Here's how you can learn to throw a small bowl on the pottery wheel. Throwing small things is probably the most fun. I like to see things take shape quickly and I also like being able to throw using only my hands - and little tools as necessary.
I start by using 3/4 lb of stoneware clay. I'll open up the centered clay, leaving enough clay at the bottom for a foot. Then, throw a straight-walled cylinder. Once you've reached the desired height you can open up the cylinder into a bowl shape. Rest the tip of your finger on the inside bottom and slowly pivot your hand outward - keeping that finger resting there for as long as possible. Your outside hand can be gently supporting the wall. After the bowl is opened, using gentle pressure, draw the curve of the wall with your finger tip. The inside finger should be lower than the outside. The inside hand will do the shaping and again, the outside hand will support the wall. Finally, clean up the inside with a rib and clean the rim with a sponge.
In a day or two of slowly drying, the clay will be leather hard - meaning it won't distort with handling - and it will be ready to trim.
Thanks for watching!
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