How to Throw A Bowl on The Pottery Wheel A Quick Guide for Beginners

Learning How to Throw A Bowl on The Pottery Wheel is easy. Follow Along as I Make A Simple easy to make Bowl.📌ALERT - Make sure to watch this video 👉 • How to Trim A Bowl - E... Tools, Supplies, and Links Are Listed Down Below in the 👇 SHOW MORE SECTION 👇
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❓ Question
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🎯 Disclosure:
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🔷 Tools and Supplies Used in The Video 🔷
Clay
✅ Amaco A-Mix Stoneware Clay, No. 11
geni.us/hZeg (Amazon) (Blick)
Tools
✅ Synthetic Artist Sponge
geni.us/YCNLD (Amazon)
✅ Mudtools - Orange Sponge
geni.us/SPhM (Amazon) (Blick)
✅ Mudtools - White Smoothing Sponge
geni.us/TIz4cBp (Amazon) (Blick)
✅ Metal Scraper
geni.us/rNv1eqO (Amazon)
✅ Red Rib
geni.us/9WiAj (Amazon)
✅ Mudtools Mudshark - Needle and Modeling Tool
geni.us/bNmwA (Blick)
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🔷 Bonus Material 🔷
👉 Watch - How to Trim A Bowl
• How to Trim A Bowl - E...
👉 Watch - 11 Problems Centering Clay - 11 Easy To Follow Solutions
• How to Center Clay on ...
👉 Watch - How to Center Clay on The Wheel Easy A 5 Step Beginners Guide
• Centering Clay For Beg...
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🔷 Tools In My Studio 🔷
Hand Tools
potterycrafters.com/recommend...
Glazes
potterycrafters.com/recommend...
Brushes
potterycrafters.com/recommend...
Favorite Clays
potterycrafters.com/pottery-c...
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All Music potterycrafters.com/MUSIC is used in strict compliance with the appropriate permissions and licenses required All Music is Licensed through artlist.io/ and in accordance with the KZbin Partner Program, Community guidelines & KZbin terms of service.
Sponsored videos and brand-sponsored content on this channel will be clearly disclosed within the videos and/or descriptions.
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[@ravilescher8599]

The importance of compressing the rim and lightening pressure as you get to the rim -- very helpful! This is usually where my bowl would go wrong because the rim would get too thin. Thank you!!!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Glad it was helpful, Ravi! If you have time, let me how your next bowl turns out. 😊

[@roxannshafto4275]

Thank you. I love this video and your bowls!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Roxann 💖

[@SuShihSnoopy]

I watch this video multiple times to get myself psyched to throw a bowl and the baby bowl bit gets me every time!

[@PotteryCrafters]

It's so cute! 😍 So glad to hear. Thank you Jennifer💖

[@terrylynneclark]

So relaxing and still really well explained

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Terry😍

[@user-cx4lh1co8x]

Thank you. Your clips always very fruitful. I wonder why my throwing always broken. Your clip helps me to notice that I did way too fast, pull too quick, too wide, tried to do everything too quick in one shot but my skill is not there yet. Will slow down and watch more of your instructions

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is great to hear. Yes throwing pottery has a therapeutic quality to it. You will find yourself throwing faster in the future. Enjoy the journey. 😊

[@robertdumoulin4612]

I haven't quite mastered the centering yet, but I'm working on it.

[@PotteryCrafters]

It took me a long time. Practice and patients. 😊

[@janet7270]

Hi Marie! I followed your advise from this video and made 4 large bowls that came out really good!! I'm really excited to see them once they are glazed. I also had a mistake with a small bowl that I was able to turn into a cigar ashtray so no clay wasted and it made me use some creative thinking. Thank you again for these informative videos for beginners, it's a tremendous help!!!❤🌹

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is FABULOUS Janet 😍👍 Thank you so much for sharing your great accomplishments with me. 4 large bowls! WOW. 💖

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

Hi Marie! I’m Jerriath and I’m from Louisiana. I love watching your videos because they are always educational. I took pottery classes in college while going to nursing school. I am in the process of setting up a pottery studio so I can get back in pottery. We have a homesteading channel and we do gardening, hog trapping, sawmill (we make our own lumber) and I have a few pottery videos. I appreciate that you take the time to give instructional videos on making & glazing pottery. Thank you and God Bless..

