Introduction to Pottery Handbuilding & Throwing

by Elizabeth Ragona. (c) 2025 Alabama Art Supply. 

Table of Contents

• Handbuilding in Ceramics
  • History of Handbuilding
  • Types of Handbuilding Techniques
  • Contemporary Handbuilding
• Wheel Throwing in Ceramics
  • History of Wheel Throwing
  • The Process of Wheel Throwing
  • Types of Objects Created Through Wheel Throwing
  • Tools Used in Wheel Throwing
  • Challenges and Skills in Wheel Throwing
  • Contemporary Wheel Throwing
• Comparison: Wheel Throwing vs. Handbuilding
  • Wheel Throwing
  • Handbuilding
  • Choosing Between Wheel Throwing and Handbuilding
• Combining Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing Techniques
  • When Creating Complex Forms
  • To Add Visual Interest
  • For Functional Enhancements
  • To Explore Creative Freedom
  • For Efficiency and Practicality
  • For Artistic Expression and Storytelling
  • Examples of Combined Techniques
• Recycling Greenware Clay

Introduction 

The journey of shaping clay is as diverse as it is rewarding. Handbuilding and wheel throwing, two of the most popular methods, each offer unique pathways for creativity and expression. Handbuilding allows for organic, intricate designs, while wheel throwing provides precision and symmetry. This guide introduces you to both techniques, helping you discover which method—or combination of methods—best suits your artistic vision. Each method has its strengths and challenges, and this booklet will guide you in choosing the best approach for your projects.

A great resource for beginning potters is this booklet from Amaco Clay: "Newbie Clay".

Handbuilding in Ceramics

Introduction

Handbuilding is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of working with clay. It involves shaping and forming clay by hand without the use of a potter's wheel. This technique is accessible to beginners yet offers unlimited possibilities for experienced ceramicists, enabling the creation of functional pottery, sculptural forms, and intricate designs.

History of Handbuilding

Handbuilding has been practiced for thousands of years, predating the invention of the potter's wheel. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient civilizations used handbuilding techniques to create pottery for daily use, ceremonial purposes, and artistic expression. Some of the earliest examples of handbuilt pottery date back to 10,000 BCE, such as the Jomon pottery from Japan and early Neolithic pots from China and Mesopotamia.

Handbuilding techniques evolved alongside human innovation. Early pots were made using natural shapes like gourds or by pressing clay into pre-formed molds. Over time, communities developed advanced methods such as coiling and slab construction, which allowed for larger, more complex forms. The functionality and artistic possibilities of handbuilding made it an essential part of human culture, serving as a bridge between utility and art.

Types of Handbuilding Techniques

Handbuilding is versatile, with several key methods that offer distinct possibilities for creativity and design. The three primary types are pinch, coil, and slab techniques.

1. Pinch Pot Technique

The pinch pot technique is the most basic and intuitive method of handbuilding. It involves pinching and shaping a ball of clay with fingers to create a hollow form. Pinch pots are often the starting point for beginners but can be refined into intricate forms by skilled artisans.

Greenware Pinch Pots. Image courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park.

Process: Start with a ball of clay, press your thumb into the center to create a hole, and pinch the sides evenly while rotating the piece.

• Applications: Ideal for small bowls, cups, and decorative items. Pinch pots can also serve as the base for more complex pieces.
• Historical Significance: Early pottery pieces were often pinch pots, demonstrating their long-standing role in human creativity.

2. Coil Building

Coil building uses long, rope-like strands of clay to construct forms by stacking and joining the coils. This technique allows for the creation of larger, more complex shapes and textures.

• Process: Roll out clay into coils, stack them layer by layer, and blend them together to form a unified surface. Coils can be left visible for texture or smoothed out for a seamless look.
• Applications: Frequently used for vases, jars, and larger sculptures. The method offers great flexibility in shaping forms.
• Historical Significance: Ancient cultures, including the Greeks and Native Americans, used coiling to create large, intricate vessels.

3. Slab Construction

Slab construction involves rolling out flat sheets of clay that can be cut, shaped, and joined to create geometric forms. This method provides a canvas-like surface for intricate designs.

