Clay for Beginners - Throwing

Jim, are there any pottery supply stores or studios close by? Your wife can throw all she wants and then reconstitute the clay unless it is fired. Eventually, she will want to experiment with glazing and start keeping her work. In my opinion, she also needs to decide what cone she will be firing. If she plans on firing stoneware to clay are good for beginners to work with? If you have types and could

Hi Jim:

I would recommend finding a public place that accepts outside pieces for firing. They usually charge you a fee based on the size of the piece. Find out what cone they fire to and ask if they recommend a particular clay that is appropriate for their firings.

Some places will let you use their glazes for a fee after the piece is once fired.

As far as reclaiming the clay that she has practiced with, the clay may be too wet or dry compared to how it came out of the bag. Wedging or kneading the clay again may bring it back to the right consistency for throwing. I noticed in my early days that one of the components of the clay washes away if recycled too many times and then doesn't work well. When she has experience, she can add back the components that gives the recycled clay its original consistency.

Very nice gift idea! I wish her the best of success. Maybe you can include a class fee from some local community education class. This is a wonderful avocation best learned directly from an experienced potter.

Diego

I think a good plan would be to find someplace that has beginner classes for the public. That way your wife will be able to experiment with clays that are offered through the course as well as have access to kiln space. She can take the clay home with her and practice/throw/trim at home. When the course is over she may be able to make arrangements with the facility to rent kiln space.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions and comments. With a little digging I was able to find a pottery shop and supplier within a reasonable driving distance.

My wife has already participated in a 10 week basic pottery course and of course more instruction is always welcome.

I hope she has a blast and finds a outlet from the stress of the daily grind.

Regards, Jim

Hey Jim ---

....wheel at home and a place to throw is very good...and you will get lots of advice >Hello all, I'm sorry if this question has been asked a million times

Try Campbell's, Standard or Highwater. use a smooth clay with a wide range of firing temperature. Standard #306 is a good all around clay. near Baltimore, try clayworks supply. near fl try