How To Wedge Clay - A Step by Step Beginners Guide

[@PotteryCrafters]

⚡️What questions do you have about Making Pottery? Let me know! 👇 If you are struggling with technique, dont be shy. Let me know I may make a video helping you solve your problem. Need help Centering your Clay check this video out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXy2Znp_l5edbpY More Beginner Pottery Wheel Projects Here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3TCYWyFeNalfpY

[@yabbapottery3606]

One of the better tutorials I have seen on wedging, you explanation is precise and easy to follow . Thanks.

[@PotteryCrafters]

So glad it was helpful. 👍 Thank you for your support. 😍

[@gwennantone146]

Thank you, Marie, for an excellent tutorial on wedging! Your manner of presentation is so enjoyable, clear, and understandable. I seriously learned more from your tutorial than from an expensive pottery class and am anxious to watch another tutorial by you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much! 💖 Here are all my videos for you to choose from www.youtube.com/@PotteryCrafters/videos

[@CaitlinBongers]

This is the most clear video on the different wedging techniques I found! I have been struggling to learn how to spiral wedge but I'll try it again this weekend with this video next to it ♥

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much. 😊 Glad it helped. Let me know how it goes. 😍

[@Heartwing37]

This makes me happy to see! I have problems with my right hand and have put off learning pottery simply because I was afraid of wedging. The stack and slam will work perfectly for me! Thank you for this tutorial

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is Wonderful to hear! You are most welcome.

[@freedomstaying-free8162]

Love the wedging demo, finally a "step by step" guide.....thanks so MUCH!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are so welcome 😊 Glad it was helpful!

[@marteneackland1282]

Thank you for your video! I love how soft spoken you are!!! Your video helped me figure out what I'm doing wrong in my spiral that's causing air bubbles! Off to the studio to try this out! Thanks again!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are so welcome! 😊 That's great Martene. The spiral can be a little tricky until you get the hang of it. Let me know how it goes 😀

[@superdooper1830]

Thank you for timing the wedging and also testing with two colours. Great thinking, I love to see exactly how things work. Great video :) Im going to try out the spiral wedge

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's great. Once you get it, the spiral wedge will be second nature for you. I'm like that also. I wanted to know what the clay was doing as I was wedging. Glad it was helpful!. 😊

[@hollygauthier5691]

Very helpful. Have been looking for something that I can use with an arthritic shoulder. STack and slam could help.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Holly, I'm glad the Video helped. I am pain free so its inspiring to hear that you are looking for ways to continue making pottery even though the pain could stop you. Good Luck🙂

[@carmengarridocuentasehisto3413]

@@PotteryCrafters Thank you very much for your videos! I use a Japanese air-drying dough, but your techniques will surely help me. I have arthritic hands and I'm looking for alternative techniques so my thumbs aren't suffering!

[@PotteryCrafters]

I'm glad you are still doing pottery, that's very inspiring. The stack and slam works very well for me, let know how it's working for you?👍

[@carmengarridocuentasehisto3413]

@@PotteryCrafters Thank you very much for your words! The material I use is not ceramic, but I do try to learn from people like you. Well, I have to tell my therapist what techniques I use, because I can't use them all! Forcing my thumbs is not good so I have to replace them with other parts of my hand like other muscles and not so many joints, and it's so difficult! But I think that technique you tell me can be adequate, although I don't amass as much... That's why the result may not be the same. Thank you very much for your interest!

[@thomaskinsman8662]

Wonderful Marie, great examples of breaking down the steps into small motions. I really like that you are doing the mixing experiments to show how well each technique works.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much Thomas! Yes. I thought that was important to see. Plus it was fun to do 😍

[@duuudy]

Marie, I loooove your videos! Keep them up, seen already so many of them, have been enjoying these a lot! Can't wait to try the many techniques in my studio

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thanks so much Renāte😊 And thank you for the video ideas 😍

[@mfisher4118]

Thank you so much for this. I'm a noob and so often the methods of wedging aren't explained in full or steps are skipped. This video is fantastic! Thanks for the excellent content!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much, Meaghan. I'm Dyslexic, so I think that's why I try to explain things well because I know everyone has a different learning curb. So happy to help. If you have any questions feel free to ask 😊

[@louybee]

Such clear easily understandable directions,...absolutely wonderful! Thanks!!!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Louise. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really had fun making this video.

