The ultimate beginner throwing lesson.

Centering clay is the biggest problem for beginning potters. This video explains it and shows a simple way to overcome this hurdle. Throwing 5 coffee mugs will seem easy once this easy centering trick is learned.

[@smartypantsify]

Hi Vaughan, Been away for a while, been watching your videos here and there,,,, just want to say you're the absolute best pottery instructor hands down on KZbin or anywhere else. Thank you for being so personable, funny, confident , SKILLED, humble and sharing. I'm sure I speak for other KZbin commenters by saying we're very grateful for having you. Please relay to your wife Jackie that I love her new polka dot design on her pottery. '

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you for all that praise. I hope you continue to get inspired by the videos.

[@annewatkis5824]

Thank you for the training. Sooo helpful.

[@toniledford2640]

I love your instruction. You tell not just what you are doing, but how it should feel, how much pressure to use, which hand is lifting and which is just supporting. It makes a world of difference to a kinetic learner.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@lealangley8970]

I’m absolutely blown away by your teachings. I’m new to pottery… very new. I bought a wheel then some clay, then threw my first “bowl” following watching one of your many videos. I did well but then pushed it too far and created a huge wobbly piece 😂 Lesson learnt was to take time and have patience. Thank you for the time you take to share your knowledge and wisdom with all of us ❤️

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks and good luck with the clay journey. I am doing a series of videos for beginners that will air in April- June. I am jokingly calling it Pottery 101 at Vaughan University. I am hoping to take you through all you need to sell your first pots. Stay tuned.

[@robertdumoulin4612]

Thank you Vaughan i appréciate all your vidéo.

[@joannec39]

I’m a complete beginner. This video is so clear I will be watching more! Thank you Vaughan x

[@Vsmithpots]

Good luck with your new adventures in clay.

[@sofiedelcomyn7786]

That was very usefull. I am a beginner and I havent put words on why I do what I do so this really clearified things. Saved me many hours of trying to understand what went wrong. Thank you very much! Glad your back is alright now! ❤

[@Vsmithpots]

Glad to be of help, it just takes a lot of practice.

[@tyrannosaurusgirl1612]

The beginning of the video, where you show us your beautiful space, it must be so inspiring!! Thank you for this and all of your videos!

[@Jo81562]

The best beginner video, with such clear explanation of finger position and pulling I have seen. I really like the pushing down on the ball of clay and then pushing in so you can feel how much pressure you need to exert. Thank you very much.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for the praise.

[@maryfisher2582]

My mug arrived in great shape today! It is so beautiful. Thank you for the great service. I will have my tea in it tomorrow morning.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks and enjoy the tea.

[@anabellafullerton8529]

Thank you for your detailed explanations. It’s making my centering of clay and creations more successful. Plus I love the variations you provide ❣️ I’ll love to visit your shop and area 🙏🏼

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome, I hope you can make it here sometime.

[@joannem3568]

yes, thank you if helped alot

[@janetnerad4649]

Thank you for exceptional lessons. Your clear instructions have given me a solid foundation to begin my wheel throwing journey. Thanks for your sharing your great knowledge and skill.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for the compliment.

[@karenschultze8390]

Thank you!

[@MsKemptown]

What a great video! Wish I had this when I first started…the concepts were so easy to see.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@gabriellafollo-mccullough9658]

I've been struggling, longing to become better. Your explanation is so amazing! I plan to bring you into my class/open studio with you in my ears via earbuds! I can't wait until next time when I can have you there as my guide! P.S. - I can't get enough of your videos! I have been watching nearly every day since I discovered you. I feel such gratitude for your demos!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you very much for the praise. I would be very happy if you can avoid some of my mistakes made over the last 50 years. Let me know if you think of something I need to cover. Thanks again.

[@heididerksen8227]

Thank you

[@rebecaaragon7101]

You’re a marvelous teacher and even gave us a view of that lovely beach. Thank you! 😊

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome

[@susiebenoy7662]

Thanks a lot for this video. Very helpful explanations for those lost in the forest of experts and struggling with selfteaching while all other sorts of workshops are in limbo 🤩

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks and good luck.

[@loreliemiller628]

What a great lesson! I’ve had trouble having enough strength so the tips to use a wall is brilliant! Thank you

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I got the idea from a machine called a jigger and jolly.

[@wilhelmdobernigg5039]

Danke für die guten Videos lg. Aus Austria

[@Vsmithpots]

Danke

[@tgoodpottery-teresagood3539]

Thank you Vaughn

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@triciac1019]

I taught my nephew how to throw while he was visiting me from out of state. I wish he had watched this video first for more education and perspective. I did send him this video.

[@Vsmithpots]

Hopefully he will be hooked on clay.

[@triciac1019]

@@Vsmithpots I think he wants to do sculpting, so once he moves here to Utah, I think he will enjoy it.

[@sgpapa]

such a wonderful, detailed lesson!! thank you

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks and good luck throwing.

