There are two basic techniques for creating pottery: hand-built and wheel thrown. Within these two techniques are also different ways of forming the clay.
1. Hand-built – This is the earliest forming method and you only need to have clay and a workspace to make hand-built pottery. There are three hand-built techniques: pinch pot, coil pot and slab pot.
Pinch Pot – Made by kneading and pressing the clay into the shape of a bowl, cup, dish or pot.
Coil Pot – When the clay is made into long, round clips, they can be stacked to form other shapes. Coils can be smoothed when finished or left as is to give the pottery a wicker look.
Slab Pot – Used to form clay boxes or geometric shapes. Slabs of clay can be combined with other hand-built techniques to make advanced shapes.
2. Wheel-Thrown – This is a more difficult technique than the hand-built technique and requires the use of a potter’s wheel. The potter needs to be knowledgeable in using the wheel and make sure to centre the clay before working it. The correct amount of water must also be used as well as making sure the wheel turns at a steady rate.