Basics of Throwing a Cylinder 1lb vs 2lb

Here is a demonstration of the basics of throwing a cylinder on a pottery wheel. Melanie demonstrates how to increase the size of your "tools" to move from a 1lb ball to a 2lb ball. Small adjustments can improve your skill and bring you to larger piece success

[@biancamascorro5538]

I have been struggling so much on the wheel, just discovered your videos last night, and went into wheel class today and BAM it all clicked. Thank you!

[@cherylrichardson9952]

I work the slab method, but haven't done so since 1980. I recently bought 25 pounds of clay and started at age 71 to build pottery! Watching you is so "easy". Now, I'm going to take wheel lessons!! Thank you for your terrific instruction!! ❤💝

[@MarthaRoithner]

I found your videos today! I tried to center and pull a cylinder like you did. And it was really a game changer for me! I’m so glad about that! 👍👍🥰🥰😘😘😘

[@andreag7822]

Thank you. You are the best on YT for explaining step by step and, importantly, why the steps are like they are 👌

[@TheMarnaiz]

You're a great teacher. Thank you.

[@jjjessee245]

Excellent description and demonstration of the most fundmental of throwning skills. Thank you!

[@loug8186]

This was so helpful! I just started classes and I wondered why she was not encouraging us to cone with our 1lb slabs. Now I get it and I will take your advice and next class I am just going to make cylinders and try a 2 lb for fun as well.

[@SPIRITWILDCHILD28]

I've watched hundreds of pottery videos and just found yours. You are now my favorite teacher. Thank you

[@MudgirlPottery]

Thanks so much.. That really makes me SMILE!!!

[@ahafun2010]

thank you, thank you! you give such excellent instructions and reasons for those instructions....i just need to watch over and over and practice over and over!

[@MudgirlPottery]

Thanks. Its sort of a passion of mine! Spread the #clayaddiction. I just put up a long one. Three cylinders of varying widths! enjoy!

[@PaulByrne-ev2zm]

Well done, as usual. I get something new every time I watch (re-watch) one of your videos. Thank you for sharing your expertise so generously.

[@annewatkis5824]

I love your videos

[@charlottesmom]

Subbed in the first minute, I think you may have solved my centering issue!!

[@rozsmith6850]

I love watching your videos, and how you explain WHY and HOW each position is done. I have too often made my bottoms too thin and slice through them. Aargh! Could you please demonstrate how to properly add a handle or simple lids? Thanks!

[@MudgirlPottery]

Great idea! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@rozsmith6850]

You are not alone!😢

[@lisapeck2594]

So helpful! I am going through a “centering slump” and your video makes so much sense. Thank you!

[@annewatkis5824]

I’m just finishing from formal wheel tnro😅wing pottery clay. The lesson I (me) learned is that your inside fingers need to be straight down, rather than just using finger tips. Also I find using a sponge with my fingers helps me pull the wall. Xxx

[@michaelleue7594]

I like that you focus on shaping in a certain number of pulls. The big thing I struggled with when learning how to make a cylinder was that the clay would change consistency while it was on the wheel because I spent so long trying to fix "errors" and I kept failing to realize that. Learning discipline about how much manipulation is appropriate before the clay turns to floppy mud is a great place to start.

[@MudgirlPottery]

I find there are very few errors that can be fixed. Once you get an uneven pull, its hard to correct, once your finger slips, its hard to correct.. Its about accepting it, working with it and the CALL IT A POT!! and be done with it! Good luck

[@mariannadonnally]

I love your videos. You are my favorite pottery teacher because you’re clear and you repeat yourself in different ways. I also really appreciate your sense of humor and just want to have a beer with you. Got plans to open a studio in Vermont anytime soon? Thanks for the lessons. I’m definitely going to do my own cylinder boot camp now.

[@jocelynmcvey294]

I am new to pottery and enjoy your videos and the way you explain the process! 😊

[@KSCPMark6742]

Always informative, thank you. I'd like if you could raise the camera and put it more in front ti make it easier to see

[@brandireeves]

Great tips, thanks!

[@BenHildred]

Thanks again - your tips have really helped me recently. I’d love to see your approach to turning the cylinders and adding handles etc!

[@derekgreenwood396]

love your style of teaching :) we're getting a wheel tomorrow and starting an 11-week course soon, so thank you for this awesome content, and yep I had no idea about Megan Foxes thumbs but now I do haha, so cheers for that little nugget ;) god love and god bless

[@MudgirlPottery]

Yes.. those thumbs! LOL. Good luck, if you get open studio time during that time, turn on the videos and start and stop with each steps. My students say it helps!

[@sweetmadianne]

Such great instruction!! Thank you.

[@suewallis5751]

Thank you so much, I’m just starting my journey and I’ve watched lots of videos but I must say, wow, you’ve given me so much information in one video!!! I’ve subscribed and can’t wait to learn more from you!

[@MudgirlPottery]

Thanks. Its sort of a passion of mine! Spread the #clayaddiction. I just put up a long one. Three cylinders of varying widths! enjoy!

[@annewatkis5824]

Love your videos. Could you tell me how much pressure you apply to the walls when pulling up. Is it feather light, or like you’re rubbing out a crease or is it a proper squeeze? Thank you xx

[@heididerksen8227]

Thanks that was a great help alot of helpful hints.

[@chorseschorses4381]

TYSM

[@mariacatalano5252]

Love your videos. Do you actually have a bootcamp class?

[@777VIBRANT]

Great video ❤

[@Majoofi]

Hi, I'd love to see your approach to tall narrow bottle forms. I have fairly large hands so for me to have a narrow form. I have to keep collaring in and then lifting again, Do you have any tricks to simplify that?

[@sondrabecchetti4612]

Do you teach workshops (multi day sequential and not once a week)?

[@jessicareed8140]

I'm a relatively beginner potter and my pots go off center while I'm opening up and pulling. What am I doing wrong. I'm going to try a cylinder boot camp. Great idea! Thanks

[@Danish_07]

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[@MyMazyCat]

You are the best instructor!! I learn a lot! Thank you! 🏺❤