[@RoxyanneYoung]

I’m brand new to pottery, having taken seven whole classes so far, but I love it. My teacher let me buy a bag of clay to play with at home, so I’ve bought a couple of pieces of drywall (which I’m thinking now is the wrong thing for wedging, so I’ll be heading back to Lowe’s for a piece of wood and some clamps), and a beginner tool set. My first attempt at wedging at home was not exactly successful. Then I found your video. I’ll keep practicing the ram’s head and the spiral styles, but that slamming technique is right at my expertise level. Thank you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's great to hear. Welcome to the wonderful world of crafting pottery. here is link to surfaces for you wedge and handbuild on potterycrafters.com/best-surfaces-for-hand-building/ 💖

[@erikstallman256]

Marie, you are so inspiring. Before I do each step- I will watch a video on that step to get into good habits.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Jenny. That is wonderful! Feel free to let me know how you are doing or if you have any questions 😀👍

[@gratefulgardengal2298]

Hi Marie. Thank you for making such great instructional videos. I'm currently taking my first pottery class and was looking for some extra instruction when I discovered your videos and website. Overall, I have found your tutorials to be nicely organized, very well thought out, and easy to understand. Your calm and thorough explanations are perfect for me. They have helped me immensely! Thanks to you, I made my first bowl last night! In this video, your demonstration with the green stain really helped me to understand what was happening during the wedging process. I was growing concerned because I have limited strength in my left hand. But the stack and slam method you demonstrated may be a great option for me to try. Now I'm going back to watch your centering videos again.

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is GREAT to hear. 😍 Thank you so much for sharing. I thought the 2 colors would help to understand how the clay is being mixed as we wedge in different ways. So glad to help 😊

[@emmapeach6574]

finally, something akin to science on one of these pottery channels. thank you

[@PotteryCrafters]

Wow, thank you, Emma.

[@skullservant7340]

Am just starting out in pottery myself and love your videos, so informative and newbie friendly. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Chris for the kind and encouraging words. So cool to see someone new to pottery.Good luck and come back for more videos. Also check out my website potterycrafters.com

[@goldpilot100]

Thank you. Very interesting comparison and great explanations.

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are welcome! I do all three but my favorite is the spiral wedge.

[@LuckyDayWorks]

Thanks for this tutorial! I'm brand new and just getting into pottery, specifically hand building (so i can make things in my apartment!) This was super informative and thorough!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're so welcome! That's great. Yes wedging is good for hand building also. I mainly do wheel throwing because I love it so much but I will be doing more hand building in the future. Thank you

[@MyMazyCat]

Your pottery videos are great! Thank you Marie!🏺

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you. I'm glad you like them! 😊

[@vickivanriel3082]

Love this. I've never tried the spiral wedge ... will try it now 😊

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thanks Vicki, I didn't think I would like it because it looked hard to do. Try it you will be surprised!

[@eiyumats6218]

An excellent video clearly explaining the process. Thank you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Glad it was helpful!😍

[@cheekurivedashwini5955]

You always make happy others through your videos 🤗such an amazing explanation about pottery your are amazing 🥰

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Lauragld]

Great demo!!!!!! Thanks so much :). I did clay years ago and have recently returned to it and I find my strength is not what it used to be but your demo has made wedging my clay so much easier 🙂

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is great to hear! Glad it was helpful. 😊

[@sandracartica4932]

I like the spiral wedge and the stack and slam. That's actually a new one for me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 😁

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Sandra. You're welcome. It's nice to alternatives. 😀

[@OktoPutsch]

Your way of speaking and voice are relaxing :)

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you very much Okto

[@OktoPutsch]

@@PotteryCrafters Thank you very much for your videos, Marie :)

[@micass3561]

Thank you so much for your lesson. I’ve been struggling with wedging and now I know why. :)

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is wonderful!!!! So happy to help! It's good to have different ways to wedge. I do switch it up but my favorite is the spiral. 😍

[@Scoupe400]

I’ll have to try all 3. I know I’m suffering by not doing it; little air bubbles have puzzled me in my new venture into throwing. I’ve tried a mix of spiral & ram at a glance. But hopefully this video gets me right.

[@PotteryCrafters]

You can use all 3. When learning how to wedge many pooters tend to fold the clay instead of pressing it. Hope it works for you. ❤️

[@colleenfitz6214]

Love your videos. Just started pottery a few months ago and didn’t realize how important wedging is. Have to practice this😊 and thank you for your centering videos.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Colleen. That is great to hear. Glad to help you on your pottery crafting journey. It sure is fun 😊

[@luciegilchrist240]

Love your videos! Great teacher!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Lucie 😍

[@maniacmikepepperhead3040]

Great examples. Thanks for sharing.

[@PotteryCrafters]

My pleasure! Thank you Michael. It's good to have a choice and find which way you like to wedge the best😀👍.

[@demetriadavisboyd7060]

I like the stack and slam method.

