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  • Quick TipsExpand
    • 21 Essential Pottery Clay Tips for Every Potter
    • 21 Kiln Questions Answered
    • 21 Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Making Pottery Every Potter Should Know 
    • 21 Pottery Wheel Throwing Tips
    • 7 Best Surfaces for Hand Building
    • 21 Essential Underglaze Tips for Pottery
    • 9 Common Pottery Wheel Mistakes and How to Fix Them
    • 11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix Them
    • 21 Tips for Hand Building Pottery
    • 21 Pottery Clay Slip Questions Answered
    • 10 Tips on How to Become a Successful and Potter
  • Beginner InfoExpand
    • Raku PotteryExpand
      • Is Raku Pottery Expensive to Make?
      • Is Raku Pottery Waterproof: Sealing Raku Ceramics
      • Is Raku Pottery Food Safe: What You Need to Know
    • Clay TipsExpand
      • The Four Types of Clay
      • Choosing Your Pottery Clay – Best Pottery Clay For Beginners
      • Pottery Clay Extruders – Uses and Functions
      • Can Pottery Clay Be Frozen
      • What Is Potters Clay Made Of – Pottery Clay Ingredients Explained
      • Can Air-Dry Clay Be Used on the Pottery Wheel – 3 Brands Tested
      • Stoneware Clay Vs. Porcelain Clay – Details and Facts Explained
      • What Is the Difference Between Stoneware and Earthenware Clay
      • What is Greenware Ceramics: Understanding Its Role in Pottery
    • 30 Beginner Pottery Wheel Projects | With Easy Instructional Videos
    • What Causes Pinholes in Pottery Glaze and How To Prevent Them
    • Can Broken Pottery be Repaired?
    • Pottery Wheel Positions and Posture – All You Need to Know
    • Can Handmade Pottery Go In The Dishwasher?
    • Which Direction Should a Potters Wheel Turn
    • Are Pottery and Ceramics The Same Thing
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
    • What Is Wax Resist in Pottery Used For
    • Wax Resist Tips | Protect – Decorate – Design
    • What Are Sponges Used for in Ceramics?
    • Online vs In-Person Pottery Classes – A Beginners Guide
    • Why Every New Potter Should Take a Pottery Class
    • What To Wear When Doing Pottery
  • How ToExpand
    • How to Make Pottery – 8 Step Pottery Making Process
    • How I Started Making Pottery at Home – My Guide for New Potters 
    • How to Dispose of Pottery Clay Water | 3 Proven Methods
    • How To Make Colored Clay For Pottery – A 6-Step Clay Coloring Guide
    • How to Store Pottery Clay
    • How to Prevent Pottery Clay From Cracking While Drying
    • How to Throw Clay on the Pottery Wheel: A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide
    • How To Use a Pottery Kick Wheel (Ultimate Guide)
    • How To Do Pottery With Long Nails – 5 Tips To Remember
    • How to Make Kiln Cookies in 6 Easy Steps – With a Video
    • How To Use Bats on a Pottery Wheel | Types – Usage – Storage
    • How to Start a Home Pottery Studio
  • GlazingExpand
    • UnderglazeExpand
      • Applying Underglaze on Greenware vs Bisqueware – Which Is Best
      • What is The Difference Between Glaze and Underglaze
      • Underglazing with Split Cups For a Marbling Effect – A Step-by-Step Guide  
      • Can You Layer Underglaze
      • How Do You Mix Underglazes / Tips to Mix Underglazes
      • Underglazing Pottery | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
    • How To TipsExpand
      • Can Pottery Glaze Be Frozen
      • Can You Bisque and Glaze Fire Pottery at the Same Time?
      • Do You Have to Glaze Pottery  
      • Do You Need a Kiln to Glaze Pottery at Home 
      • How to Remove Glaze From Pottery
      • How to Choose Pottery Glaze – A Beginner Glaze Guide
      • Is Pottery Food Safe Without Glaze?
      • What is Glaze Made of — Ceramic Glaze Ingredients
      • What Is Crazing in Ceramics and How To Prevent It!
      • What Is Slip Trailing | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
      • Sponge Glazing
      • Glaze Grinding
    • Bubble Glazing
    • Sponge Underglazing
    • Sponge Glazing Ombre Glazing
  • Kiln TipsExpand
    • Kiln Maintenance Guide: Tips for Top Performance  
    • The Differences Between a Raku and Electric Kiln Explained
    • What Is the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Kiln
    • What Temperature Do I Bisque Fire Pottery Clay To?
    • Is it Recommended that a Pottery Kiln Be Vented?
    • The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting Kiln Problems
    • Are Pottery Kilns Safe – Beginner Kiln Questions
    • How To Use a Pottery Kiln at Home – 13 Tips To Remember
    • What Is A Kiln Sitter? Everything You Need To Know
    • At What Temperature Can You Open a Pottery Kiln?
    • What Is Kiln Wash – Kiln Shelf Protection Guide
  • Guides & ReviewsExpand
    • GuidesExpand
      • Gift Ideas for Potters – Pottery Crafters Gift Guide
      • Beginner-Portable-Full Size Pottery Wheel Review: Which Wheel Type Is Right for You?
      • Brent CXC Pottery Wheel – OWNERS REVIEW – Buyers Guide
      • Skytou Pottery Wheel Pottery Forming Machine – OWNERS REVIEW
      • Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel – Owners Review Buyers Guide
      • Shimpo Ceramics Rebranding – A Huge Undertaking
      • 10 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pottery Wheel
      • Best Pottery Tool Sets Under $18
      • Best Glaze Brush Sets
    • ReviewsExpand
      • Pottery Wheels Reviewed
      • The Ultimate Edger Pottery Making Multi-Tool Review
      • The Original Giffin Grip and Giffin Grip Mini – Review and Comparison
      • Giffin Grip vs. Bailey Quick Trim 2: The Detailed Differences 
      • Pottery That Sells Well – 9 Pieces All Potters Should Make and Sell
      • Ultimate Pottery Glazing Tools & Supplies Guide
      • Buying a Pottery Kiln | Facts Features and What to Consider
      • Choosing an Electric Kiln – A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide
      • Choosing a Pottery Wheel – Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
Recommended Tools
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  • Kilns
  • Clay
  • Tools
  • Glazes
  • Brushes
  • Bats
  • Stools
  • Projects & Supplies
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Tools I Endorse
  • an image of Simple Slip
    Quick TipsGuides

