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A plain clay pot can look finished after shaping, but it is still fragile, porous, and unfinished. Glazing and firing turn that soft-looking form into something stronger, sealed, and full of color, texture, and depth. These two stages are where pottery often feels most mysterious. A glaze may go into the kiln looking chalky and dull, then come out glossy blue, satin white, speckled green, or rich brown. A kiln may look like a simple hot box, but inside it, clay and minerals a

Tools and Equipment Potter’s wheel and bats Towels and an apron A small bucket for holding water or slurry as you work One or more sponges A trimming tool A rubber or wooden rib A potter’s needle A cut-off wire Fettling knives A box to keep your tools in Glazes and application tools such as brushes, tongs, etc. Calipers Kiln Choose your clay Earthenware clay is versatile and typically the easiest to throw on the pottery wheel, so this may be the best option if you are just be