Throwing on a potters wheel can be an immensely rewarding experience. The smell of wet clay, the satisfaction of smoothing lumpy edges – it’s an experience that can be enjoyed by all. But if you’re just getting started, choosing the right clay can be tricky. It needs to be malleable and easy to work with, but it also needs to be durable and durable for firing too. In this article, we look at what is the easiest clay to throw and how to go about working with it.
Types of Clay and their Properties
Clay comes in a variety of forms, each of which has its own unique properties when it comes to how easy they are to throw. Stoneware and earthenware are the two most commonly used clays for pottery, and they range from shapes that are more angular to those that are round and more forgiving. There are also porcelain clays available but they take much more expertise to throw and can be harder to work with, depending on the types and denominations of the clay you choose.
Stoneware is generally the easiest type of clay for beginners to throw and it offers considerable durability. It is strong, dense and shrinkage-resistant, making it ideal for making objects that will have a longer lifespan. It is also waterproof, which makes it great for glazing, although it is often less flexible than earthenware and porcelain.
Earthenware is a softer clay and it tends to be more pliable than stoneware. It is also more prone to warping during firing, which can make it difficult to achieve precision when throwing. However, many potters find that they can form intricate details more easily with this clay since it is more malleable. It has a lower firing point than stoneware, making it great for fast firing.
Clays Recommended for Beginners
When selecting your clay as a beginner, it’s important to choose one that is both easy to work with and still offers flexibility in terms of what you can create. Stoneware is a good choice as it’s durable and offers strength. However, there are some earthenware clays on the market these days that are specially made for novice potters. These have a higher firing point than standard earthenware, making them harder and less prone to warping. They also look and feel like stoneware but with a softer texture, making them easier to manipulate.
Preparing the Clay for Throwing
Before throwing on the potter’s wheel, the clay needs to be conditioned for maximum pliability and ease of use. Begin by kneading the clay for at least five minutes with your hands to make sure it’s soft enough to work with – if the clay’s too stiff it can be difficult to throw successfully. If you’re not sure how soft the clay needs to be, a good test is to pinch the clay between two fingers; if you can get your fingernail impression into the clay, then it’s ready.
It’s also important to centre the clay when throwing on the wheel. This involves ‘throwing’ the clay into a round shape before beginning to shape it into your desired form. To do this, first create a hole in the middle of your lump of clay and then press onto it with your thumb or fingers. Use a slight outward pressure with your hands or fingers as you turn the wheel slowly until the edge of the lump has made contact with the wheel. You should then have yourself a well-centred piece of clay.
Techniques for Working with Easier Clays
Different types of clays require different approaches depending on their texture and hardness. Beginners should start with easier clays that are less likely to crack or warp when firing. A good technique when working with the lighter clays is to pinch and squeeze around the edges of your piece rather than pushing down for better control. This will help you to create nice even edges and make your pieces symmetrical.
When using heavier clays such as stoneware, try using long pulls with your fingers in a rolling motion to enable uniform shaping. You can also use tools such as knives and rib tools for detail work when throwing with heavier clays – this makes forming shapes easier and allows for more detail.
Safety Tips When Working with Clay
Working with clay can be hazardous if safety precautions aren’t followed. It’s important to make sure your hands are always clean when handling clay – this helps prevent toxins from settling into the material while also preventing skin irritation. Make sure you wear gloves at all times when working with wet clay as this will protect your hands from any splinters or shards.
In addition to gloves, always wear safety glasses when throwing to protect your eyes from any errant pieces of clay or flying shards while cleaning up your pieces. Make sure you keep your work area clean and free of debris, especially if there are children around as small pieces of clay can be a choking hazard.
Tips and Tricks for Throwing Easier Clays
When crafting pieces from easier clays, it pays to keep some basic tips in mind. One of these is making sure that you don’t splash water onto your pieces as this can cause them to warp during firing; instead, spray or dab water around the edges before glazing or adding details. You should also make sure you work fast when using easier clays as they dry quickly, so leaving something too long can cause cracking.
Another advice is to use grogged clays which contain particles like sand that are added to help create texture instead of smooth surfaces. This will add another layer of interest to your pieces and make them stand out.
Professional Advice on Working with Easier Clays
For those looking for more detailed information on working with easier clays, it pays to consult a professional potter. There are many experienced potters around who offer guidance and advice on pottery techniques, so making contact should not be too difficult.
Your local pottery shop or studio might even have someone on hand who can answer any queries you have about throwing with easier clays; most will be more than happy to demonstrate techniques and share tips that only come from years of practice.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Throwing Easier Clays
When throwing easier clays, there are certain problems which can arise due to its malleable nature. When turning the wheel too quickly or putting too much pressure onto your piece it can crack due to uneven pressure points when connected with something else such as a throwing bat or armature. If this happens you can either patch and fix it or start all over again.
Another common issue is when pieces shrink during firing – this is especially common with earthenware clays and can lead to warped or uneven shapes. If a piece begins to warp while still wet, gently pull it back into shape before giving them time to dry slowly before firing.
Finishing Touches on Easier Clays
Once you have completed the throwing process and let your pieces air dry overnight or longer (if necessary), you should be able to add finishing touches like glazing. When glazing pieces made from easier-to-throw clays, you should use lead-free glazes specifically designed for use with these shapes so that they won’t chip away during firing.
Once fired, these clays are usually durable enough for regular use in items such as mugs and cups – just remember to clean them properly after each use and avoid exposing them to sudden changes in temperature.
We hope this article has been useful in helping you find out what is the easiest clay to throw and how you should go about working with it. From understanding different types of clays and their properties through to troubleshooting common issues when throwing easier clays – we hope it’s given you all the information you need!