    21 Pottery Clay Slip Questions Answered

    ByMarie

    There is something magical about clay slip and all the things it can do. It really is a fun medium to work with. Clay slip is also called clay slurry. It plays an important role in the crafting of pottery.  I put together a list of…

    Read More 21 Pottery Clay Slip Questions AnsweredContinue

  • an image of a potter making a mug form
    Quick TipsGuides

    7 Best Surfaces for Hand Building

    ByMarie

    The best surface for hand-building clay needs to have some grip to prevent the clay from sliding off or from sticking to the surface. The surface also needs to be somewhat absorbent but not too much; otherwise, it will dry out the clay too fast….

    Read More 7 Best Surfaces for Hand BuildingContinue

  • an image of three used pottery wheels
    Quick TipsGuides

    10 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pottery Wheel

    ByMarie

    Whether you’re on a tight budget or you are looking for a second pottery wheel, a used pottery wheel may be an option for you. Buying a used pottery wheel will save you some money, but you don’t want to buy a broken wheel. So,…

    Read More 10 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pottery WheelContinue

  • picture if a potter opening the clay
    Quick TipsGuides

    9 Common Pottery Wheel Mistakes and How to Fix Them

    ByMarie

    Pottery, like any art form, does not have a specific set of rules. Creativity knows no bounds, and you can never go wrong with your creation. However, it does not mean that you can just go ahead and craft whatever you like. You may not…

