Pottery for Beginners: How to Get Started
Have you ever admired a beautifully crafted ceramic mug or a striking sculpture and thought, “I’d love to try that”? Maybe you’ve been inspired by captivating Instagram Reels or TikTok videos showcasing the mesmerizing process of shaping clay on the wheel, or maybe you took a pottery class in school and have been looking for an opportunity to get back into it.
Pottery is a fantastic way to express your creativity and craft unique, handmade pieces. Whether you're intrigued by hand-building, wheel throwing, or sculpture, getting started is simpler than you might think!
1. Understanding Pottery Techniques
Hand-Building: This approach uses your hands and basic tools to shape clay into unique forms. Techniques like pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction are great for creating one-of-a-kind pieces without needing a wheel. If you’re intimidated by getting started, hand-building can be a great way to get familiar with the feel of the clay.
Wheel Throwing: For those who enjoy precision, wheel throwing involves using a potter’s wheel to shape clay into symmetrical items like bowls, mugs, and vases. It’s an exciting way to produce functional and beautiful ceramics.
Sculpture: If you’re drawn to artistic, three-dimensional works, sculpture combines hand-building techniques with creative flair to produce expressive, artistic pieces.
2. Just Get Started
Arguably the best way to get started in pottery is to take a class. Classes provide hands-on instruction from an experienced potter, and provide the tools, spaces and materials you need to make pots.
For folks just looking to dip their toes in, a one-time workshop is a great place to start. Intro to Wheel Throwing or Handbuilt Workshops are beginner friendly and a great activity to do with friends. They will get you familiar with the feeling of clay and basic techniques. Your teacher will finish your works after class, and you’ll be able to pickup your pieces a few weeks later.
Hoping to get the full experience? Pottery 101: 5-Week Wheel Throwing Course is the best introduction for beginners looking to learn the process of making pots. Think of Pottery 101 as a crash course - you’ll get to experience every part of the process and make your very own pots from lump of clay to fully functional work of art. This hands-on course is designed to build your confidence and skills, providing a solid foundation for your pottery journey.
Not local to St Paul/Minneapolis? Check around your area for pottery class options - pottery studios are everywhere and there is probably one near you!
3. Join a Local Studio
If you catch the pottery bug, membership at a community studio is a great way to explore pottery. While creating at home might sound tempting, community studio settings provide all the tools you need to create and are equipped to deal with the proper clean up of pottery. Clay in your pipes, or prolonged exposure to breathing in clay dust can cause hazards, and are tricky things to deal with in a home setting. Not to mention, pottery equipment like kilns and wheels can be expensive.
Besides the practical benefits, community studios are a fantastic way to meet fellow artists and learn from experienced potters. You’ll find endless inspiration and learn so many techniques and tricks that you wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. Plus, potters are some of the loveliest, silliest, most creative people you will ever meet.
Northern Light Art Studio provides a range of membership tiers to meet your needs. Pottery Tier 2 is our most popular option, providing studio access, firing, and all the equipment and tools you need to create. Check out all our membership tiers here and send us a note if you have any questions!
Not local to St Paul/Minneapolis? Check around your area for local community studios - there might be one near you!
4. Why Try Pottery?
Pottery is more than just crafting beautiful pieces; it's a wonderfully relaxing and rewarding activity that sparks your creativity. The hands-on, tactile experience lets you stay fully engaged and connected with the clay. After all, it’s hard to scroll on your phone when your hands are covered in mud.
Ready to give it a try? Sign up for an Intro to Wheel-Throwing or Pottery 101: 5-Week Wheel Throwing Course, check out our membership options or schedule a tour of the studio. For more details or to reserve your spot in our classes, check out the calendar here.
We can't wait to see what you’ll create! Let’s get muddy!
