Tools Provided

Tools You'll Use in Class

Everything below is provided by the studio. Here is what each tool looks like and what it does

1. Pottery Wheel

The wheel spins a lump of clay while you shape it with your hands, which is how bowls, cups, and vases are made. Our wheels have an adjustable speed and a foot pedal, and your instructor will guide you through using it.

2. Wire Cutter

A thin wire with a wooden handle at each end. It is used to slice clay from a large block and to cut finished pieces off the wheel or the board.

3. Needle Tool

A long, thin metal point set in a handle. It is used to score lines, mark guides, trim the top edge of a pot, and pop small air bubbles in the clay.

4. Loop (Trimming) Tool

A metal loop with a sharp edge on a wooden handle. Once a piece has dried slightly, it is used to carve away extra clay and shape the base or foot of a pot.

5. Wooden Rib

A flat, curved piece of wood held against the clay while it spins. It helps shape the walls of a pot, smooth surfaces, and push out extra water.

6. Kidney Rib

A kidney-shaped tool made of metal or flexible rubber. It is used to smooth the surface of a piece, refine curves, and give your pottery an even finish.

7. Sponge

A soft sponge used to add or remove water while you work, smooth rough edges, and clean up your piece. A damp sponge is one of the most useful tools in the studio.

8. Fettling Knife

A thin, flexible blade used to cut clay slabs to size, trim clean edges, and remove excess clay from a piece.

9. Rolling Pin and Guide Sticks

Used for hand-building with flat slabs of clay. The guide sticks sit on either side so that the clay rolls out to an even thickness.

10. Brushes

Soft brushes in a range of sizes, used to apply water, slip, and glazes. Larger brushes cover big areas, and fine brushes are used for details and decoration.

Please handle all tools with care and return them to the tray at the end of your session.