Service Description

In this class you will learn the basics of wheel throwing: Centering and Opening: The first step is to center a ball of clay on the wheelhead. This is crucial for creating symmetrical pieces. Once centered, you open up the clay to create the initial shape of your vessel. Pulling Up: Using your hands and sometimes tools like ribs or sponges, you pull the clay upwards to form the walls of your vessel. This requires control and practice to achieve even thickness and desired shape. Shaping and Collaring In/Out: As the vessel takes form, you might shape it further by collaring in (making the opening narrower) or collaring out (widening the vessel). This step refines the profile and can give your piece unique characteristics. Trimming: After allowing your piece to dry to a leather-hard stage, you can trim excess clay from the base using tools like a trimming tool or chisel. Trimming ensures a flat base and refines the foot of your vessel. Drying and Bisque Firing: Once trimmed, your piece will dry completely before being fired in a kiln. This first firing, called bisque firing, prepares the piece for glazing. Glazing: Glazing involves applying glazes to your bisque-fired piece. Glazes can be applied in various ways—dipping, pouring, brushing—and can create different effects depending on their composition and firing temperature. Final Firing: After glazing, your piece undergoes a final firing in the kiln, which melts the glazes into a glass-like surface and completes the pottery process. This class includes clay, tools, glaze, and firings.