Wheel-Thrown Pottery & Ceramic Glazing

What you cover, in rotation

The group works through these in order and then begins again on fresh ground. Join at whatever stage it is on — nothing here assumes you were there for the last one, and nothing runs out — or drop in for a single session if that is all you can manage.

1. Stage 1Wedging, Centring & First Cylinders

   • Clay wedging — spiral and rams head — to eliminate air pockets.
   • Wheel speed, body positioning and anchoring elbows.
   • Centring 2–3 lb balls and opening the base.
   • Pulling walls into stable vertical cylinders.
2. Stage 2Shaping Bowls, Vases & Surface Textures

   • Expanding cylinders into bellied bowls, flared mugs and vases.
   • Collar-in techniques and lip refinement with sponges and wooden ribs.
   • Incised sgraffito and carved surface texture on leather-hard clay.
3. Stage 3Foot Trimming, Handles & Bisque Preparation

   • Securing leather-hard pieces on the wheel for bottom trimming.
   • Carving foot rings and balancing wall thickness.
   • Pulling and attaching ergonomic handles for mugs and pitchers.
   • Stamping maker marks and loading the bisque kiln.
4. Stage 4Glaze Formulation, Application & Kiln Opening

   • Mineral oxides, melting cones, and dipping and pouring techniques.
   • Wax resist applications and multi-layer glaze overlaps.
   • Final glaze firing and a communal reveal critique.

4 sessions in the cycle, then it begins again on new ground.