Handbuilding

What is handbuilding in pottery?

 

Handbuilding is a method of making pottery without a potter's wheel. You shape clay with your hands and simple tools using three core approaches: pinch, coil, and slab building. It's one of the oldest ways to work with clay and also one of the most beginner-friendly because you can start making functional forms right away.

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But what about the wheel?

 

Many people prefer handbuilding to the potter's wheel because it's relaxing, free-form, and provides  a low-stress activity where you're practically guaranteed success. 

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What kinds of things could I make?

 

Practically anything! Some things our students have made: mugs, plates, vases, pipes, plant stakes, wall hangings, charcuterie boards, wall-hung plant pockets, spoon rests, soap dishes, ceramic flowers, ceramic spoons...

 

See our Pinterest board of ideas.

 

We use a strong, mid-range, stoneware.