Beginner Wheel Throwing Class

[@duchessnicoleduke9109]

I cant even tell you how helpful this video was for me. I've had my wheel since March (its November now). And I had slowly lost the drive to practice throwing because I spent 75% of my time trying to center my clay. My clay got smaller and smaller, my will to live less and less 🤣🤣 After watching this video yesterday, I broke out some clay, wedged up a few pounds (again, THANK YOU for the "why" instead of "just do it") and tried out your centering technique, keeping in mind that centering wasn't necessarily forcing the clay to the center...rather it takes a bit more finesse to align the clay particles so that they work with you. Somehow visualizing this, and your technique of pushing the clay away from you when coning down as well as centering with your other hand...I just centered four balls of clay in about 2 min each. I used to work a ball of clay for 15 min at least, wasting half of my clay and making it so saturated and wet that I could hardly work it. I am once again excited to start throwing. I can't thank you enough. Thank you for your explanations, your succinct show and telling. You, sir, are a great teacher. Wish I could learn from you in real life.

[@kelseyreyes6255]

seriously! And he has such a great humor on top of that. Those are always the best teachers!!!

[@ginabeana3469]

where did you get your wheel ??

[@duchessnicoleduke9109]

@@ginabeana3469 We bought it online, from Clay King, I think.

[@ebonypowell5068]

What kiln do you use and is it best for beginners?

[@duchessnicoleduke9109]

@@ebonypowell5068 I use a programmable Skutt that we got used from a school sale. It's perfect for beginners. I was able to program it by watching a KZbin video made by Skutt. Super simple.

[@User-to7nb]

This is the best attitude I’ve seen. My teacher got so frustrated she made the cups for us so she could leave... I’d travel to wherever the hell you are just to learn

[@timseepots]

I have a series of workshops in the early summer and early fall. Its pretty much only promoted in a facebook group. If you want the info let me know

[@chrislangis3756]

How much is that wheel and where do I get it?

[@beverlymaddalone4404]

Yep, been there. I especially like the part about raising the wall until you wreak it.

[@kendraadams7079]

I took ceramics in high school and recently I’ve been wanting to get back into it. Unfortunately I have no local studios to take lessons. Is there a beginner wheel you would recommend so I could start practicing again? You’re an awesome instructor!

[@mathewstudios2410]

@@kendraadams7079 2000$

[@measured.enthusiast]

I wish my teacher reinforced the "work it til you wreck it" mentality. I had never touched clay or a wheel before and kept ruining it, but I couldn't really get how throwing works until I saw how it *didn't* work. I was in a "make something" mode when I still needed to be in "wreck it" mode, and I learned a little more every time I messed it up haha. Great teaching, thank you!

[@natn41r]

I was so anxious to get it right and felt discouraged that I kept wrecking it. Glad I found this vid.

[@charlesballard5251]

Long story short: My sister made me a popcorn bowl 35 years ago. After thousands upon thousands of bowls of perfectly salted and buttered popcorn, I dropped a skillet on the damned thing and it shattered. I looked all over for a similar planter (which it started out life as) that I could quickly paint and put into service. No one has anything even remotely similar. Anything with a shape even close is either too small or it's HUGE and HEAVY and with HANDLES and a LID!!!! All I need is a roughly 8 inch tall bowl with a 10 inch mouth and pot-bellied out to 11 or 12 inches with perfectly rounded sides. So I found a place that I can learn pottery. Had my first class last week and have been watching vids all week. I give you sir a BIG THUMBS UP!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@timseepots]

Charles Ballard you have a bit of practice and a lot of clay before you get to a large lidded bowl. Good luck and have fun in the class!

[@reb4898]

You are a great teacher...your explainations are spot on...

[@trevorb3330]

I was literally going to say he’s wicked at explain things but not bullshitting or trying to sound like a no it alll. I dig this video

[@deanna-mariec.norcross5273]

omg, I wish you were my ceramics teacher! I've been struggling for awhile now and I'm having multiple a-ha moments! THANK YOU!

[@grae_pottery]

It's still such a good video to refer to after 5 years. Thank you for the good video!😀😃😄

[@sandraludwig1546]

OK, I have to say: That was the BEST throwing lesson I've ever had. And I'm including the ones I've had in person! Thank you so much, Tim!

