10 Ways To Get Into Pottery And Start Your Creative Journey

Are you ready to get your hands dirty and create something beautiful?

Pottery may just be the hobby for you.

With its combination of creativity, relaxation, and practicality, pottery has been a beloved pastime for centuries. But for beginners, getting started can feel overwhelming.

That’s where I come in.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to learn more about pottery, whether you prefer online classes, in-person workshops, or books and tutorials.

Are you ready to explore the world of pottery?!

1) Pottery Studios Near You

If you’re just starting out, taking a class at a local studio or college art department is a great way to get your hands dirty and learn the basics.

Luckily, pottery studios are scattered all over the place, so finding one near you should be a breeze. Simply reach out to a few studios in your area and inquire about beginner courses or introductory lessons.

Learning from a skilled instructor is the quickest way to get the hang of pottery. Sure, you can try to teach yourself, but you might not even realize you’re making mistakes. With a teacher, you’ll get immediate feedback and guidance to correct any errors you’re making.

Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll be able to confidently create pottery at home on your own. So why not start your pottery journey with a local class and see where it takes you?

2) Pottery Books

If taking a pottery class in person isn’t an option for you, don’t worry – there are other ways to learn the craft. One great way is to dive into some of the many pottery books available on the market.

While there are a ton of books out there on the subject, some are better than others for beginners. Two popular options are Mastering The Potter’s Wheel and Complete Pottery Techniques, both of which cover all the fundamental steps involved in making pottery.

However, pottery is a nuanced art form, and some steps can be more complicated than they first appear. That’s why it’s important to choose your books carefully. Some can be overwhelming for beginners, while others are a perfect fit for more experienced potters looking to perfect their technique.

If you’re up for a challenge and want to take your pottery skills to the next level, consider checking out Amazing Glaze or Mastering Hand Building. These books take a deep dive into specific aspects of the craft.

3) Pottery Kits

Kits are a fantastic option that allow you to learn the basics through trial and error.

There are a ton of pottery kits available on the market, each with its own unique set of tools and materials. Prices can vary widely, with some kits starting at just $20 and others costing upwards of $150.

Most kits will include a small amount of clay, some basic pottery tools, and detailed instructions to help guide you through the process. Typically, these kits are designed to create a single project, such as a planter or a plate.

Of course, if you find that you love pottery and want to continue honing your skills, you’ll need to invest in some quality tools and equipment. But starting with a kit is a great way to test the waters and see if pottery is the right hobby for you.

4) Local Galleries

If you are looking for inspiration to jumpstart your pottery journey, why not head to a gallery and explore the work of talented ceramic artists in your area?

Browsing through galleries is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the beauty and intricacy of pottery craftsmanship. You’ll have the opportunity to view a wide range of styles, techniques, and materials, helping you identify what resonates with you as an artist.

Don’t just limit yourself to larger galleries – smaller ones can be a treasure trove of unique and exciting pottery styles. In fact, these smaller galleries often showcase pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind and may spark your creativity in ways you never thought possible.

5) Pottery Magazines

Reading magazines is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of pottery without any upfront commitment. And with the internet, you can now read almost any magazine online and on-demand.

Some pottery magazines you might want to check out are Ceramic Review, Clay Times, and ClayCraft.

You can normally find interviews with amazing potters and breathtaking pieces of pottery in these magazines.

However, most magazines don’t teach you how to get started. So once you find your inspiration to get started, get your hands in the clay!

6) Social Media

In today’s world, social media has become an integral part of our lives.

Whether it’s Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube, there is a vast collection of inspiration available for your pottery projects. These social media platforms are home to a diverse community of potters, ranging from beginners to professionals, who share their work and techniques with the world.

By connecting with them, you can learn new styles, techniques, and gain ideas for your next project. Don’t be afraid to reach out and engage with the pottery community!

7) Making Something With Kids

For parents looking for an activity to enjoy with their children, pottery is an excellent choice.

With a plethora of kid-friendly pottery kits and workshops available, you and your little ones can explore various beginner projects and hand-building ideas.

Pottery is an excellent way to bond with your kids while engaging in a fun and creative activity. Who knows, you might discover a new hobby that you can all enjoy together!

You could try one of the pottery projects for beginners or handbuilding ideas.

If your kids like it, you can even make it a weekly family activity.

This is not only a great way to get into pottery, but you also get to spend a fun time with your kids.

8) Craft Fair

Looking for a way to connect with your local pottery community?

Head to a craft fair in your area!

These events often feature potters selling their handmade creations, giving you the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and see their work up close.

Who knows? You might make some new friends who can teach you a few tips and tricks, or even help you find affordable secondhand equipment.

And with some practice, you could even sell your own pieces at a craft fair in the future!

9) Museums Or Historic Sites

Pottery has been around for thousands of years. And to this day we can often still find pieces of pottery made by our ancestors.

If you are interested in pottery, visiting a museum or historic site might be a great way to get familiar with the different types of pottery that have been made over the ages.

Seeing what people generations ago were able to make with their own bare hands might be the right spark to get you interested in making a few pieces yourself.

10) Online Classes

Don’t have access to a local pottery studio? No problem! Online classes are a great way to learn from the comfort of your own home. Many websites offer pottery classes for beginners, including big names like Domestika and Skillshare.

While online classes may not be quite the same as in-person classes, they’re a great option for people living in rural areas or with busy schedules. Be sure to choose a live online class if possible, so that you can get feedback and advice from the instructor in real-time.

Conclusion

Pottery is a great hobby that combines creativity, relaxation, and practicality.

While it may seem overwhelming for beginners, there are plenty of ways to learn and get started, whether you prefer taking classes, reading books, using kits, visiting galleries, or connecting with the pottery community online.

Parents can also involve their children in this fun and creative activity.

Pottery allows us to explore our artistic side and create something beautiful with our own hands.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get your hands dirty and discover the wonderful world of pottery!