Pottery Wheel

A pottery wheel is a spinning round platform, called a wheel head, that potters use to shape clay into round pieces like cups, bowls and vases. Shaping clay this way is called throwing. You keep the clay wet, press with your hands as it turns and let the spin do much of the work.

It starts before the wheel even turns. Wedging means kneading the clay to push out air bubbles, so your pot is less likely to crack.

Next comes centring, the bit everyone underestimates. You press the clay down onto the middle of the wheel head until it spins without a single wobble. Brace your elbows, keep your hands wet and be patient.

Then you open the clay by pressing your thumbs into the centre to make a well, leaving a floor at the bottom. Pulling up means squeezing the walls gently between your fingers and drawing them upwards, a little at a time, to make them taller and thinner.

Finally you shape the pot, smooth the rim and slice it off the wheel with a wire. Messy? Very. Satisfying? Also very.

Earthenware is a soft, often reddish clay fired at lower temperatures. Stoneware is tougher and fired hotter, which makes it great for everyday mugs and plates. Porcelain is smooth, white and famously fussy on the wheel.

These clays are fired in a kiln, first as a bisque firing and then again after glazing. Air-dry clay skips the kiln altogether. It hardens as it dries, and you can paint and decorate it at home, which makes it handy for trying the wheel without a studio.

Yes, as long as you come ready to laugh. Your first pot may lean, flop or fly off the wheel entirely, and that's all part of it. Your Activity Leader shows you each step and helps you get the clay centred, which is the secret to everything that follows. Once it clicks, the spinning, the mud and the focus can feel surprisingly calming. And yes, that famous film scene will cross your mind. We'll say no more.

Wear clothes you don't mind getting clay on, because you will. Roll up your sleeves, tie back long hair and take off rings and bracelets before you start, as the spinning wheel can catch anything loose.

You might also like Kintsugi Pottery, Wabi-Sabi Pottery and Terrazzo.

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