    Read More 9 Common Pottery Wheel Mistakes and How to Fix ThemContinue

  • a image of a potter next to a kiln
    Kiln Information Quick Tips

    21 Kiln Questions Answered

    ByMarie

    Whether you have a Kiln or are thinking of getting one, there are some basic things you want and need to know to get the best results from the beautiful pottery you have just created. When you get your first Kiln, there is a lot…

    Read More 21 Kiln Questions AnsweredContinue

  • a picture of a potter looking confused
    Quick TipsGuides

    11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix Them

    ByMarie

    Centering your clay is one of the most important parts of throwing pottery on the wheel. You want the walls of your pottery to have the same thickness, and you don’t want to struggle for what  seems like forever to get your clay centered. Every new…

    Read More 11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix ThemContinue

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About Marie

Hi, I’m Marie
I’m a Potter, a Writer, and the Creator of Pottery Crafters
I also make videos on YouTube about Making Pottery.
My passion is to make Pottery and to Pass on what I’ve learned to you,
helping you in your Pottery Making Journey… Read more


Legal Information This site is owned and operated by Pottery Crafters. Pottery Crafters is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pottery Crafters also participates in affiliate programs with, CJ, Impact Radius, and other sites. Pottery Crafters is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.


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Design By Marie with Kadence

