Creating Pottery Wheel Piece
This playbook details the sequential steps required to create a basic piece of pottery on a potter's wheel. It guides through the initial preparation, centering of the clay, and the shaping of the piece.
Step 1: Preparation
Gather all necessary materials including clay, water, pottery tools, and a potter's wheel. Set up your workspace with adequate lighting and water accessibility.
Step 2: Wedging
Knead the clay through a process called wedging to remove air bubbles and create a uniform consistency. This prepares the clay for smooth operation on the wheel.
Step 3: Centering
Place the wedged clay in the middle of the wheel. Begin spinning the wheel and wet your hands with water. Use firm and steady pressure to center the clay, ensuring it does not wobble.
Step 4: Opening
Once the clay is centered, make an opening in the center with your thumbs. Widen the opening by pressing downwards and outwards to create the base of your pottery piece.
Step 5: Shaping
Continue to spin the wheel and shape your piece by gently squeezing and lifting the walls. Keep the clay wet and your movements fluid to achieve the desired form.
Step 6: Finishing
As the final shape takes form, use pottery tools to smooth any uneven areas and trim excess clay from the base. Slow down the wheel to make fine adjustments.
Step 7: Drying
Carefully remove your piece from the wheel and set it aside to dry slightly, known as leather-hard. Once at this stage, further refinements or additions can be made.
General Notes
Safety
Always wear appropriate attire and keep hair tied back to prevent accidents. Ensure hands are clean and free of jewelry that could get caught in the wheel.
Tools Care
Clean and return all tools to their proper places after use to maintain their condition and ensure longevity. Clay residue can quickly harden and become difficult to remove if not cleaned immediately.