A Beginner’s Guide!
Have you ever dreamed of shaping clay with your own hands, creating beautiful and functional pieces that you can actually use? Pottery is one of the most rewarding creative outlets, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been eyeing those gorgeous handmade mugs and wondering, Could I make that?—the answer is YES!
As someone who started pottery from home with no formal training, I know exactly what it’s like to take those first steps. So today, I’m breaking it down into the absolute essentials—what you need, what to expect, and how to get started with confidence.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Space
You don’t need a big fancy studio to start making pottery! Many beginner potters start right from their kitchens, garages, or even small apartments. Here’s what you need to consider:
- A sturdy work surface – A table that can handle a little mess is perfect. Cover it with canvas or a wooden board to keep your clay from sticking.
- Proper ventilation – If you’re working with glazes, make sure you have a well-ventilated area.
- Water source – You’ll need easy access to water for cleaning your tools and hands.
👉 If you want a step-by-step guide on how to set up a beginner home studio (without spending a fortune), check out my “Setting Up Your Home Pottery Studio” workshop!
Step 2: Basic Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a ton of equipment to start! Here are the essentials:
✅ Clay – Choose an air-dry clay if you don’t have access to a kiln, or a low-fire clay if you plan to fire your work.
✅ Basic hand tools – A sponge, needle tool, wire cutter, and a rolling pin (if you’re hand-building).
✅ A board or bat – For working and moving pieces.
✅ A small bucket of water – Helps keep your hands and clay moist.
Starting with hand-building techniques (like pinch pots, coiling, and slab work) is the best way to get a feel for the material before investing in a wheel.
Step 3: Your First Project (A Simple Pinch Pot!)
A pinch pot is the easiest way to start working with clay.
1️⃣ Grab a small ball of clay and roll it into a smooth sphere.
2️⃣ Use your thumb to press into the center, creating a small indentation.
3️⃣ Gently pinch around the edges to form a small bowl shape.
4️⃣ Smooth the surface with a damp sponge or your fingers.
5️⃣ Let it dry completely before painting or glazing!
This is a great way to get a feel for working with clay without the pressure of perfection. Pottery is about enjoying the process—imperfections are what make handmade pieces so beautiful!
Step 4: Firing & Finishing
If you’re using air-dry clay, you can paint your piece with acrylics once it’s fully dry. If you’re using ceramic clay, you’ll need access to a kiln for firing. Many pottery studios offer community firings if you don’t have a kiln at home.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Pottery
Pottery is more than just making things—it’s a meditative, hands-on way to unwind and create something truly unique. Whether you want to start a new hobby or even turn it into a side hustle, there’s never been a better time to dive in!
👉 Ready to start? Grab my Beginner Pottery Guide here and start your pottery journey today!