[@susanchristy5114]

This is the best video of its type that I've seen. Your explanations are clear. This is the first time someone actually explained what you try to get the clay to agree to do. Thanks

[@BioBug96]

Your teaching skills are absolutely incredible. If teachers and professors used your teaching style in most fields and subjects across the board… we’d seriously have a better education system and a better functioning world. The way we educate is so important. Thanks so much! Subscribed, liked, bookmarked. When I get my wheel I will be back to watch over and over! 😊

[@timseepots]

A glowing endorsement!

[@janicesefcik6658]

I am a first time pottery student. I have watched at least a dozen beginner instructional videos but yours is by far the best. It is clear, it has the right amount of repetition and I love how you explain and demonstrate hand positions. You have made me see the value in experimenting and learning with no pressure to produce a piece on the first run. Thank you.

[@jean-sebastienberube3969]

Just started pottery. Seen about 20 videos. This one is the best! Keep making videos buddy, I want to learn from you

[@naomidiaz5272]

The repeated explanations gave you a chance to communicate in a way everyone could understand. I'm looking forward to getting home and wreaking some clay :)

[@peacenlove61]

I just started teaching my six-week beginners pottery class and I told them if they come in during open studio hours and need a refresher or help to check out your channel. You do such a wonderful job of explaining the process! Thanks for being such a great resource!

[@jenniferwood8691]

Just want to say thanks - I actually took an in person class for about 4 weeks and then built my own studio about 6 months after. So recently I've been working trying to make sure I was centered and so on and just couldn't do it. Last night watched about 10 of your videos and today I managed to center with absolutely no issues and made huge huge progress on decent sized mugs!! thanks a ton!

[@timseepots]

Im glad I was a ble to help!

[@religionruinsthings]

Your ability to teach is clear. A good teacher is everything. Your attention to nuanced details and your explanations of the realities the beginner encounters make this demo top shelf. Thank you, sir.

[@colinnelson225]

I agree, you are a great teacher! I accidentally came across your video while researching making a pottery wheel, and was instantly captured by your delivery. Thank you!

[@pernillaojergren8234]

Wow! Your video taught me more in 20 minutes than my pottery teacher has done in 10 hours. Never understood that centering was actually done on the way down. Thanks for such an awesome video and for adding some humor to it

[@partygiggles34]

I want you to know that this video has helped so much with my practice. I am taking a local class and unfortunately the teacher kind of skipped over explanations of how/why and just said, okay here's how its done, go ahead. We didn't go over coning, which has been a game changer after teaching myself from your videos! The class is over a short period of time so the mentality was "I have to make something to fire and glaze before the end." I practiced the other night with the intention to fail my throws and walked away with a way better feeling than any other times of practice. Thank you again!

[@landomilknhoney]

Thank you! I wanted to see what I was in for before starting a class. Looks so fun, and I saw so many possibilities as you were working i.e. a dog bowl, a vase, a drinking cup.

[@shelleenicols1477]

Timsee, I've started doing hand building pottery after wanting to for decades, and your video has been a gift. I always look for tips and instruction on YT because my class is in French so I am usually lost as to what the instructor is saying. Now I can now give throwing a try on my own. Thanks to you too. There will always be thumbs down comments, its the law of ratio, you have to look past it when it's the true minority. If there are lots of thumbs down, (which you don't have) then you need to look at your video to see what may not be working. Sound, lighting, camera angle, language, can sometimes be these simple issues, but then sometimes it's just the attitude and demeanour of the viewer. Possibly they didn't really listen to you that the first one was a show, then the fuller explanation was to follow. And maybe they thought you would finish with the perfect piece rather than this video being the practice go round. (shrug) At any rate, it's a good video so you needn't worry about the thumbs down votes. Keep plugging away and sending out those tutorials!!

[@AffordBindEquipment]

"those who only know how will always work for those who know why." thanks for giving the "why" with the how.

[@deannagodbehere4670]

This is my 2nd semester in beginning wheel pottery. I now know what has been wrong. It's literally steps one and 2 that I have been doing wrong so nothing after that worked. Thanks so much. Class starts at 12:30 today and I am going to put my new knowledge to practice. Thanks so very much!!

