From Clay to Finished Pottery
Have you ever wondered what goes into making a handmade pottery piece?
Every mug, bowl, and vase I create starts as a simple lump of clay, transformed through a slow and intentional process into something beautiful and functional. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of my pottery-making journey—from raw materials to a finished piece that might one day sit in your home.
Step 1: The Clay Selection & Prep
Before anything else, I choose the right clay for the piece I want to make. Some clays are better for throwing on the wheel, while others are perfect for hand-building. Each has its own personality—some smooth, some gritty, and all with different firing temperatures that affect the final color and texture.
After wedging (a fancy term for kneading the clay to remove air bubbles), the real magic begins.
Step 2: Shaping the Piece
At my wheel, I center the clay—a crucial step that determines the balance and symmetry of the final form. This part takes patience and experience, but once centered, I can start shaping it into the mug, bowl, or vase I envisioned.
For hand-built pieces, I use slabs, coils, or pinching techniques to create organic and unique shapes. These pieces often have a more rustic, handmade charm.
Step 3: Drying & First Firing (Bisque Fire)
Once shaped, the piece needs to dry completely—which can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on thickness and humidity. Any moisture left in the clay could cause the piece to crack or explode in the kiln.
The first firing (called the bisque fire) hardens the clay, making it durable enough to handle glaze. The transformation in the kiln is incredible—what was once soft, fragile clay becomes a solid ceramic foundation.
Step 4: Glazing – The Artistic Touch
This is one of my favorite parts! I dip, brush, or pour glazes over the bisque-fired piece, sometimes layering different glazes to create depth and unique effects.
Glaze chemistry is wild—it never looks the same before firing as it does after. A dull, chalky blue could turn into a rich, glossy turquoise. This is where the alchemy of pottery keeps me hooked!
Step 5: The Final Fire (Glaze Fire)
Back into the kiln it goes, this time at an even higher temperature. This firing melts the glaze into a smooth, glass-like surface and strengthens the pottery. When I finally crack open the kiln (often holding my breath in excitement), I see the final colors and textures revealed.
Why Handmade Pottery Matters
Each handmade piece has its own quirks, making it one-of-a-kind. No two are exactly alike, which is why handmade pottery feels so special compared to mass-produced alternatives. When you hold a mug I’ve made, you’re holding something shaped by human hands—not a factory machine.
Ready to Add Handmade Pottery to Your Home?
I have a collection of small-batch pottery available [here] (link to shop), and if you’re feeling inspired to try pottery yourself, my Beginner Pottery Guide walks you through everything you need to get started. Grab it here!
