what supplies are most important for a beginner

Don't know any website but there are lots of books out there. Go to your local library. Tools, ribs/kidneys - metal wood and rubber. Turning tools, there are a huge variety of these and different people like different things. I like to have metal ones with pointed end turned at right angle (make sense) and some of the ones with a wooden handle and two turning tools and either end, make sure they are the sharp variety and not just the round wire ones. If you are not getting lessons, I do recommend that you do. Good luck Annemarie

Hi April, I would also like to suggest that you visit your local library and see if they carry any pottery making videos. It helps a lot to be able to see someone center, etc. If your library doesn't have any, ask them if they work with other libraries and could possibly borrow from them. Happy potting! Gaye

Tools that are handy include a small sponge, needle tool, wire, various ribs (metal, rubber & wood), chamois for rims, various wooden tools for shaping, trimming tools, bats and bat pins if you like to throw on bats, ware boards (use a piece of sheetrock and tape up the edges with duct tape), plastic sheeting (like you'd get from a drycleaning store), smallish pail for water, an old towel to wipe your hands on, small notebook and pen handy for taking notes.

You can usually pick up a very basic kit of the most immediately useful tools in a craft store.

Here's a website I just came up with by doing a google search:

Have fun!

Deb R.

For a beginner, if you don't already have one, I'd start with the typical beginner's kit available at most art supply shops, which includes a potter's needle, wooden rib, metal rib, sponge, knife, carving/trimming tool, and cutting wire. You'll learn what else you need and want as you figure out your throwing style.