[@MysticFIREFLY]

I would love to hear more about your equipment. What potters wheel do you use or suggest. Also can you advise who your clay supplier is - if you don't mind. Thank you so much.

[@Amudderslove]

Thank you. Very descriptive and instructional. Gosh I only wish I was taught like this in person.

[@Vsmithpots]

Glad to help.

[@maryfisher2582]

I tried several of your tips and had a very good time on the wheel yesterday! My pulling really improved with the way you put water on the rim, the 45 degree finger placement and keeping moving with the wheel speed. Thanks!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

I am so glad you made the connection.

[@maryfisher2582]

@@Vsmithpots I talked to my coach about this today. Why I experienced such a profound ah ha in these simple things that I had been struggling with. He says I have been intellectualizing something that needs to happen as an automatic part of the process I have internalized. Something like that. It is a journey.

[@Vsmithpots]

@@maryfisher2582 My teacher told me to leave my brain at the door, not exactly right but it did make me realize I just had to practice a lot without questioning the process.

[@eloasis467]

QUE LINDO!! MUY UTIL GRACIAS POR SUS EXPLICACIONES , GRAN MAESTRO SALUDOS DESDE URUGUAY!!

[@mabob6212]

amazing how much one can learn from this very well made vid despite not being a beginner....thanks again

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I always learn a tidbit from other peoples videos too.

[@bevwheeler4520]

I so love your videos I learn something from every single one. I would love to see you do one about finishing pieces getting rid of the little crumblies and imperfections before you glaze them I hope I'm saying what I'm thinking. My throwing it is getting so much better but my finishing I'm not so good at anything you can add would be appreciated I don't seem to find it on anybody's channel.

[@Vsmithpots]

If you mean after the bisque firing I make sure the pot is all smooth before I put it into the kiln. I use a regular paint brush to brush over the piece.

[@janetdavis9053]

thank you! enjoy your lessons, the beauty of the area you live and share in each video

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I hope we can share that beauty when the pandemic is over.

[@bevwheeler4520]

The other thing I would love to see is about when you open how far to open is it different depending on what piece you're making? And I'm not seeing you talk about how to know you've gone to the right depth.

[@Vsmithpots]

I use a needle tool if in doubt, I just showed that in my upcoming video on an umbrella stand. I open up differently depending on the form being made. Thanks for watching.

[@TheMarnaiz]

Thank you for this useful demo.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@stuhaysman135]

Very useful, thank you! I’m just in the process of building my own Korean style kick wheel, so am going to try to learn how to throw on that this year 🤞

[@Vsmithpots]

I have a leach wheel too, that is why one leg is longer than the other.

[@shereepechin4299]

Great video....thank you! Omg i love your studio location too!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you for watching.

[@freddiemoretti8456]

I keep meaning to construct an elbow support to help when I am centering and this should mean today I will get a 2 x 4 scrap and get one installed on my bench before I throw again. Excited to try the 45 degree angle pull when I get back to the wheel which may help me with gaining more height on my pulls which I struggle with. Practicing more would also help. This was so good I will be taking an i pad out to the studio so I can playback the pointers while throwing. Thanks for sharing Vaughan!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks Freddie. Stiffer clay will also help you get taller pieces. B-mix is good for achieving more height. Some clays just seem to sink down.

[@marymacdonald3506]

Thanks for all the videos Vaughan I still get a mushroom when centering it seems I can’t get to the hockey puck on the sides? Help!!! 😂

[@Vsmithpots]

You are squeezing your little fingers too tightly under the clay ball at the wheel head. Use the ball part of your palm ( below your little finger), angle your left hand so that your palm is tilted over the top of the ball and still touching the wheel head. Do the same with your right hand if you are centering with both hands surrounding the clay ball. I center in a different way as you see in the video.

[@cindyrodger4867]

Thanks this is so helpful and informative!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for watching.

[@lisataylor1305]

Hi from the UK. Great video with very clear instructions and very friendly presentation, I shall be watching many more! Thank you Vaughan.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks Lisa, I am originally from the Sheffield area.

[@lisataylor1305]

@@Vsmithpots I didn't know that, I'm Lancashire originally but North Wales now. Thanks again for so many great videos.

[@Vsmithpots]

@@lisataylor1305 Did you know Phil Rogers? I heard he passed away.

[@lisataylor1305]

@@Vsmithpots very sad, in December I think. I'm aware of his work but never met him sadly.

[@Vsmithpots]

@@lisataylor1305 Yes I was collecting his exhibition catalogues from the Goldmark gallery and he was on my wish list to visit. I wondered if he died from Covid.

[@wendyboester7925]

I took to beginning pottery classes before moving up. Love it but is still a challenge. Struggling to be consistent. 🤪

[@Vsmithpots]

Practice as often as you can. Thanks for watching

[@christinelucciardi2411]

Hello from Corsica France and thank you you are a very good teatcher

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@jackietweddell2809]

Great tutorial - thank you!!