[@PotteryCrafters]

It does work well. Thank you for sharing. 😊

[@cariadwales1979]

Thank you Marie, I mainly wedge by rams head or slam and stack but have been trying to master spiral wedging. Your video showed me where I was going wrong. I wasn't pushing down at an angle before turning the clay. I'll keep practicing now I now where I'm going wrong. Thanks again.

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's great cariad. Once you get the hang of it the spiral will become second nature 👍😊

[@clarem2424]

Thank you so much for this video. First time wedging reclaimed clay for me. Decided to use the slam and stack method, worked a treat. Just starting out with ceramics in Shropshire UK

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's great. Welcome to the world of Pottery Crafting 😍 Here's the link to my recycling video also kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXm2pX-jlq90eq8

[@dianemoore5985]

You make wedging look so easy! I need to practice.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thanks Diane. My favorite is the spiral wedge. I'm glad I kept Practicing. 😍

[@dianemoore5985]

I'm getting the hang of it, thanks to your video ❤️

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is great news. 😍 I struggled with the spiral wedge. Now it's second nature.

[@ACIDPANDAttv]

Thank you for sharing your wedging tips - very helpful!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you for watching glad I could help. 👍

[@AnnetteDeCamp-pj9cd]

Thank you! This was very helpful 🙂

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome Annette. Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@noelia6803]

Great comparison, thank you. I like/ using the spiral wedge!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Noelia. That's my favorite too. Took me a little longer to learn but once I did it's super easy. 😊

[@wendydee3007]

I tend to mix it up...a bit of spiral wedging followed by a bit of slamming (very therapeutic, the slamming) :o)

[@PotteryCrafters]

Yes, I love it. Thanks for sharing Wendy😍 Sometimes I'll do all three. 😃

[@derekprowse7039]

Wow. Great bit of empirical work. For me, slam all the way, my thumb arthritis says to do so. :) Great vids. Thank you.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Derek. It's nice to know that there are several ways to wedge our clay.

[@Merdam9]

Using ram’s head method, I sometimes get MASSIE air pocket right in the middle. How do I avoid that? When I wedge for too long, it almost feels like the “horns” are stuck to my sweaty palms, and don’t rotate with the clump of clay, but in opposite direction, making me think there is sort of a cone shape of clay not rotating. Am I imagining or this could happen? Thank you!’

[@PotteryCrafters]

These are good questions. To avoid air pockets you will need to press the clay forward instead of folding it. Folding will create air bubbles so make sure you are pressing forward. To prevent the horns from sticking out too far when you push the clay forward press the palms of your hands inward. You can rotate your clay but be careful not create air pockets. You can also try the spiral wedge 😊

[@veroluna4120]

Great! Thanks! Do you have a video where you put together and wedge excess clay?

[@PotteryCrafters]

I dry it out and recycle

[@PotteryCrafters]

⚡️What questions do you have about Making Pottery? Let me know! 👇 If you are struggling with technique dont be shy. Let me me know I may make a video helping you solve your problem. Need help Centering your Clay check this video out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXy2Znp_l5edbpY More Beginner Pottery Wheel Projects Here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3TCYWyFeNalfpY

[@lindaolsen48]

I’m new to pottery and you said stack and slam required 25 slices, then at the end of the video you said it required 15 slices. I’m confused, could you clarify please?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Welcome to the wonderful world of crafting pottery. Sure. 25 times is for totally mixing the clay together, like blending 2 colors or recycled clay. 15 is for right out of the bag to ensure the consistency is the same. 😊

[@annettekeys8863]

Once you wedge your clay, how long is that wedged clay good to use? Few hours, the day, the week, more? Wondering how to treat wedged clay that hasn’t been used in a throwing session :) thank you for your thoughts!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Very good question. Your wedged clay will be good that day. After that, you will want to rewedge just a bit. Because the consistency of the clay will start to change. Not much because it's in plastic. but I have found it best to rewedge after a day. 😊

[@teresac25]

Great video, thank you 😊

[@PotteryCrafters]

You’re welcome Teresa 😊

[@griffinokungu9041]

Good have learnt alot

[@PotteryCrafters]

That great! Thank you 😊

[@devingray1671]

Is the stack and slam the best for small portions of clay? Or would it be better to wedge a larger amount and then remove what I need? I have giant hands and want to make dainty things so I'm struggling 😂

[@PotteryCrafters]

😃 I have long fingers and can struggle with small amounts of clay also. You can stack and slam it or wedge a larger amount. I wedge out a larger piece of clay and slice it into smaller amounts.

[@devingray1671]

@@PotteryCrafters thank you.

