Pottery Students’ Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them!)
Pottery is an art that requires patience, practice, and a little bit of trial and error. Whether you’re a first-time student or someone looking to refine your skills, it’s completely normal to make mistakes along the way. At BPS, we’ve seen plenty of beginners struggle with the same challenges—so don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Here are some of the most common mistakes pottery students make and tips to help you improve your technique.
1. Using Too Much Water
💧 The Mistake: Over-wetting the clay can weaken your piece, making it too soft and difficult to shape.
✔️ The Fix: Use water sparingly! Keep your hands damp but not dripping, and only add water in small amounts as needed.
2. Uneven Wall Thickness
🏺 The Mistake: Beginners often end up with thick bottoms and thin walls, causing pieces to be unbalanced or fragile.
✔️ The Fix: Consistently check your walls as you shape your piece. Use a rib tool to even out thickness and avoid overworking certain areas.
3. Rushing the Drying Process
🌬️ The Mistake: Drying your piece too fast can lead to cracks or warping.
✔️ The Fix: Let your piece dry slowly and evenly. Cover it loosely with plastic to prevent sudden moisture loss.
4. Forgetting to Score & Slip When Attaching Pieces
🔗 The Mistake: If you’re adding handles, feet, or decorative elements, failing to properly attach them can cause them to break off after firing.
✔️ The Fix: Always score (scratch) both surfaces and apply slip (liquid clay) before attaching pieces together.
5. Not Trimming or Smoothing Edges Properly
✂️ The Mistake: Rough edges and uneven surfaces can make pieces uncomfortable to use and harder to glaze evenly.
✔️ The Fix: Use a damp sponge, rib tool, or your fingers to smooth out edges and seams before your piece fully dries.
6. Being Too Hard on Yourself!
❤️ The Mistake: Many students get frustrated when their piece isn’t "perfect."
✔️ The Fix: Pottery is a learning process. Every mistake teaches you something new. Enjoy the journey, experiment, and embrace the imperfections—they make your work unique!
Join a Pottery Class at BPS & Improve Your Skills
Mistakes are part of the learning experience, but with practice and patience, you’ll see progress in no time! If you’re eager to refine your pottery skills in a supportive and fun environment, join us for a class at BPS.