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is Great !! Thank you so much for sharing. Pottery will fit right in with your other creative interests 😊

[@annebillingsley3752]

cant wait to get my wheel

[@PotteryCrafters]

HI Anne. Excited for you. Although wheel throwing can be a bit messy, I still think it's more fun then hand building. Which wheel are you thinking of getting?

[@maryjeanallen6189]

Wonderfully informative video, Marie! Looking forward to trying all your suggestions!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Mary Jean 😍👍

[@deborahnichaoimhesprake6730]

Thank you so much for sharing. So gentle and helpful. I could listen to your accent for hours!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are welcome Deborah. Glad it was helpful!😍

[@susiebenoy7662]

Thanks for thevideo, always learning something!,

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome Susie. That is wonderful to hear. 😍

[@happypotter1138]

Thank you very much. I really enjoy your videos. Much appreciated.

[@PotteryCrafters]

So nice of you. Thank you for your support 😊

[@kupcads6470]

again, a very useful video for novices like me. Thank you Marie. You are one❤️

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Kiran. Keep making that beauitful Pottery 💖

[@anniegenova6071]

Hi Marie Thank you for your videos I appreciate your calm voice and all your tips Each time I learn mire and more A fan from south of France

[@PotteryCrafters]

France! How wonderful. Hi from Las Vegas. You are so welcome Annie. Thank you for watching. 😊

[@marylaves6200]

Hi Marie. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for providing the links to the tools you use.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you very much Mary. And you are so welcome!

[@christinakinne9790]

Thank You I love the white glaze on the bowls

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Christina 😍

[@sophievandebuerie8608]

Beautiful work and very well explained video! Love your warm personality! Thank you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much Sophie!!!

[@erikstallman256]

OMG Marie!! You are amazing. I'm so glad I didn't know how good you are when I was letting you watch me "trim" today. Your work is beautiful - I will enjoy watching your videos. Thank you! Jenny S

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are so welcome. Jenny. 😍 I really enjoyed hanging out with all of you. I was exactly where you are at when I started making pottery. The more you do it, the better you will get. You trimmed a nice foot. It is so much fun to create with clay. 😊

[@ForagingForThoughts]

This is so inspiring!! Thank you so much for your instruction, I just signed up for my first lesson

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thanks Jake. Glad it helps. Your first class! How exciting. Enjoy. 😊

[@edstud1]

Great video, very well presented instruction

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@annatcherni4217]

That is a beautiful bowl!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Anna 😍

[@janacarter3342]

Thank you for the helpful video. When making a bowl, how do you determine how far to open the clay. For example, your 2 pound, 6” wide bowl would be opened to what width? Thanks.

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is a very good question, Jana. The width of your bowl will be determined by how high you throw it and how thick your walls are. Because of the art of throwing you will have to practice and see how high you get it before pushing your walls out then stop when your walls are about a quarter of an inch thick. I think 2 pounds is a good amount to play with. Sometimes the clay just tells you how high and wide it wants to go. That's the beautiful part of creating with clay. 😍

[@juliedurr6712]

I really enjoy your videos. Thank you. I've been trying to make bowls and having only moderated success. Looking forward to trying some of the things you did!

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is great Julie. Please let me know how it turns out 😍

[@juliedurr6712]

@@PotteryCrafters It worked!!! Thanks again!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you for letting me know . That is Awesome !!!!!!😊👍

[@janet7270]

Hi Marie! This was really helpful!! I wasn't making a cylinder first so that's probably why I would have some wonky bowls! Im going to be playing with my clay this weekend! Do you have any videos on how to trim the bottom of pottery so its not a flat base? I also want to let you know I love that you explain why you are doing something instead of just saying "do this". Your videos are my favorite!

