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# Pottery Making Cheatsheet

## Basic Tools

	
Clay
	
Pottery Wheel or Hand-building tools
	
Water
	
Sponge
	
Clay cutting tools
	
Kiln
	
Glaze and brushes (optional)


## Basic Steps
1. Prepare the clay by kneading it and removing air pockets
2. Center the clay on the pottery wheel
3. Open up the clay to form the base
4. Pull the clay up and shape it to create the walls of the vessel
5. Smooth the surface of the pot with a sponge
6. Use clay cutting tools to trim excess clay and refine the shape
7. Allow the pottery to dry completely
8. Fire the pottery in a kiln to harden it
9. Optional: Apply glaze to the pottery and fire it again in the kiln

## Terminology

	
Wedging: The process of kneading the clay to remove air pockets and improve workability
	
Centering: The process of positioning the clay on the pottery wheel to create a stable base for forming the pottery
	
Throwing: The process of shaping the clay on the pottery wheel
	
Coiling: The process of creating pottery by building up the walls with coils of clay, rather than using a pottery wheel
	
Glaze: A coating of glass that is applied to the surface of the pottery to create a decorative finish and protect the surface
	
Bisque firing: The initial firing of the pottery to harden it and prepare it for glazing
	
Glaze firing: The second firing of the pottery after glaze has been applied, which melts the glaze and creates a finished surface


## Tips and Tricks

	
Keep the clay and your hands moist to prevent cracking
	
Use a steady, gentle pressure when forming the pottery
	
Avoid making the walls too thin, as they may collapse during the firing process
	
Experiment with different shapes, textures, and colors to create unique pieces
	
Be patient and take your time - pottery making requires practice and skill development over time


## Resources

	
[Pottery Making Illustrated Magazine](https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/pottery-making-illustrated/)
	
YouTube channels such as ["Pottery Making Techniques"](https://www.youtube.com/c/PotteryMakingTechniques) and ["The Ceramic School"](https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCeramicSchool)
	
Pottery classes or workshops in your local community
	
Online forums and communities for pottery enthusiasts, such as [r/pottery on Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Pottery/).