Many of us are so busy with our lives that we forget to make time for our hobbies.
However, Americans have always been fascinated with hobbies – particularly those considered “productive leisure hobbies.”
If you’re looking for such a hobby, you might want to get behind a pottery wheel.
Pottery wheel projects are a great hobby to consider and one that’s incredibly satisfying. But how do you get started working on such projects?
Here’s what you need to know:
What Can You Do With Pottery?
Your first step is to subscribe to a noted pottery publication like Wheel & Clay.
This will give you an idea of what you can do with pottery. To pursue pottery as a hobby, you have to set some goals.
To pursue pottery seriously, you want to think deeply about what you wish to create.
For example, you may create pots or mugs. You can also make jars or containers. Take your time to consider what you wish to create with your pottery wheel.
Choosing Your Pottery Wheel
The next step is to choose the best pottery wheel for your projects. You can buy pottery wheels for as low as $200. Others can start at $2,000!
As a beginner, you can succeed with a cheaper pottery wheel. You can upgrade to a more expensive one as you improve your skills.
The diameter of the pottery wheel determines how much clay you can use. You’ll want to go above 20 inches in diameter for bigger projects.
As an amateur, you can stick to a wheel that’s ten inches in diameter.
If you take a pottery class or visit a pottery studio, you can test different wheels.
Consider doing this first before deciding which pottery wheel you wish to buy.
Choosing Your Clay
The final step is to choose the right type of clay. Depending on your pottery goals, different types of clay are needed.
The most popular versions are air dry clay and ceramic clay. Air-dry clay has to be kept in warm air. Or, you can heat it in a kiln after you complete the molding process.
The major advantage of air-dry clay is that it’s more durable.
Ceramic clay can only be molded in a kiln. This is great for smaller projects. While less durable than air dry clay, this type of clay is more water-resistant.
As a beginner, stick to these types of clay before experimenting with other types, such as porcelain.
Start Your Projects
Now you know how to get started with pottery wheel projects and embark on this new hobby!
Your first step is to set goals with pottery. Pottery publications can showcase all the interesting projects you can work on.
Afterward, you’ll have to start shopping for pottery wheels. Test out different sizes until you find one best suited for your goals.
Stick to either air dry clay or ceramic clay for your projects.
Ready to get behind the wheel? Check out our blog for other content on hobbies and lifestyles.
