Creating bowls and plates out of clay is like embarking on a magical, muddy adventure. It’s a process that combines art, skill, and a bit of patience, resulting in beautiful, functional pieces you can be proud of. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, there’s always something new to learn in the world of pottery. Let’s dive into how you can create your own bowls and plates.
Steps for Making Bowls
- Wedging Your Clay: Start with well-wedged clay to ensure it’s air-free and has a uniform consistency.
- Centering on the Wheel: Place your clay in the center of the pottery wheel. Centering is crucial to get a balanced bowl.
- Opening the Clay: Press down in the center to create an opening, then widen it, keeping the base of the bowl in mind.
- Pulling Up the Walls: With steady hands, pull the walls of your clay upwards to form the sides of your bowl.
- Shaping the Bowl: Use your fingers and a sponge to shape the bowl. Bowls usually have a curved interior, so focus on smoothing and rounding the inside.
- Trimming and Finishing: Once the bowl is leather-hard, trim the excess clay from the bottom and refine the shape.
My Tips for Bowl Making
- Uniform Thickness: Aim for even wall thickness. Uneven walls can lead to cracks during drying or firing.
- Smooth Curve: When shaping, aim for a smooth, continuous curve inside the bowl.
- Steady Wheel Speed: Keep the wheel speed consistent for better control.
- Regular Wetting: Keep the clay moist but not too wet for easier shaping.
Steps for Making Plates
- Preparing the Clay: Again, start with well-wedged clay.
- Centering and Flattening: Center the clay on the wheel, then flatten it into a wide, low mound – the base of your plate.
- Shaping the Plate: With your fingers, define the flat surface of the plate and the rim. Plates are generally wider and flatter than bowls.
- Trimming the Foot: Once the plate is leather-hard, trim the bottom to create a foot ring. This gives the plate stability.
Tips for Plate Making
- Wide, Gentle Curves: Plates have wide, gentle curves. Focus on keeping the center flat and the rim even.
- Avoiding Warping: Plates can warp easily. Dry them slowly and evenly to prevent this.
- Consistent Thickness: Ensure the plate’s bottom is not too thick to reduce the risk of cracking.
General Tips
- Patience with Drying: Both bowls and plates should be dried slowly to prevent warping and cracking.
- Learning by Doing: Practice is key. Don’t be discouraged by initial mistakes; they’re all part of the learning process.
- Experimenting with Shapes: Once you’re comfortable, try experimenting with different shapes and sizes. Pottery is a creative exploration!
My Final Thoughts
Creating bowls and plates from clay is an incredibly rewarding process. It’s a blend of art, technique, and a little bit of clay magic. Remember, each piece you create is unique and a reflection of your journey in pottery. So, get your hands in that clay and start shaping, who knows what beautiful creations you’ll spin up!
