Have you ever dreamt of making your own pottery at home but felt overwhelmed by where to start? I’ve been there! A few years ago, I was exactly in your shoes—completely in love with the idea of working with clay but convinced it would take thousands of dollars, fancy equipment, and a dedicated studio space to make it happen. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t!
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the essential tools and simple set-up you need to start pottery from home. Trust me, you don’t need much to get started, and I’m living proof that you can make it happen on a budget!
My DIY Home Pottery Studio Story
When I first decided to try pottery, I was super excited—but I didn’t have any formal training, and my budget was…well, let’s just say it was tight! I was determined, though. After a lot of research, I realized that I didn’t need a fancy studio to get going. I started small, using a corner of my garage (yes, my garage!), and I slowly built my collection of tools over time.
Looking back, it’s incredible how far I’ve come with just a few basic pieces of equipment. And if I can create a full-time business out of my humble setup, so can you!
The Essential Tools for Starting Pottery at Home
Let’s dive into the good stuff: what do you actually need to start making pottery at home? You might be surprised at how few tools are required. Here’s a simple breakdown of the must-haves:
1. Clay
You can’t make pottery without clay! Start with a beginner-friendly, low-fire clay, like earthenware. It’s easy to work with and great for hand-building projects. Don’t stress about getting the “perfect” type of clay at first—just grab something that’s easy to use.
2. Basic Pottery Tools
A beginner pottery kit is your best friend! These kits typically include essential tools like:
- A needle tool for cutting and scoring clay.
- Ribs (both metal and rubber) for shaping and smoothing.
- A sponge for smoothing surfaces and adding moisture.
- A wire cutter to slice off chunks of clay.
- A loop tool for carving and trimming.
This small set will cover most of your needs when you’re just getting started!
3. A Pottery Wheel (Optional)
You might think a pottery wheel is a must-have, but here’s a secret: you don’t need one to start! Many beginners start with hand-building techniques, which require no wheel at all. Pinching, coiling, and slab building are super fun and rewarding methods to create beautiful pieces.
That said, if you are interested in getting a wheel, you can find affordable tabletop models that work perfectly in small spaces. My first wheel was a simple secondhand one that fit right in my little garage studio.
4. A Work Surface
You don’t need a fancy workbench to get started—a kitchen table, desk, or a sturdy folding table will do the trick! Just cover it with an old towel or canvas to keep the clay from sticking and you’re good to go.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to set up a designated spot for your pottery to help you stay organized and focused. My first setup was in a little corner, but it was my space, and it made all the difference.
5. A Kiln (Eventually)
Okay, I know what you’re thinking—a kiln sounds like a big, scary investment! Don’t worry, though. You don’t need one right away. Many beginners start by finding a local pottery studio or community center that offers kiln rentals. I didn’t get my own kiln until much later, and I used a nearby pottery studio to fire my early pieces.
Once you’re ready to invest, there are small, beginner-friendly kilns available. I’ll talk more about this in my course, but renting kiln space is a great first step.
6. Glazes and Brushes
As you get more comfortable with your pottery, you’ll want to experiment with glazes. Start simple with a few basic colors. Glazing is one of the most exciting parts of the process—you get to see your pieces come to life!
Setting Up Your DIY Pottery Studio
You don’t need a huge space to set up your own pottery area—trust me! I started with a small corner of my garage, and it worked beautifully. Here’s what you’ll want to consider for your setup:
- Space: Find a small corner of a room (or even a garage or basement) where you can leave your tools and projects undisturbed.
- Storage: Use shelves, bins, or even old boxes to store your clay, tools, and in-progress pieces. Keeping things organized will make your creative process more enjoyable!
- Ventilation: If you’re working with clay and glazes, it’s important to have good ventilation, especially if you eventually use a kiln.
Once you’ve got these basics, you’re all set to dive into the world of pottery from the comfort of your home!
Ready to Start Making Pottery at Home?
Starting pottery from home is way more accessible than you might think, and you really don’t need a fancy setup or expensive equipment to get started. It’s all about taking that first step and building from there—just like I did.
If you’re ready to take your pottery journey to the next level, my Beginner Pottery Course is designed to guide you through everything from setting up your home studio to making your very first pieces. It’s packed with all the tips and tricks I wish I knew when I was starting, and I can’t wait to help you on your journey.
Let’s make some magic out of clay—together! ✨
