History of Pottery Making

Pottery describes objects that are shaped out of wet clay. After the desired shape is achieved, the clay is baked so that it hardens. Pottery makers craft useful items, like dishes, and decorative items such as vases. There are three types of pottery, stoneware, earthenware, and porcelain distinguished by the types of clay used and the method of baking employed.

Pottery making has been around since ancient times and probably originated in Japan. Pottery was one of the first methods used to make utensils like bowls and plates. Earthenware was the first type of pottery made and the technique has not changed since ancient times. Most pottery types use a rotary wheel to shape and mold the clay. In Native American pottery items were formed by hand. Old time pottery pieces are highly treasured by collectors and art buffs. Today, handmade pottery has become a treasured household-decorating item. Pottery making is a fun hobby and easy to take up if you start with a few pottery tips.

Tools for Pottery Making

Pottery tools fall into certain categories: shaping tools, texturing tools, throwing tools, and firing tools. Shaping tools are used to make the main shape of your pottery piece. As you spin your clay on the pottery wheel, you use the shaping tools to contour the clay. Your hands, of course, are your primary shaping tool, but paddles, blades, and picks are also used. Texturing tools create interesting patterns in the clay and include slicers and wave tools. Throwing tools are wooden tools used to throw the clay onto the spinning wheel.

When you are finished shaping your clay, you will need to fire it. Firing is usually done in a kiln, where the temperatures can get high enough to change and harden the clay. You can purchase your own kiln or use a professional one at a pottery making store. (Due to the intense heat generated by a kiln, special installation steps are required to make the devices safe for home use.)

Types of Pottery

There are many styles or types of pottery that you can buy and make including:

• Greek Pottery - This type of pottery mimics the historical pottery found in ancient Greece. Greek pottery is typically vases that are painted with authentic Greek figures.
• Polish Pottery - This pottery is a high density type of stoneware, and is extremely resistant to chipping and breaking. The clay is painted using the punch technique.
• Hull Pottery - Hull pottery refers to works created by the A.E. Hull Pottery company of Crooksville, Ohio after 1905. The pieces are known for their intricacy and are a source of emulation by many admiring potters.
• Native American Pottery - Native American style pottery tends to be hand made and fairly simplistic in its style although often heavily ornamented with geometric Native patterns.

Continue to: Steps to Follow for Pottery Making and Ideal Pottery Tips