[@lneuman7672]

What would a schedule in terms of time look like from start to finish? Wedging to final clay firing? Thank you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

The schedule will vary because of the time it takes to make and the drying time of your pottery. Also, bisque and glazing time. I would have to give an estimate. It takes me at least several hours to prep, make some pieces, and clean up. then wait at least four more hours for my pieces to get leather hard. Another hour to add handles or anything else. Then clean up time again. Then let them dry. I live in the desert, so for me, I let them dry for a week. Then it takes a day to bisque fire. Then it takes another 3 to 5 hours to glaze from prep time to clean up. This depends on if you are brush glazing or dipping or any other type of glazing you may be doing. Brush glazing takes the longest because you have to let each coat dry. Then I wait at least 6 hours for the glaze to dry and final fire. then another day to glaze fire Altogether It takes about a week and a half to 2 weeks. 😊

[@maryamizadi2551]

It was so helpful 🍫🍓 .

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's great to hear. Thank you Maryam 😊

[@merrinandplants]

Hi this is a great video for a beginner, thank you. I had a question about stack and slam, what is the purpose of the cut and stack? Why not just continuously slam?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you. That is a very good question. The cutting is the mixing process of the wedging technique. The clay should be cut and placed in a different area of the cut. 😊

[@rebeccak6682]

Would you recommend the stack and slam for some who has joint pain in the wrists? I do the ram’s head but it kills my wrists.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Rebecca. Yes I would because the stack slam is easier on your wrists and works well. That's great that you still craft with clay.

[@anastasiasaroukou4144]

Παρα πολυ ωραιο μαθημα!Εγω μονο την πρωτη κανω,αλλα λιγο χαλια χαχα.Τωρα με την βοηθεια σου θα την κανω πολυ καλα.Μ,,αρεσει και το χτυπημα.Ευχαριστω παρα πολυ Μαρι!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Παρακαλώ. Ευχαρίστως να βοηθήσω

[@bleueyes28]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I've subscribed, and so far, everything I've watched from you has been so helpful. I've only started working with clay since October 2021. I have a question about wedging if you have the time. When I've trimmed off pieces of clay from my hand building, then put it back in the bag, do I need to wedge that trimmed clay with new clay?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Welcome to the wonderful world of pottery crafting Julie. 😍 Good question. Yes, you would need to wedge it because you want your clay to have the same consistency throughout and make sure there are no air bubbles in your clay.

[@potterylady44]

Also whatcarecthe blue things on the edges of the wood you are wedging on?

[@PotteryCrafters]

They are C Claps. They keep my wedging board from moving around while wedging 😊

[@tamarabrown2705]

Would like to see spiral wedging from the same angle as i would be doing it. Maybe have the camera look down from over the right shoulder.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Great suggestion. I tried it, but the camera and my arms got in the way. . I will work on that for the future. It's important to get the right view. 😊

[@annettekeys8863]

This video is so helpful :) I bought a 2ft by 2ft outdoor porcelain paver as a wedging surface, it is treated to be non-slip since it’s an outdoor paver, do you think this is an ok surface to wedge on or should I get a plain concrete paver instead? Thank you kindly, you are so wonderful! :)

[@PotteryCrafters]

I think the concrete would be better. You will want the surface to absorb the moisture and not stick to the surface. The porcelain paver may not be porous enough. You could try it out and see how it responses to your clay. Not sure if the porcelain has been vitrified or not.😍

[@robinrule2535]

The slam method is good if you have arthritic hands!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Robin. You are right. Great point 😊

[@soulwinds31]

Do you have a video on dealing with clay thats only slightly dry but needs wedging?

[@PotteryCrafters]

No, That's a good suggestion. I will try it. I always dry my clay out completely because when the clay is bone dry the water absorbs faster and more evenly into the clay 😊

[@maryjeanallen6189]

Hi Marie, can you please tell me how you set up your wedging wire to your wedging table? Did you buy an amaco "wedging angle" or how did you set up your wire? Thanks in advance!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Yes, I would love to. 😍You can go to Potterycrafters.com then go to the bottom of the page where it says contact us and email me. I will be able to send you pictures and instructions on how to make one.💖 It is so handy.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Here is a direct link for you potterycrafters.com/contact-us/ 😊

[@loisrobblee2179]

I am using the hand-building technique using earthenware clay slices of varying thickness taken from a 25 lb. block purchased from a pottery supply vendor, and hand rolled to 1/4 inch thick slabs with a rolling pin. I have made vases, bowls, cups, plates, of varying sizes and shapes from such slabs. I have not been wedging the original clay slices taken from the original block and, maybe by luck, have had no problems for 14 years. Left over trimmings are squeezed together to make a small block which I keep moist in a plastic bag, then combine them into a larger block which is then wedged to use again. I am interested in your reply to a question about the necessity to wedge clay originally from a large block, and wonder if I've just been lucky in not wedging.

