Handbuilding is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to create with clay, and it’s perfect for beginners looking to explore the tactile nature of pottery.

In this post, we’ll walk through the three primary handbuilding techniques: pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. Each technique offers unique possibilities for creating everything from simple bowls to intricate, sculptural pieces.

In ceramics, the term "cone" refers to a small, cone-shaped tool used in the kiln to measure heatwork—how temperature and time work together to mature your pottery. Cones are more than just temperature indicators; they melt or bend at specific temperatures, giving you a visual cue that your clay or glaze has absorbed the right amount of heat.

Potters use cones in a few different ways: to describe the properties of glazes and clays (like “cone 6 glaze”), to refer to the actual pyrometric cones, and to explain firing temperatures. The cone numbering system runs from low to high, with cones ranging from 022 (cooler temperatures) to 12 (higher temperatures). Understanding this system helps you choose the right firing temperature for your work, ensuring the best results.

Help! I Don’t Know What Clay to Buy!

Starting pottery can feel overwhelming with all the clay options out there. To make it simpler, ask yourself three questions: What temperature will I fire at? What technique will I use? And what am I making?

Whether you’re handbuilding or throwing on the wheel, choosing the right clay comes down to a few basics—understanding firing temperatures (low, mid, or high), texture needs, and the type of project you’re creating. From earthenware’s bright, low-fire options to the durability of high-fire stoneware, there’s a clay out there perfect for every project!