[@timseepots]

Let me know how it goes!!

[@kaitlyncleary3424]

How did it go

[@cv0vx726]

الي جاي من التعليق الي بقناة يوسف يحط لايكك👍🏻😂

[@مجرمالاعب]

انا

[@Mohmed-sm2sl]

@@مجرمالاعب آنآ هنآ

[@لطيفهكالقطط]

حتى انا

[@ke.y2]

I’m

[@yjym5570]

انا

[@ashann114]

You're learning approach instead of a product approach is what is going to nurture and create great throwers! Its a creative process, and the focus on process makes such a difference.

[@wanderson1516]

This is the first time a pottery teacher has explained (to me) why he does what he does. Now I understand the reasons for the beginning steps. Thank you.

[@timseepots]

your comment came right after another one on a different video in which someone had said the teaching is horrible and people should watch this but take a class... LOL

[@bruhe]

This is where I come to focus on the fundamentals. Tim, you're great at this and I can't tell you how much your videos have helped me. Thanks for doing these!

[@deeconstant1271]

I was gifted a professional artists studio with TWO wheels. Twenty-something years ago I took a pottery class in high school. I will post a picture of my best work in a few months. In the meantime I will have a good idea of where to begin. Thank you for your patience and explaining what to do AND why. Your “whys” are easy to understand. Thank You!

[@beverlymaddalone4404]

Thank you 😊. I am left handed and watching your video has helped me to see what I have been doing wrong.

[@charlottesmom]

An "oldie" but a goodie!! This video was very helpful to my newbie eyes (have only just had my first wheel throwing class).

[@Leslie-yh6de]

Wow you literally actually explain everything in detail. I would ask my ceramics teacher questions and for help he would make rude comments and not even explain to me and just do it himself and leave as if I learned anything without any explanation of what to do and how to do it.

[@timseepots]

its too bad we hear this kinda of comment so much.

[@originalyou4069]

🎶 "candy corn to gumdrop, candy corn to gumdrop, doo doo doo doo dooh!" 🎶 I will never forget this explanation, EVER!! 👏😂👍

[@Meelameels]

Honestly the first two minutes were better than what my professor showed me. I was so frustrated in class because I just couldn’t understand but this helped so much

[@Amazing_Iffer]

Wish my teacher was as helpful as you. She gave exactly one demo and expected us to work from that. She also didn't explain what she was doing with the same details as you. I learned more in your 18 min video than I have in 2 weeks! Thank you!!!!!

[@Angela-mw5ho]

Thank you for this video and going step by step!! Just went to my first pottery class yesterday, and the instructor was condescending and impatient with those of us who didn't understand on the first try (seems like a common theme among the viewers of this video). Watching this now and going to practice during open studio hours.

[@khoavutran]

your way of teaching is so natural and cool! so grateful for your videos, thank you tons!!

[@christinewrestsmith6957]

Really good demo, have watched several by other people and was STILL needing questions answered which I got from viewing yours. Your explanations of hand positions and WHY is just terrific. Thanks so much Tim.

[@desert.mantis]

I began a pottery class at the local art center and had one lesson. The instructor was away for week two so I went into the studio during on my own and wrecked a couple of pieces. I wish I had watched your video first because you intentionally wreck pieces and that feels a little bit easier on the ego. That said, I didn't take it badly. But I was definitely doing something wrong and there was no one around to ask for help. My instructor recommended a couple of YT channels but I stumbled on yours (once in a while the algorithm works), watched your intro videos and feel that your teaching style suits me perfectly. I have my second official class tonight and will try and use the steps you demonstrate. I am writing myself a cheat sheet 😉. This is a roundabout way to say tank you for your uploads, Tim!

[@FoxyBriar]

Wow...your video is so much more instructive and helpful than any "in person" class I have taken. I was so intimidated by the dreaded wheel and the experienced potters , that I avoided it altogether, and did slab work . Your light hearted and fun approach really takes the fear out of it, and knowing that I can , and should "wreck it" puts the fun back in! Thank you!

[@fireishaw]

Thank you so very very much! I love the description with attention to details needed to understand completely. GREAT LESSON! Thanks again!!!

[@chloevertz]

Love the intro😂and I also love how optimistic, bright and cheery you are. This video was such a great help.

