From Clay To Kiln (a Beginner’s Guide To The Potter’s Wheel)

A comprehensive and beautiful guide to all aspects of ceramics from a true expert.

From Clay to Kiln is a must-have guide for anyone working with ceramics, from absolute beginners, weekend crafters and students, through to practising ceramicists. In this book, Stuart Carey invigorates and encourages you through all stages of the pottery process. Covering all the information you need about tools and materials, he takes you through preparation and hand building, throwing and finishing your vessel, to glazing and firing.

You will gain an in-depth knowledge of how clay works and how to apply your skills to the wheel and beyond. With simple step-by-step tutorials, clear visuals and Stuart’s helpful hints and tips, you can jump straight in with confidence and create a piece of pottery that marries beauty, form and function. Including stunningly beautiful photography throughout, this is a book to inspire.

Meet Stuart 6

Chapter 1: Preparing and Hand Building 8
Meet the Materials 10
Wedging 12
Weighing and Balling 18
Hand Building 20

Chapter 2: Throwing 36
Body Position 38
Glossary of Hand Positions 40
Tools 46
Using a Bat 50
Planning a Project 52
Centering 54
Cylinder 58
Bowl 72
Plate 84

Chapter 3: Finishing your Vessel 90
Turning 92
Finishes 104
Handles 106

Chapter 4: Decoration: Glazing and Firing 120
Surface Finishes 122
Colour 128
Glaze and Glaze Making 130
Mixing and Sieving 136
Application 140
Firing 144
Faults and Flaws 148

Glossary 154
Index 157
Credits 160

I’m very new to pottery, and have found it a relaxing and rewarding pastime. I haven’t braved the wheel yet and I found glazing to be a frustrating process. This book has really helped me understand the processes and has made me feel much more comfortable in trying out more processes. It’s clearly set out and has great photos, I’m ready to try that wheel now! Would highly recommend. 

My mum loved this, being an ex-pottery teacher, she loved how simple and easy it was to follow. The pictures she thought were glorious, this book bought us back a lot of good memories and now we have a hard copy to treasure... Perfect book thank you.

Haven''t done any ceramics before but this book has given me the encouragement and confidence to have a go. The pictures are great and explain things easily, especially for a visual learner. The text is equally as good. Each chapter moves you slowly from task to task, to end up with a completely finished piece of work. The glossary at the back is useful as is the fault-finding section. 

Stuart Carey is a multi-award winning ceramicist whose stylish signature tableware has seen him work with international clients including Conran, Calvin Klein and Goop. A London-based master potter, Stuart is co-owner of The Kiln Rooms Ltd ceramics studios, he regularly gives talks, demonstrations and lectures, and is a contributor to Ceramic Review and Crafts magazines. See more of Stuart’s work at stuartcarey.co.uk

From Clay to Kiln is a must-have guide for anyone working with ceramics, from absolute beginners, weekend crafters, and students through to practising ceramicists. In this book, Stuart Carey invigorates and encourages you through all stages of the pottery process. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of how clay works and how to apply your skills to the wheel and beyond.
With simple step-by-step tutorials, clear visuals, and Stuart’s helpful hints and tips, you can jump straight in