The Basics

Vocabulary:

Wedging

Centering

Opening

Compress

Rim

Steps

1. Wedge clay, form into a sphere.

2. Throw clay sphere onto the center of the bat.

3. Seal base to bat with finger

4. Center clay: Press pedal to medium/fast. Brace elbows on legs. Wet hands. Place hands around base of clay, slowly squeeze clay to center and cone up.

5. Push clay down: With the heel of your left hand, push the left side of clay and with side of your right hand press down on the top of it.

6. Open up clay: Slow wheel, place forefinger and middle in the center, push down into middle of clay. Leave ½” clay at bottom - measure with needle tool.

7. Create floor: Start in center, pull fingers of right hand outward. For cylinder, keep floor flat. For bowl, let fingers curve up wall to establish curve.

8.Thin the walls.(Beginner)Place thumb on the inside with hand pointed down with fingers to the outside. Squeeze slightly to thin the wall.

9. Pull walls: Slow wheel. Left hand inside, right hand outside (3 o’clock). Right hand pushes at base to move clay up & rises just above left. Gently squeeze and let hands travel up with clay. Keep clay in a cone shape.

10. Shape: To shape in: outside fingers above inside, press slowly in and up. To shape out: inside fingers above outside, press slowly out and up. Use a rib to refine and smooth curves, also to remove water from surface. 

11. Finish: Trim rim to level. Trim excess clay at base. For bowls leave clay at base to support walls. Pull string under base.