[@corinnevanryckeghem9227]

Thanks Tim! I have a friend who has been letting me use his wheel. He gave me two lessons, but he doesn't really know how to teach. He kind of just went over the basics and said the rest comes with experience. But I learned so much from this video! So many little tricks that will help! You are a great teacher! Don't worry about the people thumbing down for no reason. Look at how many people you have helped :)

[@sybillestahl8646]

Yes, not everyone can teach. When someone wants to try out throwing on my wheel, I let them, but I also tell them to watch KZbin videos.

[@icbb2000]

Two years later watching this. You are a great teacher. Thank you!

[@teralee4987]

This is such a good video. I also love the "throw it till ya wreck it". For some reason it's almost easier to practice when you have permission to not make anything. Thank you for the great instruction!

[@timseepots]

Teralee The workshops where I can let people just throw and they don’t have to worry about reclaiming are the best ones.

[@teralee4987]

Timsee clay I literally just threw the best pots I’ve made in the months I’ve been doing pottery, after only watching two of your videos! And then I wrecked them hehehe

[@nanirox5725]

You were born to teach. Absolutely incredible job. Your videos are literally the only reason i figured out how to use my wheel

[@raedaniels312]

I love him so much, he's so silly! Amazing teacher too! I've been throwing for just over 9 months, but I just had to watch this video out of curiosity. Personality alone made it worth it 😁

[@donitafichter8298]

Seriously the best instruction I've found. Your attitude is welcoming and non judgemental, informative and comfortably inviting. Complete, simple but detailed at the same time. Beginners like me need that explanation. Thank You!!!

[@timseepots]

Donita thanks any kind of question let me know

[@southerncharm64]

So glad I found this video..what a difference it has made for me..I'm a newbie with no classes close so I've been doing it all from videos and this one is the best so far.. I love that you explain everything so well..thank you

[@timseepots]

Thanks Shannon.

[@vikingqueen9]

Love this...thanks Timsee. I have just restarted pottery lessons after 20 years. Your videos are extremely helpful. Thanks!!

[@Babii3297]

I’m terrible at wheel throwing and it’s the last project of my class but after watching this video I gained some confidence back

[@deborahinaba2641]

Getting back to throwing after a too long hiatus. Learned in Japan but muscle memory fades. Signed up for class now and the instructor is simply "do it" with no explanation. The Japanese taught your same way...don't keep anything of the first 100 things you throw...gotta practice. I was feeling so down after the first 2 classes. But your video has inspired me again. Thank you so much.

[@timseepots]

I really love teaching. Getting someone to the point where they can make with their hands what they envision is the big goal.

[@rachels6814]

I'm learning at home via KZbin and your explanations fit perfectly with how I learn! I'll be making my way through your videos and following along on my wheel.

[@brigidrockne9113]

I got recommended this and it pleases me. The energy this man has is so perfect for a ceramics teacher

[@laurenceblack1300]

You are a genius sir, a genius! My centring and opening have been a bit haphazard, today I followed your method and it was quick and it was perfect. Thanks a big old bunch!

[@timseepots]

Glad I could help

[@carolebomans3518]

Great Video easy to follow and the reassuring that a messed up throw is ok. Your instruction are said clearly and calmly. Thanks

[@anacastro90]

So so good!!! You’re such an amazing teacher!! I had my first ever contact with clay last week in a class, today I went to the studio to practice and I couldn’t open it properly. I can’t wait to go back to the studio tomorrow and try your techniques!! Thank you very much!

[@stephaniestomski9256]

I love your sound effects!!!!! Very informative. Thank you for making this video.

[@winterbutterfly9096]

Slamming that like button for me is like that "BAM" moment with Emerald Legasse, the cooking guy! I love this!! So informative. Thank you so much. I'm a beginner and this is the first video I had the pleasure of learning from. (and judging by these comments...I'm extremely grateful I did lol! ) Now I feel more comfortable about centering. You made it look so easy! Hopefully, I can do it right the first ....Mmm no, more like the third or fourth try rather lol. Again, thank you.

