The Process
How Pottery Works
From a lump of clay to a piece you'll use for years — here's what happens between your hands and the kiln.
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01
Wedging the clay
We knead the clay to push out air bubbles and even out its texture, so it behaves predictably on the wheel.
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02
Throwing
The clay is centered on a spinning wheel and shaped by hand into a bowl, cup, or vase.
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03
Trimming
Once leather-hard, the piece is trimmed to clean up its base and refine its final form.
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04
Bisque firing
The piece dries fully, then takes its first trip through the kiln at high heat to become durable bisqueware.
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05
Glazing
Color and glass-like glaze are applied by hand, giving each piece its finish and personality.
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06
Glaze firing
A second, hotter firing fuses the glaze to the clay, making it food-safe, watertight, and glossy.
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07
Pickup
About 4–6 weeks after your class, your finished piece is ready to take home.