After spending way too many hours watching pottery videos on Instagram (the algorithm clearly knows about my craft supply hoarding tendencies), I’ve done the homework into what it really takes to start ceramics at home. While I haven’t taken the plunge myself yet, beyond the odd little clay doodad, ornament, or TOTAL FAIL – my craft room is already giving me side-eye about adding another hobby – I’ve researched everything you need to know about getting started without breaking the bank or ending up with a bunch of supplies you’ll never use.
The Basic Setup
Let’s talk about clay first. You need to start with the right foundation, and from what I’ve found, you’ve got three main options:
- Earthenware: Great for beginners and hand-building projects. It’s like the training wheels of clay.
- Stoneware: Perfect for making stuff you’ll actually use, like mugs and plates. This is what most of those gorgeous Instagram pieces are made from.
- Porcelain: Beautiful but tricky – maybe save this one for later, unless you enjoy a challenge. It’s like jumping straight to advanced mode in a video game.
For your workspace, you don’t need a fancy studio. I’m spoiled with my pretty craft room now, but trust me, I know all about making space for crafts in unlikely places (my dining room table has seen things). A sturdy table and some waterproof covering will do the job. Add a water bucket and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Pro tip: Put down more protective covering than you think you need. Clay gets everywhere – and I mean everywhere. Seems like it might be glitter’s evil cousin.
Essential Tools to Get Started
Here are the must-haves:
- Loop tools for carving and shaping
- Wooden ribs for smoothing
- Sponges for keeping clay workable
- Needle tools for details and air bubbles
Consider this your starter pack – like that basic set of crafting tools we all started with before our collection exploded.
The “Nice to Have” (But Not Essential) List
These are the tools that make ceramicists’ eyes light up, but your wallet might need some convincing:
- Potter’s wheel (if you’re serious about those Instagram-worthy mugs)
- Kiln (expensive but game-changing)
- Glazing supplies
- Bench or balance scales
Think of these as the advanced crafting tools – like my Cricut machine that started as a “maybe someday” and ended up being essential to my creative life.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Before you invest in specialized tools, raid your kitchen drawers.
As someone who’s turned pretty much every household item into a craft tool at some point, I appreciate these clever hacks:
- Old gift cards work great for smoothing
- Chopsticks for details
- Cookie cutters for consistent shapes
- Rolling pins for slabs
Starting Projects
Just like when I started this blog, it’s best to start small and build confidence. Begin with:
- Basic pinch pots (perfect for ring dishes or small planters)
- Coil-built vases (they don’t have to be perfectly symmetrical to have character)
- Simple slab dishes (future jewelry catches, perhaps?)
Remember: Every potter you follow on Instagram started somewhere. Your first pieces might look more “modern art” than “artisanal craftsperson,” and that’s totally okay. I still have some of my early craft projects that make me cringe – but they also show how far I’ve come.
I mean, this sign from several years ago is pretty basic….
Finding Your Clay Community
In the years following the pandemic, I think most people would agree that they have discovered the power of re-discovering communities. Find your new creative community in:
- Local pottery studios that may offer classes
- Community centers with ceramic programs
- Online communities and tutorials
- Instagram accounts for inspiration and maybe even tutorials (warning: highly addictive)
The Reality Check
Starting any new craft can be intimidating. Between the initial investment, the learning curve, and the inevitable “what have I gotten myself into” moments, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But from what I’ve seen in the ceramics community, the joy of creating something with your own hands makes it worth it.
Ready to get your hands dirty? Drop a comment if you’ve tried ceramics – I’d love to hear about your experiences while I work up the courage to take my first class! And hey, maybe we can all share in the journey together.
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