[@elivean]

So I decided I want to start with pottery because I feel incredibly drawn to it. I wanted to have a good learning source and I just found your channel, I'm so, so, so happy to see that you really explain what you do and the "whys". This is essential to me because I like to know things in depth, so thank you so much for having created this channel! P.S.: Also hearing you laughing and enjoying so much helps to learn in even a better mood :D

[@doublebooyah]

Your clear, simple explanations are great. Nice video! Do it till you wreck it. Love that!

[@prettycountrygirl2]

Excellent. Very helpful. I had my second pottery class today. [The first one was two days ago.] I made sure to watch your video before leaving for the class. [Didn't want others to think that I didn't know what I was doing.] LOL 10-23-2021.

[@leebaker9722]

i dont have a wheel, but i cant wait to get one. great video for beginners

[@manase1971]

I wish I could find this video earlier 😊 Very helpful… Thank you Prof!!!

[@BendviewFarm-dq4sp]

This made me giggle. Learning should be fun. Thanks for making it that way!

[@SC-rb2jr]

Very clear and helpful. It's great and rare to see all the vital points spelt out.

[@nigelarthur1281]

Great teacher, so glad I found you!!

[@caseycasas2498]

Thank you for this! I just started a wheelthrowing class & the instructor gave one explanation with demo then expected us to run with it. This really helped me!!

[@travelinchina511]

*#Recruit** product experience volunteers#* If you like pottery and want to try do pottery at home. we can provide pottery wheel for you for free and you just need to use it to make a work, record it with video and give comments. If you want to join us just contact me.🙂

[@gerrycorbino2000]

Your videos are great and help immensely. I'm a newbie and our instructor advised us to watch them because they are easy to understand and are the best ones she knows of. I couldn't agree more. Thanks so much for taking the time to do them.

[@Gracielascreative]

I am totally beginner. Thanks for your videos. You are a very good teacher.

[@leesounds4352]

I wish I could take your video with me to class, this has been more helpful than my live teacher. Granted our class is large, to large for him to give proper time. I'm only in my second week, and I'm just going thru the motions. I have resorted to videos as training guides. I'm experiencing all the wrong the wrong things your showing, but your explaining how to get out of it, instead of just coming over and doing it, like a show off. TY

[@timseepots]

Lee Shaffer it’s easier to make a video than it is to teach a class the way everyone needs to learn it. I know many great teachers that miss getting to a student and nothing that teacher can do after can make up for that. Try though and give them a chance. Learn in all the places you can.

[@irinaross8029]

Bless you for this video!!!! A fantastic teacher. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!

[@gaylesbuglife2548]

Thank you thank you thank you for this video three years of high school ceramics and I couldnt comprehend centering and now I’m a senior in college and I get it thanks to this!

[@ivanalicea2574]

Extremely informative ..I've seen many and there's hardly any to me this is the only 1...awesome work

[@rhino68yt]

This is great! I really appreciate the detail you have provided with each step! Thank you!

[@evelynmiller9563]

Great lesson! Especially the "wreck it" part.

[@BroadMeadowFarm]

What a great video. I felt like I learned so much. I just completed a beginner class and this reinforced all the tips. Now to purchase my own wheel and supplies…..

[@juliawburn2352]

You are an excellent teacher!! My art teacher is more focused on 2d art at my school and didn't teach us about coning! Thank you!

[@saranelson4612]

Your explanations are so clearly linked to your hand actions. I am looking forward to getting to the studio to try this out. Thanks

[@julieoc2102]

Thank you so much for this video. I usually make jewelry but I wanna start making ceramic cups and bowls so this video is a start for me, although I should be registering to a ceramic class to get more knowledge about doing ceramics. This video explains alot which gave me a better understanding on how to start ceramics. Again, Thanks! I will continue to watch and like your videos.

[@mariselagomez5073]

Its been since middle school I had my hands on this. Very interesting n it's good for therapy for myself. Thank you

[@palamiaotisa]

Today I went for 1st lesson of pottery and after two hours I was bit frustrated as I was not able to understand the 2nd last part opening up ...but after watching your video I think I will go again to learn as I want to learn this art .. Thanks your are a good instructor ... Greetings from Athens Greece :)

[@TheUltimateAcresllc]

I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I just asked my fiancé for a whole pottery wheel and supplies. This will be 1 of my hibernation projects. Thank you so much for sharing. I WILL stay tuned! #Keepupthegreatwork

[@JeffKastner]

Just bought a new Aspire for my soon to be 10 year old daughter next month. She got a toy wheel as a gift from a relative last year and seems to love pottery but did not like that toy so really excited to get her some next level stuff. Just wanted to thank you for this. I've been watching several videos to try and have some idea of how to help her when she starts and this is the best tut I've found by far. I'm sure we'll bask in failure for some time but at least I have an idea of where to start now. :) Well done, sir!