[@PotteryCrafters]

So glad it was helpful Janet. I knew I had to make it from a beginner's perspective. Some of these videos throw the pot so fast, which is really cool, but beginners can't do that yet. We all have to walk before we run. 💖 My next video is going to be a trimming video 👍😍

[@janet7270]

@@PotteryCrafters Awesome!! Looking forward to it!!!😁

[@vickivanriel3082]

Thanks. I've been having trouble with my bowls. You showed me some of what I'm doing wrong. 🙄

[@PotteryCrafters]

So gald it helped Vicki. Thank you 💖

[@alexandrajamroz857]

Good lesson on making a bowl🙂 I have several questions though... When you are compressing the top edge how much pressure? Which direction do you spin your wheel? How thick are the sides during the making of the cylinder as versus the finished bowl? Could you make another video from the side as versus the top?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Alexandra.💖 Good questions. Not too lite, just enough pressure where you feel the clay smoothing on your fingers. but not too hard where you are miss shaping the clay. If you are right-handed you want the wheel to go counter-clockwise. The sides will start out around an inch thick and end up a quarter of an inch thick. I have several videos you can watch where I make a bowl, a berry bowl, and a yarn bowl. They are located in my youtube channel under Playlist - 30 pottery wheel projects. Hope this helps 😊👍

[@robbiekusson6237]

Hi Marie, I enjoyed the way you teach to make a bowl very slowly and clearly. Do you always start with making cylinder before hand? Is it good to start making things with thick walls as beginners, in order not to collapse easily? Thanks.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Robbie. Yes you are right! Keep an eye out for my next video where I make the bowl collapse on purpose to make a wavy bowl. 😊😀

[@ruthherbst9038]

Hi Marie. Love your videos. Do you have any tips for using tools instead of fingertips) ? My nails are a challenge and I would rather avoid cutting them short.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you, Ruth. This article should help, so you don't have to cut your nails. Here is the link for you. potterycrafters.com/how-to-do-pottery-with-long-nails/ 😊

[@ruthherbst9038]

Thanks. It's very helpful.

[@vickihateley6911]

Hello ! I love your videos, They are do helpful to me. Here are the problems I have....when I open my clay, I end up with a 'title in the middle of the inside of base. I also have a lot of extra clay at t he bottom of my piece. They look like they are sitting on a plate ! Lol I have no idea how to correct these problems .

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Vicki 😍 When you press down on the bottom and move outward, still pressing down move your fingers back inward toward the center. you may even have extra clay come off in the center. That's fine. Also once you open are you compressing the clay on the bottom really good with your sponge? I compress from time to time throughout throwing. Hope this helps. let me know.

[@monicaalonso8914]

I am new to your channel, very helpful videos! I really like the sponge you use to do your pulls. Where can I get one? Thank you

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Monica 😊 It's a Mud sponge here is the link for you geni.us/SPhM It's orange but will turn white after a while 😊

[@monicaalonso8914]

@@PotteryCrafters thank you so much!!

[@allenfitz1]

I watched and enjoyed tge video. What was the final size after you threw it

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you, Allen. The final size was 3 - 3/4 inch high and 6 - 1/2 inches wide 😍

[@lgtodd]

How do you throw your planters with the attached saucer?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Here is the link for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6OXnqhrqt2Kn5Y 👍

[@rebeccasuper2309]

It looks like your fingers are barely touching the clay when you are pulling. I’m having a lot of trouble with how much pressure to apply while pulling. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Rebecca. Yes, it is important to apply the right amount of pressure. It's best to start out with less pressure. You don't want to pull up too much clay at one time. And make sure the pressure is even throughout. It is a matter of getting a feel for the clay. Practicing with only 1 pound of clay at a time does help. 😊 My 30 Pottery Wheel Projects may also be helpful. Here is the link for you to check out. kzbin.info/aero/PLN-I0Hl1lbyybD8mJTtutoMbzR8uUB5Nd

[@arvolina]

I noticed that you switch sponges during this. Can you explain the differences? New video, maybe, please?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Very good question Barbi. Yes the yellow sponge is great for absorbing water and the mud tool sponge is great for throwing because it is thinner 😊

[@saadiafarooq8195]

Hi Marie, my name is Saadia. I’m your new subscriber. I love your videos. I’m new in a pottery and learned a lot from your video. Hand building is my favorite but also wants to learn wheel throwing. Q: when I dry my plates they bend I put some filled socks on it but not sure how long I have to leave them so they dry in a right shape. Pls explain to me Thank you in advance

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Saadia. Welcome to the wonderful world of crafting pottery. Here is an article and video about drying your drying pottery that may help. Here are the links for you. potterycrafters.com/prevent-pottery-clay-from-cracking-while-drying/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/d16uXpyAfLeEg5I Yes, you want to check them and take the socks off when they are past leather hard, and most of the water has evaporated evenly. Then take the socks off and let them dry until bone dry. 😊