• Process: Clay slabs are rolled to an even thickness, then cut into shapes and assembled using slip (a liquid clay mixture) and scoring (scratching the surface to help join pieces).
• Applications: Perfect for creating boxes, tiles, and architectural forms. Artists often carve, stamp, or press patterns into slabs for decorative effects.
• Historical Significance: Slab techniques were used in ancient times for creating tiles, plaques, and architectural details.

4. Other Techniques

Beyond the three main methods, other handbuilding approaches include:

• Press Molding: Pressing clay into molds such as this one from Mayco to create identical forms or decorative details.

• Freeform Sculpting: Shaping clay by hand without a predefined structure, ideal for artistic and organic forms.

• Combination Techniques: Many artists combine pinch, coil, and slab techniques in a single piece to achieve unique results.

Contemporary Handbuilding

Today, handbuilding continues to thrive as a cornerstone of ceramics. It is celebrated for its accessibility, as it requires minimal tools and equipment, and its ability to foster a direct connection between the artist's hands and the clay. Contemporary ceramicists use handbuilding to explore traditional forms and push creative boundaries, blending functional and sculptural elements.

Conclusion

Handbuilding is a timeless craft rooted in human history and creativity. Its techniques—pinch, coil, and slab—have enabled generations of artisans to create both functional and artistic works. Whether used for practical pottery or imaginative sculptures, handbuilding remains a vital and evolving art form that connects us to our cultural heritage and innate creativity.

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Wheel Throwing in Ceramics

Introduction

Wheel throwing is a popular and dynamic method of working with clay, where the potter shapes clay on a spinning potter’s wheel. The technique combines precision, skill, and artistry, enabling the creation of symmetrical and functional pottery pieces such as bowls, vases, and plates. While wheel throwing has evolved over thousands of years, it remains a cornerstone of modern ceramics, offering endless possibilities for expression and utility.

History of Wheel Throwing

Wheel throwing spread to Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and beyond, becoming a hallmark of cultural development. By the time of the Greeks and Romans, the potter’s wheel was highly advanced, enabling intricate designs and standardized production of utilitarian wares. This historical evolution laid the foundation for the sophisticated ceramic art forms of today.

The Process of Wheel Throwing

Wheel throwing is a sequential process that requires careful technique and practice. While methods can vary slightly, the general steps are as follows:

1. Preparing the Clay

Clay preparation is critical for successful wheel throwing. The clay must be wedged to remove air bubbles, ensuring consistency and preventing cracking during firing.

Clay Wedging 101: A Great Way to Teach or Learn to Wedge Clay Properly with Dorian Beaulieu. Courtesy of Ceramic Arts Network.

2. Centering

Centering is one of the most challenging steps for beginners. The clay is placed on the wheel head and centered by applying even pressure while the wheel spins. Proper centering is crucial to shaping symmetrical forms.

3. Opening

Once centered, the potter opens the clay by pressing their thumbs or fingers into the center to create a hollow space. This marks the beginning of the vessel’s interior.

4. Pulling Up the Walls

The walls of the vessel are formed by gently pulling and lifting the clay upward. This step requires a steady hand and control to achieve even thickness.

5. Shaping

The potter shapes the piece using their hands or specialized tools. Adjustments can be made to refine the form, create curves, or add decorative elements.

6. Trimming

After the piece has dried to a leather-hard state, it is trimmed to remove excess clay, refine the base, and add finishing touches.

7. Drying and Firing

The thrown piece is left to dry completely before bisque firing, glazing, and a final firing to produce the finished product.

For more information about care and maintenance of kilns, and the stacking and firing process, check out our Studio Notes Art Blog: Kiln Loading, Maintenance and Care. 

Video: How To Throw a Bowl on the Potter's Wheel with Dee Schaad

Types of Objects Created Through Wheel Throwing

Wheel throwing allows for the creation of diverse forms, ranging from simple and functional to intricate and artistic. Common forms include:

• Bowls: A foundational form often used to teach beginners.
• Plates: Require precise control and even thickness.
• Cylinders: Serve as the base for many forms, including mugs and vases.
• Vases: Offer opportunities for creative shaping and decoration.
• Lidded Vessels: Require skillful precision to ensure a proper fit between lid and base.
• Sculptural Forms: Advanced artists use wheel throwing as a starting point for sculptural or abstract works.