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@canelrachon]

Yes it helps

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@claudiawolter6633]

I really like the way you teach pottery very rewarding

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@hadriano7598]

nice and very useful video. I discover your channel and I try to see all your video. I was impressed when you spoked about Phil Rogers in last December. I start to do pottery only for hobby maybe 5 mouths ago and now I try to find "my shape". A good day...from Italy

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you and keep up the pottery practice.

[@sandgrains3418]

Please, I love this craft, I can't join a workshop, or buy rock clay, I don't have money and make small forms of natural clay, but natural clay is not obedient and flexible, what materials are added to the clay when kneaded to become soft? Please help me, if you help me you do not lose anything, please answer, my greetings 🌹,

[@Vsmithpots]

I am not sure about your raw materials in the area where you live. Most river beds have clay deposits but there is usually too much grit and sand in the found clay. You need to filter out the sand and grit by adding water to the dug up clay, stirring it and creating a slurry of watered down clay. Then sieve the slurry through a wire mesh screen. You could even use a tightly woven basket, as long as it filters out most of the gritty rocks. Then allow the filtered clay to dry on a cloth until it becomes stiff enough to handle with out sticking to your fingers as you knead it. I hope this helps. You could try mixing different clays from different river beds. some clays are more plastic than others. Good luck and stay safe .

[@coopart1]

I will have to try the 45 degree finger angle thing. Your explanation of the physics really made good sense 😂 thanks !

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I know it is frustrating at first, because it was for me.

[@donna3843]

this is about the 7th time I have tried to do second step, and the clay just takes off and I have to catch it in the air

[@Vsmithpots]

You must be leaving too much water between the clay ball and the wheel head.

[@Diver923]

how can you center when the whole wheel is wobbling?

[@Vsmithpots]

The upper surface is flat, only the edge is wobbling. So your hand placed flat on the wheel head does not feel a wobble, try closing your eyes and place your wet hand on a spinning wheel head. If it was wobbling up and down it would be impossible to centre.

[@micheledickey4066]

I haven’t tried throwing yet but I hope to soon! I’m sure I’ll be referencing this video in the future! Great explanations!

[@Vsmithpots]

let me know if you need any tips.

[@micheledickey4066]

@@Vsmithpots I sure will thanks so much.

[@micheledickey4066]

I just wanted to let you now that I got the chance to throw on the wheel for the first time and it was AMAAAZING!! I will have to re watch this video many times to get the hang of what your teaching but I can’t wait. I think I’ll have your video playing on my iPad while I throw next time!! Thank you soo much!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

@@micheledickey4066 Thanks, I hope you get better quick.

[@robertdumoulin4612]

Hi Vaughan can i spray water to make my clay smoother for trowing my clay on the wheel.

[@Vsmithpots]

I guess so, I even thought about a beer hat that would drip water through a straw onto the spinning clay.

[@juliechippits]

Ill try it next course for the 45 degree and the two finger on the outside! i was getting the part of the finger placement, but the angle make so much sens! Thanks a lot!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks and good luck.

[@graykicklighterjonathan-gr7275]

Great detailed explanations. Wish I’d seen this 3 years ago, would have had many less flopped pots. However this will help me refine technique. You may have said, but what weight clay are you using for these?

[@Vsmithpots]

440gms, thanks for watching.

[@rondacorkhill1654]

I have to use cinder blocks under my feet.

[@Vsmithpots]

Then use your thigh to help push your left elbow in harder when centering.

[@rondacorkhill1654]

@@Vsmithpots It was more a statement of how short my legs are. I'm not throwing anything more than a pound right now. Hoping to change that in the next few months. My pulling is the issue right now. Between this video and Donte's, I'm hoping to take the tidbits that I've watched and change that.

[@Vsmithpots]

@@rondacorkhill1654 My comment was to use your thigh to push your elbow. I guess you are OK with centering and pulling is the problem. Let me know how you do.

[@rondacorkhill1654]

@@Vsmithpots I actually had my eureka moment last weekend. I threw a well shaped cup/mug today after practicing pushing in at the bottom and realizing after I've done that is when I can pull. What a difference that makes!

[@Vsmithpots]

@@rondacorkhill1654 Congrats.

[@robertdumoulin4612]

what cone did you fire this clay for first and second kiln.

[@Vsmithpots]

I bisque to cone 06 and glaze to cone 6.

[@heididerksen8227]

Hello question the slip you scrape off your hand,how do you reclaim it

[@Vsmithpots]

I have a video on reclaiming clay, It was in 2020, just look back in my older videos.

[@heididerksen8227]

@@Vsmithpots ok thank you

[@donna3843]

I have waisted arleast 30 pounds of clay trying this...that is terrible

[@Vsmithpots]

You must make sure there is no water beneath the clay when you press from above. The wheel head should be clean and a little damp when you press the clay down. Try folding your thumb over the top of the clay as you press from the side. Last weeks video and this weeks video describe this again in more detail. It is just an exercise in making sure the clay is sealed to the wheel head and that you are pressing hard enough with either hand to move the clay up or down.