Preparation
Pottery has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Archeologists have recovered pottery made in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, so it stands to reason that the archeologists of the future will one day examine our work, too. The longevity of this craft makes it one that can be passed down for generations as well as provide beautiful artwork for your home today. And it’s not that difficult to pick up the hobby. “You actually need very few tools to get started. Your own hands can mold, shape, and smooth the clay easily. But to get a really sleek look it helps to have some simple, everyday tools on hand,” explains Francesca Stone, author of Easy Homemade Pottery: Make Your Own Stylish Decor Using Polymer and Air-Dry Clay ($15.99, amazon.com). “Cookie cutters, craft knives, and rollers are a great start. You can buy very inexpensive tool sets which include basic cutting and smoothing tools that can come in handy, too.”
For all potters, an essential set of tools will include the basics like a needle tool, metal or wood potter’s rib, a wire cutting tool, and a couple of trimming loops and a sponge. These are the basics that a beginner in pottery will find helpful, whether you are hand building, sculpting, or wheel throwing. You can also use sandpaper and polishing tools to smooth out your clay creations. Low-grit sandpaper is best for air-dry clay pieces while wet and dry paper and a buffing pad on a rotary tool is best for finishing polymer clay works. But if you want to start building a professional workspace, there are several tools you can purchase today. Ahead, we explain them all.
Sculpting Tool Set: ARTEZA Essential Clay Tools SetSelf-Hardening Clay: AMACO Mexican Self-Hardening ClayPottery Wheel: Mophorn Pottery WheelGlazing Brushes: Royal & Langnickel Ceramic Glaze Brushes SetWire Clay Cutter: Art Advantage ART-6950-8 Wire Clay Cutter