Tools Used in Wheel Throwing

Several tools enhance the wheel-throwing process, including:

• Ribs: For smoothing and shaping surfaces.
• Wire Cutter: To remove finished pieces from the wheel.
• Sponges: To keep the clay hydrated and smooth during throwing.
• Needle Tool: For measuring thickness or creating fine details.
• Trimming Tools: For refining the base and removing excess clay.

Challenges and Skills in Wheel Throwing

Skilled throwers develop a deep understanding of their materials, the physics of the wheel, and the artistry of form. Wheel throwing requires patience and practice to master. Key challenges include:

• Centering: Ensuring the clay is balanced on the wheel.
• Control: Managing speed, pressure, and hand movements to achieve the desired shape.
• Consistency: Producing pieces with uniform thickness and symmetry.
• Timing: Knowing when to stop shaping to avoid overworking the clay.

Contemporary Wheel Throwing

Today, wheel throwing is embraced by artists, hobbyists, and production potters alike. Modern electric wheels have made the process more accessible, though traditional kick wheels are still cherished by purists for their tactile and rhythmic experience.

Contemporary ceramicists often blend wheel throwing with other techniques, such as handbuilding or altering thrown pieces, to create unique and innovative works. The wheel remains a powerful tool for both functional pottery and artistic exploration.

Conclusion

Wheel throwing is a time-honored tradition that combines craftsmanship, precision, and creativity. From its origins in ancient Mesopotamia to its role in modern ceramics, it has continually evolved while retaining its essential artistry. Whether shaping a simple bowl or an intricate vase, wheel throwing connects potters to a rich history of skill and ingenuity while offering limitless opportunities for personal expression.

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Comparison: Wheel Throwing vs. Handbuilding

Both wheel throwing and handbuilding are fundamental techniques in ceramics, each with unique advantages and challenges. Choosing between them often depends on the artist’s goals, skill level, and desired outcomes. 

Wheel Throwing

ADVANTAGES

• Speed and Efficiency: The wheel enables rapid creation of symmetrical forms, making it ideal for producing multiples of functional ware like bowls, mugs, and plates. Once mastered, wheel throwing is faster than handbuilding for many standard shapes.
• Precision and Symmetry: The spinning motion allows for perfectly round and uniform pieces, which can be difficult to achieve by hand.
• Smooth Surface Finishes: The process naturally creates smooth, even surfaces, reducing the need for extensive finishing work.
• Artistic Expression: Advanced techniques, such as altering thrown forms or combining wheel-thrown elements, allow for unique artistic expressions.
• Consistency: Ideal for production pottery, where uniformity in size and shape is essential.

DISADVANTAGES

• Learning Curve: Wheel throwing can be challenging to master, particularly centering the clay and maintaining even walls. Beginners may find it frustrating and time-consuming.
• Equipment Requirements: A potter’s wheel is a significant investment, and its size and weight require dedicated space and maintenance.
• Limited Shapes: The wheel is best suited for round, cylindrical forms. Non-circular or irregular shapes require additional handbuilding techniques.
• Physical Demands: Prolonged use of the wheel can strain the back, shoulders, and hands, particularly without ergonomic adjustments.
• Less Texture and Organic Feel: Wheel-thrown pieces tend to lack the organic, tactile qualities of handbuilt work unless additional techniques are applied.

Handbuilding

ADVANTAGES

• Versatility: Handbuilding allows for a wide range of shapes, including irregular, sculptural, and complex forms that are difficult to achieve on the wheel.
• Accessibility: Requires minimal tools and no specialized equipment, making it affordable and accessible to beginners or artists with limited space.
• Texture and Detail: Artists can easily incorporate textures, carvings, and intricate details into handbuilt pieces, giving them a unique and organic aesthetic.
• Personal Connection: The tactile nature of handbuilding fosters a direct connection between the artist and the clay, which many find deeply satisfying.
• No Size Constraints: Handbuilding accommodates larger or irregular forms without the size limitations of the wheel.

DISADVANTAGES

• Time-Consuming: Creating pieces by hand can be slower, especially for larger or more intricate forms.
• Surface Irregularities: Achieving smooth, even surfaces can be challenging and often requires additional finishing.
• Structural Challenges: Larger or more complex handbuilt forms may require careful engineering to prevent cracking, collapsing, or uneven drying.
• Less Symmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry by hand is difficult, which may not suit certain functional pottery like bowls or plates.

