Pottery Making Experience

A one page cheat sheet to guide how to use a ceramic kiln for the first time. Instructions to use a Skutt kiln for pottery and clay artists. The suggested program is for mid range firing. 

At Curvy Pots Handmade, my goal is to make pottery accessible to everyone. Whether you're a beginner eager to try the pottery wheel or someone with specific accessibility needs, my private studio in Surrey, BC, is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive space for all. The studio is located in my garage, which is fully accessible with no steps—making it easy for individuals who use wheelchairs or mobility aids to enter and enjoy the space comfortably. I’ve hosted students with wheelchair access needs and have also worked with those who are legally blind, ensuring that each student has the guidance...

Pottery is as much about the process as it is about the finished piece. One of the most humbling aspects of working with clay is learning how to embrace the imperfections—and sometimes, that means dealing with cracks. Yes, cracks can be frustrating, but they’re also part of the journey. They remind us that pottery is not a perfect, predictable craft—it’s an art that requires patience, experimentation, and a little bit of letting go. Cracks can happen for many reasons, and there are a variety of variables at play during the pottery-making process. Here’s why cracks often appear: Drying Too Quickly:...

When you start pottery, you’ll encounter two main techniques: handbuilding and wheel throwing. But what’s the difference, and which one should you try? Here’s a breakdown: Wheel Throwing: This technique involves using pottery wheel to shape clay into symmetrical forms like bowls, mugs, and plates. The wheel spins the clay while you apply pressure with your hands and tools to shape it. It's ideal for creating round or even forms, but it does require some practice and patience to master. If you love the idea of using a wheel to create pottery, it’s a fantastic option for beginners, and I’ll...