Table of Contents
  • 1. Selecting the Wrong Clay 
  • 2. The Clay Is Too Hard
  • 3. Not Enough Water on Your Clay
  • 4. The Clay Is Too Wet
  • 5. The Clay Was Not Wedged Properly 
  • 6. There Is an Air Pocket in Your Clay
  • 7. Your Elbows Are Up in the Air
  • 8. Pushing Too Hard on Your Clay
  • 9. Avoid the Mushroom or Volcano Effect
  • 10. Your Wheel is Moving Too Slow
  • 11. The Clay Goes Off Center When You Let Go
  • Conclusion
Scroll to top
  • Quick Tips
    • 21 Essential Pottery Clay Tips for Every Potter
    • 21 Kiln Questions Answered
    • 21 Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Making Pottery Every Potter Should Know 
    • 21 Pottery Wheel Throwing Tips
    • 7 Best Surfaces for Hand Building
    • 21 Essential Underglaze Tips for Pottery
    • 9 Common Pottery Wheel Mistakes and How to Fix Them
    • 11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix Them
    • 21 Tips for Hand Building Pottery
    • 21 Pottery Clay Slip Questions Answered
    • 10 Tips on How to Become a Successful and Potter
  • Beginner Info
    • Raku Pottery
      • Is Raku Pottery Expensive to Make?
      • Is Raku Pottery Waterproof: Sealing Raku Ceramics
      • Is Raku Pottery Food Safe: What You Need to Know
    • Clay Tips
      • The Four Types of Clay
      • Choosing Your Pottery Clay – Best Pottery Clay For Beginners
      • Pottery Clay Extruders – Uses and Functions
      • Can Pottery Clay Be Frozen
      • What Is Potters Clay Made Of – Pottery Clay Ingredients Explained
      • Can Air-Dry Clay Be Used on the Pottery Wheel – 3 Brands Tested
      • Stoneware Clay Vs. Porcelain Clay – Details and Facts Explained
      • What Is the Difference Between Stoneware and Earthenware Clay
      • What is Greenware Ceramics: Understanding Its Role in Pottery
    • 30 Beginner Pottery Wheel Projects | With Easy Instructional Videos
    • What Causes Pinholes in Pottery Glaze and How To Prevent Them
    • Can Broken Pottery be Repaired?
    • Pottery Wheel Positions and Posture – All You Need to Know
    • Can Handmade Pottery Go In The Dishwasher?
    • Which Direction Should a Potters Wheel Turn
    • Are Pottery and Ceramics The Same Thing
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
    • What Is Wax Resist in Pottery Used For
    • Wax Resist Tips | Protect – Decorate – Design
    • What Are Sponges Used for in Ceramics?
    • Online vs In-Person Pottery Classes – A Beginners Guide
    • Why Every New Potter Should Take a Pottery Class
    • What To Wear When Doing Pottery
  • How To
    • How to Make Pottery – 8 Step Pottery Making Process
    • How I Started Making Pottery at Home – My Guide for New Potters 
    • How to Dispose of Pottery Clay Water | 3 Proven Methods
    • How To Make Colored Clay For Pottery – A 6-Step Clay Coloring Guide
    • How to Store Pottery Clay
    • How to Prevent Pottery Clay From Cracking While Drying
    • How to Throw Clay on the Pottery Wheel: A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide
    • How To Use a Pottery Kick Wheel (Ultimate Guide)
    • How To Do Pottery With Long Nails – 5 Tips To Remember
    • How to Make Kiln Cookies in 6 Easy Steps – With a Video
    • How To Use Bats on a Pottery Wheel | Types – Usage – Storage
    • How to Start a Home Pottery Studio
  • Glazing
    • Underglaze
      • Applying Underglaze on Greenware vs Bisqueware – Which Is Best
      • What is The Difference Between Glaze and Underglaze
      • Underglazing with Split Cups For a Marbling Effect – A Step-by-Step Guide  
      • Can You Layer Underglaze
      • How Do You Mix Underglazes / Tips to Mix Underglazes
      • Underglazing Pottery | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
    • How To Tips
      • Can Pottery Glaze Be Frozen
      • Can You Bisque and Glaze Fire Pottery at the Same Time?
      • Do You Have to Glaze Pottery  
      • Do You Need a Kiln to Glaze Pottery at Home 
      • How to Remove Glaze From Pottery
      • How to Choose Pottery Glaze – A Beginner Glaze Guide
      • Is Pottery Food Safe Without Glaze?
      • What is Glaze Made of — Ceramic Glaze Ingredients
      • What Is Crazing in Ceramics and How To Prevent It!
      • What Is Slip Trailing | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
      • Sponge Glazing
      • Glaze Grinding
    • Bubble Glazing
    • Sponge Underglazing
    • Sponge Glazing Ombre Glazing
  • Kiln Tips
    • Kiln Maintenance Guide: Tips for Top Performance  
    • The Differences Between a Raku and Electric Kiln Explained
    • What Is the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Kiln
    • What Temperature Do I Bisque Fire Pottery Clay To?
    • Is it Recommended that a Pottery Kiln Be Vented?
    • The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting Kiln Problems
    • Are Pottery Kilns Safe – Beginner Kiln Questions
    • How To Use a Pottery Kiln at Home – 13 Tips To Remember
    • What Is A Kiln Sitter? Everything You Need To Know
    • At What Temperature Can You Open a Pottery Kiln?
    • What Is Kiln Wash – Kiln Shelf Protection Guide
  • Guides & Reviews
    • Guides
      • Gift Ideas for Potters – Pottery Crafters Gift Guide
      • Beginner-Portable-Full Size Pottery Wheel Review: Which Wheel Type Is Right for You?
      • Brent CXC Pottery Wheel – OWNERS REVIEW – Buyers Guide
      • Skytou Pottery Wheel Pottery Forming Machine – OWNERS REVIEW
      • Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel – Owners Review Buyers Guide
      • Shimpo Ceramics Rebranding – A Huge Undertaking
      • 10 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pottery Wheel
      • Best Pottery Tool Sets Under $18
      • Best Glaze Brush Sets
    • Reviews
      • Pottery Wheels Reviewed
      • The Ultimate Edger Pottery Making Multi-Tool Review
      • The Original Giffin Grip and Giffin Grip Mini – Review and Comparison
      • Giffin Grip vs. Bailey Quick Trim 2: The Detailed Differences 
      • Pottery That Sells Well – 9 Pieces All Potters Should Make and Sell
      • Ultimate Pottery Glazing Tools & Supplies Guide
      • Buying a Pottery Kiln | Facts Features and What to Consider
      • Choosing an Electric Kiln – A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide
      • Choosing a Pottery Wheel – Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
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