So, you’ve decided to start a pottery hobby. That’s great! Pottery is a fun, engaging activity that can help you relieve stress and express your creativity. But before you can start creating masterpieces, you need to equip yourself with the right tools and supplies. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about starting a pottery hobby, from choosing the right materials to understanding the basics of ceramic crafting. Let’s get started!
Contents
Clay
The first thing you’ll need is clay. Stoneware, earthenware, and porcelain clay are the three types of clays. Stoneware clay is the most durable and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for oven-baked pottery. Earthenware clay is less durable than stoneware but more porous, meaning you can fire it at lower temperatures. Porcelain clay is the most fragile of the three types, but it also has the highest fire resistance.
When choosing a type of clay, consider what you want to make. If you’re interested in making functional pieces such as cups or bowls, stoneware clay is your best option. If you’re mainly interested in making decorative pieces, then earthenware or porcelain clays may be a better choice.
You can purchase clay at most art supply stores. It’s usually sold in blocks, which can be quite heavy, so make sure you have enough space to store it.
Pottery Wheels
Pottery wheels are essential for creating pottery. They allow you to rotate the clay while working on it, making it easier to shape the material. Pottery wheels come in various sizes, so choose one that’s appropriate for your workspace.
You can purchase a tabletop pottery wheel if you’re making smaller pieces. If you plan on making larger pieces or want to get more serious about your hobby, it might be worth purchasing an industrial pottery wheel. Make sure the wheel is stable and won’t slip when you’re working.
Kiln
A kiln is a small oven designed specifically for firing pottery. The purpose of firing the clay is to harden it so you can use it to create functional pieces or have it displayed as part of your home decor.
Firing pottery requires using both high and low heat settings, so make sure to read the instructions that come with your specific kiln model. Once you learn how to fire your creations properly, you’ll be able to produce beautiful finished products.
Professionals or serious hobbyists primarily use kilns, but this tool isn’t completely necessary if you’re just getting started with ceramics. You could always try selling unfired pottery instead, which has a similar look but hasn’t been hardened through firing.
Other Supplies
In addition to clay, pottery wheels, and kilns, you’ll also need some basic supplies such as:
Cutter Wire – This is a thin wire for cutting the clay.
Scrappers – A scrapper is similar to a wire cutter, but it’s for cleaning the excess clay off your creations.
Needles – A needle adds details to your pottery pieces.
Ribbon Tools – Ribbon tools make impressions in the clay.
Fettling Knives – A fettling knife is a special scraper that allows you to smooth out clay.
Sponges – Sponges clean surfaces and shape the clay.
Calipers – Calipers measure the size of your creations.
Palette Knife – This is a thin knife used to mix glazes.
Chamois Cloth – Chamois cloth smooths the clay.
Towels And Aprons – You’ll also need some towels and aprons to protect your clothes from the clay and glazes.
Glazes And Underglazes
Glazes and underglazes are the two types of finishes you can apply to your pottery. Glazes are usually a transparent or translucent finish that gives your pottery a glossy appearance. Underglazes are opaque pigments that can be used to create different patterns and designs on your pieces.
You can purchase both glazes and underglazes at most art supply stores. Make sure to read the product labels carefully to see what each one is made of and whether it’s food safe.
Displaying Your Pottery
Now that you’ve created some beautiful pottery, you’ll need to find a way to display it. You can choose to hang your pieces on the wall or set them on a shelf. If you’re going to hang your pottery, make sure you use proper hangers designed for ceramic pieces.
If you’re using a shelf to display your pottery, be sure to leave enough space between each piece, so they don’t touch. This will help keep the pieces from getting damaged over time.
Conclusion
Getting started in a pottery hobby can be a bit daunting, but with the right tools and supplies, it’s doable. Take your time and experiment with different types of clays, glazes, and underglazes to see what you like best. Creating pottery is a fun and satisfying hobby. It allows you to express your creativity while also building useful products. Just make sure you have enough space to work, the proper tools, and plenty of clay! And most importantly, have fun!
