Clay is never boring; there is always more to explore, more to try out and more to create. Be prepared for a fine adventure as you enter the world of pottery, for clay is as deep and as broad as the earth it comes from.
Floors impervious to water and easy to clean, such as concrete or linoleumAccess to water (but no clay should go down any drains!)A sturdy table, such as a kitchen tableA clay-won’t-stick-to-it surface to work on (see below)Sturdy shelving for drying potsA cabinet or other storage area for glazes, where pets and children cannot get to them
Another option is to defer finding a space of your own while trying pottery out. The easiest way to do this is to take a beginning pottery class. Many clays and glazes are rated by “cone.” This is a way to measure heat work (similar to temperature). Zeros are important! Find a local potter who will rent you kiln space. Find out what temperature(s) they usually fire to, and what atmosphere (oxidation, neutral, or reduction) they fire in. Get clay and glazes that mature in that firing range and are best in that atmosphere. As you use larger quantities, you may want to order clay, glazes, and other supplies in larger quantities. Ordering larger amounts can save you money in overall shipping costs, especially when you do not have a local ceramic supply company near you.
Towels and possibly an apron A small bucket for holding water or slurry as you work Two to three large buckets for cleanup water One or more sponges for carrying water to the clay and for cleaning A large, soft brush (Sumi or bamboo are good) A wooden modeling (trimming) tool A potter’s needle A cut-off wire A box to keep your tools in
When your clay is too wet to easily work, plaster bats are very useful. The plaster soaks up excess water from the clay as you wedge the clay on the bat. To make one take a shallow box, like a clean pizza box, mix your plaster according to the directions, and pour it into the box. Once set and cured, you will have a plaster bat. Ask local potters if they rent kiln space. Remember that they are working on their own pottery and have their own schedules. You may have to wait until they have a kiln-load that has space for your pots. If you are interested in the firing process, don’t be shy to ask if you can help. There is nothing like experience to understand everything involved in firing a kiln. The potter may really appreciate the help with loading and unloading kilns and tending them as they fire. If you need a pot to be a certain size when it is finished, you may want to make a shrinkage ruler to help you know what size it must be when it is wet.