Skill Development:

While accessible to beginners, creating refined and professional-quality pieces through handbuilding takes practice and expertise.

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Choosing Between Wheel Throwing and Handbuilding

When to Choose Wheel Throwing

• You aim to produce symmetrical, functional wares like mugs, plates, and bowls.
• You are interested in high-efficiency production or creating matching sets.
• You have the space, resources, and time to invest in learning and using a potter’s wheel.

 When to Choose Handbuilding

• You want to explore sculptural or organic forms and textures.
• You prefer a more tactile, meditative approach to working with clay.
• You have limited space, budget, or access to equipment.
• You want to experiment with creative designs that extend beyond traditional forms.

Conclusion

Wheel throwing and handbuilding are complementary techniques, each offering distinct advantages and catering to different artistic needs. While wheel throwing is ideal for functional, symmetrical pieces, handbuilding excels in versatility, creativity, and organic design. Many ceramic artists combine both methods to expand their artistic repertoire, blending the precision of the wheel with the expressive potential of handbuilding.

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Combining Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing Techniques

Combining handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques allows ceramic artists to push the boundaries of design, function, and creativity. Each method brings unique strengths to the table, and blending them offers opportunities to create forms and textures that neither technique can achieve on its own. Below, we explore when and why combining these techniques can enhance your ceramic work.

When Creating Complex Forms

Combining techniques is ideal for constructing intricate or multi-part pieces. For example:

Functional Pieces with Unique Features: You might throw the body of a teapot on the wheel for symmetry and precision, then handbuild the spout, handle, and lid for added character.

Architectural or Sculptural Pieces: A thrown base can provide stability and symmetry, while handbuilt additions like organic shapes, textured surfaces, or elaborate attachments can enhance the visual and structural complexity.

To Add Visual Interest

Combining techniques can break up the visual uniformity of wheel-thrown pieces and introduce more dynamic elements:

Textural Contrasts: Smooth wheel-thrown surfaces can be complemented with handbuilt textures, carvings, or added embellishments.

Mixed Forms: Use handbuilding to alter wheel-thrown pieces, such as cutting and reshaping a thrown cylinder into an angular vase or adding decorative coils or slab elements.

For Functional Enhancements

Practical designs often benefit from the strengths of both techniques:

Handles and Attachments: While the main body of a mug, pitcher, or vase may be thrown, handbuilding is typically used to add handles, spouts, or feet, ensuring these elements fit the specific form and function.

Lidded Vessels: The base and lid can be wheel-thrown for precision, but handbuilt elements like knobs or decorative edges can add a personal touch.

To Explore Creative Freedom

Combining techniques can be a liberating way to explore ideas without being confined to the limitations of a single method:

Hybrid Forms: Use the wheel to create a base structure and handbuilding to build upward into unique, asymmetrical, or organic shapes.

Experimentation: Combining methods allows for playful experimentation, such as attaching slab-built sections to a thrown cylinder or carving into a thrown form and filling it with handbuilt inserts.

For Efficiency and Practicality

Blending techniques can make certain projects more efficient while maintaining high quality:

Time-Saving Construction: Throwing repetitive base forms like plates or bowls on the wheel can save time, while handbuilding can customize each piece with unique finishes or details.

Structural Stability: Combining a thrown base with handbuilt extensions can make large or unusual pieces structurally sound by using the strengths of each method.

For Artistic Expression and Storytelling

Blending wheel throwing and handbuilding can create pieces that tell a story or reflect an artist’s unique style:

Symbolic Elements: A smooth, symmetrical wheel-thrown form can represent order, while handbuilt additions like abstract textures or irregular shapes introduce chaos or nature-inspired elements.

Narrative Details: Handbuilt embellishments on thrown vessels can depict personal, cultural, or historical narratives, blending the practical with the expressive.

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Examples of Combined Techniques

Altered Forms: Start with a thrown bowl or vase and use handbuilding to carve, reshape, or add elements like handles, spouts, or feet.

Layered Textures: Throw a vessel and add slab or coil-built designs, creating layered patterns or three-dimensional effects.