[@not2late2liberate]

Awesome instruction!! And the vocal sound effects really make it. I have always wondered what noises the clay makes while coning up. But seriously, you're a fantastic teacher!

[@josephlau8476]

Making clay is fun, your KZbin video give me a lot of inspiration so a hundred thanks, let’s keep on making some new clay stuff for hobby or for selling them at the market place, he he.

[@annawallace4629]

I’m looking to take my first class being offered this Autumn. Can’t wait! Thank you for your videos. 🧡

[@joaquimmariamello5853]

Thank you SO much, Tim. Can't wait to get started. Feel like I've been waiting my whole life for this. Much love from Brasil! Hope you're safe.

[@jackiedessel6507]

Thanks so much for these videos. You're a great teacher- just had my first class on the wheel tonight and while the teacher was helpful, if I hadn't watched your beginner videos I would not have been able to center. Nailed it!

[@missgeekgirl]

I am in a beginner wheel throwing class. Been throwing for 5 weeks 3-5 days a week for two hours each time i go. The instructors I have are great BUT you really made things click for me and I threw a really great pot today in 5-10 minutes when before I had spent 40 minutes on mediocre ones just practicing and practicing but not quite getting it. I love your sense of humor and light heartedness, it really helped me relax. This is probably the 5th beginner to throwing video I have watched and while their videos were beautifully, artistically shot and they told me what to do they didn’t explain why they were doing what they were doing. Thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! I’m going to watch every video! Please keep up the silliness and sound effects! I really wish I could express more how great full I am for this video and your instruction (I have been beating myself up for 5 weeks to get better) “so easy right?!” Idk why but that really helped me get out of my own head and be okay with recking my pots.

[@timseepots]

I’m glad I was able to help you along.

[@missgeekgirl]

@@timseepots are you doing any workshops or events this year?

[@timseepots]

@@missgeekgirl I am but they are full and most of them have an unrealistic waitlist.

[@TheLuxeLeblancs]

Thanks for this!! I plan to start doing pottery soon. I’m on the autism spectrum and it’s hard to learn new things sometimes but this makes it easier to understand

[@c.warren7121]

Wow, so glad I found you. I've taken pottery classes for 8 years, but my teacher moved to Colorado several years ago and I haven't sat at a wheel since then. I'm definitely rusty. Eventually, once my husband and I retire, I'll be setting up a studio where I can play in clay for the rest of my days!

[@jillmill21]

I haven’t started doing any wheel pottery yet but your video is so informative I feel more confident in having a go , thank you very much

[@jessebowley2184]

This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. 🙌🙏

[@dinnae]

Thank you so much for this useful tutorial! I immediately spotted a few mistakes I made while practicing tonight. 15:56 Just leaving a little timestamp in my message here so I can click it to repeat the last demo 😄

[@janasnipes6386]

Very helpful video, the hand/finger placements are just great. Thanks for sharing your skills.

[@AA-is2is]

You make it sooo easyyyyyyy T___T its like the clay and you are in sync. Thumbs up! Im in ceramic class for fun this summer and im having a hard hard hardddd time with the wheel.

[@adamkain9941]

Best explanatory video I’ve seen yet. Thanks so much!

[@GetOfflineGetGood]

I took a semester of wheel throwing in college and I'm about to start teaching students at a new job soon, so I really needed this refresher haha. I'm sure it'll all come back once I get to working with the clay. Thanks for posting this.

[@chickenofthecave1406]

You sound like my pottery teacher. Our first time on the wheel he said he wouldn’t let us keep the first 3 things we made, no matter how good it looked. You get so caught up with the fact that you just made something on the wheel, that you don’t take the time to notice if it’s actually good or not. Now that I look at my early wheel creations, I realize how terrible the were. It took me probably 20 cups/mugs before I made one that looked pretty good