these types of glazes are fired at a relatively low temperature in the kiln which ranges between 1828 degrees Fahrenheit (998 C) and 1945 degrees Fahrenheit (1063 C). Compared to them the high fire glazes are suitable mostly for kilns that operate at high temperatures. These glazes produce smooth and glossy finishes and are mostly used for embellishing the look of porcelain and stoneware pottery creations.