How To Center Clay on Wheel

Ann instructs the viewers on her centering technique. Great up close shots to show hand positioning and posture that are keys to success. NO funny stuff, NO music...just Ann doing her thing.
If you would enjoy a deeper learning of Ann's painting, decorating, and glazing process then check out Ann's Video Workshop Series. These workshops are very detailed (typically 1.5 - 2 hours in length) where Ann provides step by step instruction and are designed to help potters take their work to new levels of craftsmanship and artistry. vimeo.com/show...
Ann's Favorite Stuff:
Exacto Knife: amzn.to/2JQm6p8
Banding Wheel: amzn.to/39WtJWr
Brushes Ann Uses: amzn.to/3orvX4y
Best Red Ribs Package: amzn.to/35Q2GrP
Modeling Tools Used: amzn.to/37CGOBd
The Cameras we use: amzn.to/3n79LML
Best Cheap Lens we film with: amzn.to/3jiHOyW
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WANT MORE CRAZY POTTERY IDEAS? WATCH THIS!: "10 Great Texture Ideas for Pottery"
• 10 Great Texture Ideas...
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ALL of the music used by Little Street Pottery is legally licensed from Artlist

[@donnastorrie2542]

Ann just watched this old centering video. This is one of the best I have seen because you not only show how but explain why and what happens if you don't! If I know why, ....that helps keep me on track, like releasing slowly. Thanks for your videos!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wfromiowa4352]

A 62 yr grandpa and a 7yr old Granddaughter I hope we can learn together through your videos. When she asked what is it I knew I was going to be facing a challenge. So hopes are high lol she will warm up to your voice quickly im sure! Will keep you posted. Thanks!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Please do - good luck!

[@jazmeen8886]

Great video, I like the one finger on top to make sure it ripples/center. Yes on the frustration. Hoping once I get the clay to finally cone/center/open/pull up it will be a forever skill. Learning there is a relationship with the clay, the hands, the water, too much is bad, not enough is not good either. The timing of the the wheel spinning to centering is all a challenge. Many thank you's. Mona

[@denisenoble4010]

Thankyou, it's always good to go back to basics, without it, it can go horribly wrong real quick. Watching it looks easy, but practice helps. Thanks Ann

[@mommonald224]

Thank you for sharing this! I love the little biscuit shape you make to start - it makes so much sense! ❤

[@binnurkarademir4978]

Thank you, as a beginner I find this video very useful.

[@penguinista]

At 6:33 the step of cutting away the uneven clay at the bottom of the cone where it meets the bat is edited out. That is an important step because otherwise the stabilizing hand gets bumped each time the lump comes around and makes the rest of the cone uneven.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Yep, good tip! Thanks.

[@Gingy50]

This would be easier to learn if the camera was over your shoulder pointing down, then we would see what you see. If the camera is infront of you, we are seeing it the opposite way round. I do like your method of teaching and you are correct when you say a beginner will get frustrated and a little dejected when they first learn to centre. All you need is time, no rushing and lots of practice. Thank you for sharing your techniques with us all xx

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Lynsey...good feedback. We struggle at times with what might be the best angle to show techniques as there are so many things in play when you are throwing clay such as body position, hands, anchored arms etc. As you know, it’s a complete physical art form. We appreciate you watching our channel and commenting!

[@patricedriver2043]

I guarantee you I have watched dozens of videos on centering. Your careful explanation has made all the difference for me. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas from New Zealand!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thank You Patrice! Best Holiday wishes to your and yours in New Zealand as well!

[@graykicklighterjonathan-gr7275]

Thanks for the well explained and demonstrated video...wish I’d had it a couple of years ago when I was struggling so to learn centering. It will help beginners immensely.

[@annruel1982]

Hi Gray! I am glad it was helpful. I hope someone out there gets a tip they can use. Take care!!

[@gracielaguardado9426]

I’m a beginner and i appreciate your last tip. I am getting discouraged with how hard using the wheel is. Just want to go back to hand building but just gotta keep at it. Thanks for your videos!

[@thatoldbiddy2]

Thank you for this. Thank you - Thank you - Thank you!!!!

[@Leyla-ub9se]

Best explanation yet, thank you much! Spoken slowly, good tips, good video angle.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Layla...appreciate you watching!

[@knightclan4]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience

[@terrywatts2288]

I just took the 3rd beginners class and it was like I forgot everything I learned in the first two classes. I found this video very helpful. Your demonstration is so helpful easy to follow. Thanks a bunch!

[@PaulByrne-ev2zm]

Excellent instructional video. Thank you.

[@trubberducky]

Thanks for the thorough demonstration, you answered all my questions and ease my frustration .

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks Alice, glad it was helpful to you! Let us know if there are other topics you would like covered.

[@cindyperry4721]

I'm definitely going to try the cut off bottom instead of a rounded one if we ever get back into class. Thanks for all your inspiring videos! Stay save. 😊

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thank you Cindy!

[@johnwithbenefits]

This was a wonderful video, thank you so much!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks John, appreciate you watching! Let us know what other topics interest you.

[@ingriddeguarda9022]

Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo, très bien expliquée😉

[@ellydelaat2713]

Thanks very much for the clear video!

[@pablodetarso1327]

Muchas gracias por tus enseñanzas. Ánimo y que tengas muchos suscriptores que aprendan este hacer tan gratificante que es la cerámica.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Gracias Pablo!

[@jasonbures8847]

That 3 pounder 🤘

[@monachorum]

Aren’t you risking your rings, especially the solitaire, by keeping them on for throwing?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

I lose it when I take it off! :)

[@ZacharyWThomas]

Wonderful video! What type of bats do you use on your wheel?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks! I use mostly the plastic bats of various sizes (depending on the size of piece)...they are affordable and don’t absorb water like some other types. Good luck!🍀

[@PriscilaPL]

👏👏👏👏

[@mayurisingh6031]

Hi, Can you tell me how many hours does it take to perfect centering ? So that I stay patience. Pls answer a rough estimate of hours

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Tough question...it is like asking “how long to attain enlightenment?”. It is different for each person and even as someone that has been doing this for years, I still work on it each time I throw. Keep going! Your passion and practice will take you there sooner than you think!

[@imdgm2811]

How does a rounded base trap airpockets??? I heard that a flat base can trap air pockets and I think that makes more sense because if the base is slightly inward it could easily trap air but if its rounded how could that happen?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

It does not take much of an air bubble to create problems and they can sneak in when the clay is rounded, flat, or otherwise - air bubbles are crafty! Wedging is key.

[@jondoh2226]

Is there a type of clay that lends itself to lots of practice? I just took my first class this week. I can tell it is something I just need to get a feel for. I would like to just spend time playing with it and practice centering over and over. At this point I don't care at all if I make anything to keep.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

I would ask your instructor but the cheapest stoneware you can find will probably work for what your are doing.

[@susansoto1241]

What type of clay do you use?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Standard #365 Porcelain

[@fidgetspinner1050]

beginners should definitely stay as far away from porcelain as possible though