[@saadiafarooq8195]

@@PotteryCrafters ok I will check it and thank you so much 😊

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome. 😊

[@cariadwales1979]

Hi Marie, I live in the UK and am a beginner wheel user ( had 2 of 6 lessons so far) . I see there are several colour mud sponges and Im confused which one to buy. What colour mud sponge do you think is the best for throwing?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi from the UK I have all three Here is the link for you. geni.us/Qeq3 But The one I use the most is the orange one here is the link for you. geni.us/SPhM You can also check out my tool page to help you decide potterycrafters.com/recommended-tools-hand-tools/ the sponges are in there 😍👍

[@lisakennedy9721]

What type of sponges do you prefer?

[@PotteryCrafters]

This is my favorite sponge. Throwing sponge - geni.us/SPhM 😍

[@2spunkie]

Hi I am Barbara and having a hard time keeping the top of my bowl smooth

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Barbara. I found smoothing the rim with a Chamois works really well. If it does not smooth right away, try letting the clay dry a little and try smoothing it again with the Chamois. Here is a link for you to check out the Chamois geni.us/KQJ6ax 😊

[@christinakinne9790]

I have glazing questions to you fire the bowls first then separately glaze and then fire for the glaze separately?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Yes 😊 The first fire is cone 04 bisque and the glaze fire is either cone 5 or 6. or if you low fire it is cone 06 😊

[@annelangewisch9588]

How much clay did you use to make those bowls?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Anne. I start with 2 pounds because I trim the bowl. 😊

[@devingray1671]

Do you have any recommendations on videos for clayworking without a wheel? Im planning on getting one but I can only afford the clay and some basic tools.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Devin, Thanks for asking. I am going to. Hopefully in the near future. Did you see this video on a cheaper beginner wheel. That may interest you when you are ready, here is the link for you to check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIrQaoCsjt-SecU I still use mine from time to time, mainly for trimming.

[@devingray1671]

@@PotteryCrafters that was actually the first video I saw and I'm saving up now. I recently discovered ceramics and clay by accident and now I'm going from metal worker to pottery maker 😂

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's awesome. I'm glad I can help you on your pottery crafting journey.

[@janekessler1986]

Ann, Hi Jane here from St. Louis, MO. Just got my wheel about 2 weeks ago and I am hooked. But frustrated at times. I have successfully thrown 1.5 lb cups but as soon as I go to 2 lbs all hell breaks loose. I have it centered which takes some time but I know it is centered. When I start to pull the sides to make a bowl it goes off center and the wobble starts. Please help

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Jane, I remember when it took a half hour to center and it was still wonky. Make sure your clay is not too hard and test it to make sure it's centered. This video may be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXy2Znp_l5edbpY 10 minutes in it shows how you can test your to make sure it's centered. sometimes it may feel like it is but it's not. Once centered make sure you open your clay evenly going in with both thumbs at once and keeping the outside stable with the rest of your hands. Not sure if you saw this video. One of my teacher showed me and that's how I've been centering ever since. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5qtmJKKaa5jgrc It now takes me less a minute to center. Most of the time. I hope this helps

[@genalberino3909]

How do you make a bowl with an attached plate....I'm thinking like a chip n dip plate (if that make sense)

[@PotteryCrafters]

So far, I only have a video of making a planter with a saucer, which is a similar technique, except the saucer part is larger, and the bowl is smaller. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6OXnqhrqt2Kn5Y Thank you for the suggestion 😊

[@robertdumoulin4612]

Marie the bat on your wheel is a MDF bat yes or no Thank you

[@PotteryCrafters]

No. I tried finding out but they stopped selling it and I couldn't find out. I think my next bat system will be MDF .😊 I'm looking at the Bleeker bat system.

[@robertdumoulin4612]

@@PotteryCrafters The best place to find bat system in MDF is GR Potery form and the service is fast and efficency. and its around 40.00 dollars for 4 of them. They have all form for plate that make very nice form.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you for the information. I can't find any plastic bat systems. The MDF is the next best thing 😍

[@robertdumoulin4612]

@@PotteryCrafters Again Amaranthe stone wear sell a plastic bats and they ship all over the world.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Great Thank you Robert 👍😊