Functional Sculptures: Combine a thrown base with sculptural handbuilt additions to create functional pieces with artistic flair, such as a decorative yet functional lamp or fountain.

Conclusion

Combining handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques enriches the possibilities in ceramics, offering a balance of precision, creativity, and functionality. This hybrid approach is perfect for artists looking to push their work beyond traditional boundaries, creating unique pieces that blend the best of both worlds. By exploring how these techniques complement each other, you can achieve greater versatility, express your creativity, and bring depth to your ceramic practice.

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Recycling Greenware Clay

Recycling clay is an excellent way for artists to reduce waste and save money, while also ensuring the sustainability of their practice. Greenware clay, which is unfired and still soft or leather-hard, is ideal for recycling because it has not yet undergone any chemical changes in the kiln. Here’s an overview of when and how to recycle greenware clay effectively:

When to Recycle Greenware Clay

After Trimming or Carving: Scraps from trimming or carving your pieces can be collected for recycling. These pieces are often still moist or can easily be rehydrated.

If a Project Fails: If a piece collapses during construction or becomes damaged before firing, it can be recycled as long as it hasn’t been contaminated.

Dry Greenware: Even if the clay has dried out completely, it can still be reclaimed by rehydrating and wedging.

Studio Clean-Up: Sweep up greenware scraps from your workspace (as long as they are free of contaminants) and add them to your recycling process.

Steps for Recycling Greenware Clay

1.  Collect the Scraps. Place all scraps, trimmings, or broken pieces in a designated recycling bin or bucket. Avoid mixing clay types unless they are the same body, as different clays may have incompatible properties.

2. Break into Smaller Pieces. For dry greenware, break the pieces into smaller chunks for easier rehydration.

3. Rehydrate the Clay. Add the clay pieces to a large bucket or container. Cover with water, ensuring the clay is fully submerged. Let it sit for 24–48 hours to soften into a slurry.

4. Mix and Remove Excess Water. Stir the slurry to create an even consistency. If there is excess water, pour it off carefully.

5. Dry Out the Clay. Spread the rehydrated clay onto a plaster bat or another absorbent surface to draw out excess moisture. Flip the clay as it begins to firm up to ensure even drying.

6. Wedge the Clay. Once the clay reaches a workable consistency, wedge it thoroughly to remove air pockets and restore its plasticity.

7. Reuse or Store. The reclaimed clay is now ready to be used for new projects. If you’re not using it immediately, store it in an airtight container or plastic wrap to maintain its moisture.

Tips for Successful Recycling

Keep Contaminants Out. Avoid adding clay with glaze or underglaze to the recycling process, as these can interfere with the quality of the recycled clay.

Label Bins. If you work with different clay bodies, clearly label your recycling bins to avoid mixing incompatible clays.

Maintain Studio Hygiene. Clean tools and surfaces to prevent debris, dust, or foreign materials from contaminating the clay.

Monitor Moisture Levels. Add water slowly during rehydration to prevent making the clay too wet, which can lengthen the drying process.

When Not to Recycle Greenware Clay

• If the clay has been heavily contaminated with debris, chemicals, or other foreign materials, it’s better to dispose of it to avoid issues in future projects.
• Don’t recycle greenware with plaster contamination, as even small amounts can cause defects in fired pieces.
• By making recycling a part of your workflow, you’ll not only reduce waste but also deepen your connection to your craft by understanding the full lifecycle of your materials.

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Practice Exercises

Conclusion

Handbuilding and throwing are two of the most fundamental and expressive techniques in pottery, each offering unique possibilities for shaping clay into functional and artistic forms. Whether you prefer the precision and rhythm of wheel-throwing or the tactile, sculptural approach of handbuilding, both methods allow for endless creativity and personal expression.

Mastering these techniques takes time, patience, and practice, but the journey of working with clay is as rewarding as the finished piece. Each coil, slab, and thrown form reflects the artist’s hand and intention, making every creation one of a kind. By understanding the strengths of both methods and experimenting with different approaches, you can develop your own signature style and deepen your connection to this timeless art form.

As you continue exploring pottery, remember that every piece—whether a simple mug, an intricate sculpture, or a beautifully thrown bowl—tells a story of craftsmanship, technique, and creative vision. Keep experimenting, learning, and embracing the joys of working with clay. Happy potting!

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