# Beginner pottery list — a kit for hand building without a wheel

You can start pottery without a wheel: pinch, coil and slab techniques need only a small kit to make bowls, plates and planters. This list gathers the supplies for hand building, and with a room code you can sort out the shopping with friends or relatives who want to give a gift. No sign-up needed.

**In short:** To start wheel-free pottery you need clay, shaping tools, a sponge, a wire cutter, a rolling pin, an apron, a water container and a work board. Air-dry clay needs no kiln but isn't suited to water or food; sturdy pieces need kiln-fired clay. Glaze and ceramic paint need a kiln too, so you can book firing at a studio.

## What's on the list

- Clay — air-dry or kiln-fired
- Shaping tools — wood and metal set
- Sponge — for smoothing surfaces
- Wire cutter — for slicing clay
- Rolling pin — for even slabs
- Apron
- Water container
- Work board — wood or plaster
- Cling film and damp cloth — keeps clay from drying
- Kiln firing at a studio — no home kiln needed
- Glaze or ceramic paint — needs a kiln firing
- Glaze brushes — soft, broad tip
- Fine sandpaper or sponge — for dry surfaces
- Wheel-throwing class — try later

## Tips

- Air-dry clay needs no kiln but isn't suited to water or food and works for decorative pieces; for sturdy, usable pieces you need kiln-fired ceramic clay.
- Keep walls roughly even in thickness and leave no trapped air; a piece with air trapped inside can crack or burst in the kiln.
- When joining pieces, score the surfaces, dab on a little slip and press firmly; that way the join won't separate as it dries.
- Dry pieces slowly and evenly, and cover the clay with a damp cloth or cling film between sessions; pieces that dry too fast can crack.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do you need a wheel to start pottery?

No; you can make bowls, plates and planters with pinch, coil and slab techniques. A wheel can be tried later in a class.

### What's the difference between air-dry clay and kiln-fired clay?

Air-dry clay hardens without a kiln but isn't suited to water or food and works for decorative pieces. Kiln-fired clay is fired in a ceramic kiln and, once glazed, gives sturdy, usable pieces.

### Can you make glazed pottery without a kiln at home?

Glaze and ceramic paint need a kiln, and a regular kitchen oven isn't suitable. Many pottery studios offer firing for your pieces, so ask in advance to reserve a slot.

### Can I change the list?

Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.

### Do I need an account?

No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.

### How long is the list kept?

As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.

### Can I install it on my phone?

Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.

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[Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/beginner-pottery-hand-building-list) — 14 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.