So you are thinking about or just started the new hobby of pottery making! Or, maybe for you, beginning to make pottery is more than just a new hobby. Pottery is a beautiful art form full of love and expression. In addition, pottery is proven to be calming and has many physical and mental benefits. So, if you are just starting, it is essential to know what tools you need to create beautiful pottery.
Pottery toolset
A toolset will have all of the smaller tools you need to make good pottery. For example, a basic pottery toolset will include a wire clay cutter, a loop tool, a boxwood tool, a potter’s rib, a pro needle, a ribbon tool, and a scraper. These tools will help you cut, shape, and design your pottery according to your vision.
Pottery wheel
We all know what a pottery wheel is, but did you know that you can have one for yourself at home? Pottery wheels aren’t just for group pottery classes. You can learn wheel throwing right from the comfort of your own home.
If you need help learning how to throw on the wheel, consider dropping in on some pottery-making classes. A fun learning opportunity for beginners can be found at Inspire Pottery Studio in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Run by professional potters, Inspire Pottery is a fully equipped pottery studio.
Self-hardening clay
Self-hardening clay is great to have on hand if you do not have access to a kiln. As your interest in pottery grows, investing in a kiln may be an option for you. But, while you are still a beginner and do not have access to a kiln, self-hardening clay is a less expensive option to dry your pieces quickly.
Rolling pin
Some pottery isn’t made by throwing, but rather, rolling out clay and shaping it. A rolling pin can also create decorative add-ons to anything you throw on the wheel. A rolling pin is definitely an asset that any potter at any level needs to have on hand.
Caliper
Calipers are tools explicitly used for measuring your work. Calipers help you see if what you have made is even and see what size to make any decorative features you want to add.
Glazing brushes, paints, and stains
Glazes, paints, and brushes help you to take your work to the next level with the addition of different colors and textures. You may also be able to find some that don’t require a kiln firing to activate the color.
Sponges
Sponges are an essential tool for any potter. Potters can use sponges to add moisture to clay and smooth out the edges. A sponge can be used both on and off the wheel to give you that polished, final look.
Wherever you are on your potter’s journey, and whatever level of potter you are striving to become, a potter needs good tools to create beautiful works of art. If you have all of your tools and you don’t seem to get the hang of working with your hands, or you just want a little bit of expertise, pottery classes may be suitable for you.
Check out Inspire Pottery today to browse their pottery-making classes. Inspire Pottery has a class for all skill levels, including adult classes, date nights, and 6-week courses. So to become the best potter you can be, head over to Inspire Pottery.