[@PotteryCrafters]

WOW, Lois that is great. We always had to wedge in school ( from the block and recycled) I am mainly a wheel thrower and could never get away with not wedging from the block when wheel throwing. I have tried skipping it but suffered the consequences when I tried centering and throwing. I was luckier when hand-building because it is a different technique. My teachers always told us it's best to wedge to even out the consistency of clay because you don't know long the clay was sitting in the bag. 😊

[@loisrobblee2179]

@@PotteryCrafters Thank you for the quick response. Having been lucky for so many years, and observing that the clay blocks look very smooth and uniform, I will continue my lazy way of avoiding wedging until a problem shows up with my project or someone else's project in my group. I realize that all blocks are probably not the same, but this company has a fast turnover of their product which may be a benefit.

[@PotteryCrafters]

You know what, Lois you're right. All blocks are not the same. You sure are lucky. I would do the exact same thing if I were you. Keep making that beautiful pottery 😊

[@monabakry5261]

ممتازة ماشاء الله،

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much. شكرا جزيلا. 😊

[@TheTaramorris]

Mason stain question! I thought that came in liquid or powder, is there clay form too?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Good question. I get mine in power form. So far that is all I have found. I have an article with video on making colored clay. Here is the link for you potterycrafters.com/how-to-make-colored-clay-for-pottery/

[@Eva-Lydia]

How does the clay feel When it’s to wet or dry?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Good question Eva. When the clay is too wet it keeps sticking to your table and your hands. Also feels too soft. When it is too hard you can see the clay cracking and you are struggling to wedge. 😃 Hope this helps

[@Eva-Lydia]

Pottery Crafters thanks 🙂🌸

[@PotteryCrafters]

Your welcome Eva. Glad I could help. 😍

[@evelynabrams72]

Can you use clay right from a new block or do you still have to wedge it?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Good question Evelyn. Yes, you will want to wedge it to get even consistency throughout because you don't know how long it has been in the bag. The good news is you don't have to wedge that much. 😊

[@NiraRuth37]

Thank you :-) Toda,

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you too! 😊

[@tanyaparker-callsign.kk7ic238]

What’s the name of the specific wire clay cutter your using? I’ve been looking to find that type and almost seems custom made. My apologies if you gave that answer to someone else also

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Tanya. Yes you are right someone made it for me. I couldn't find one to buy. It does come in handy 😊

[@pavlentos]

Thx very much

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome Paul! 😊

[@lauradavenport8199]

What kind of wood do you recommend for wedging?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Good question Laura. I use oak. They all do a good job except particleboard. It splinters. The higher the grade of wood the longer the board lasts. 😊 I have an article on different hand-building and wedging surfaces. You can check it out to see which one is the best for you. Here is the link for you. potterycrafters.com/best-surfaces-for-hand-building/ 😊

[@cgallup1]

@@PotteryCrafters I use Hardee board for wedging and Ware Boards/Bats. Hardee Backer board is versatile cheap and durable does not warp.

[@PotteryCrafters]

I use drywall and cut it up for ware boards. Do you get large pieces of Hardee board and cut it up? If so is it easy to cut up?

[@cgallup1]

@@PotteryCrafters it is fairly easy to cut with a tile saw not as easy to cut as drywall but more durable than the drywall . To clean it I just run it under the sink and use a scrub brush. Best stuff ever to wedge on in 20+ years of Pottery.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Great thanks for sharing. I want to try it. Plus the boards are thinner and easier to store 😊👍

[@potterylady44]

What kind of wood are you wedging on here?

[@PotteryCrafters]

2 by 2 Plywood on this video. I also have a half-inch thick 2 by 3-foot piece of oak wood. 👍😄

[@wadewoehrmann2835]

in, down and away would have been a better description of what you were doing with the rams head.. = oops you just changed the verbiage as you went along - never mind. :)

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Wade. Thanks for watching 😊

[@michelleconnor7669]

But it really looks like its putting more air in with all those folds!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Michelle Good point. Yes as long as you are pushing and not folding over. I don't get air bubbles. 😊

[@jedgould5531]

Ahh, but why do we wedge?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Very good question. 😊 Wedging removes air bubbles, gives the clay even moisture consistency throughout, gets rid of any lumps making the clay more workable, and helps the clay particles or platelets align to make the clay easier to mold.