Beginners Guide

Explore all of our blog posts in the Beginners Guide category below.

All Beginners Guide Posts

Show Filter

Reset

About Beginners Guide

Welcome to the Ceramic Materials Workshop Beginner’s Guide Series! Just finished your first pottery class and wondering what’s next? Or maybe you’re brand new to ceramics and eager to dive in? This series is the perfect place to start your ceramic journey. We’ll cover everything from the basics of clay and glaze to essential tools and techniques, giving you a solid foundation to build upon. No prior experience is necessary – just your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!

CMW is on YouTube!

Explore the secrets of clay and glazes on our YouTube channel!

Learn More
View All Blog Articles

Size Matters: Understanding Clay Contraction in the Kiln

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

Ever wondered why your pottery shrinks in the kiln? There's some serious science going on in there! Get ready to don your lab coats and safety goggles, because we're about to delve into the fascinating world of clay contraction and uncover the chemical shenanigans that cause your pottery to slim down during firing.
Read Article

Tile and Error: Learning from Your Ceramic Experiments

Beginners Guide, How Tos, Informative

Let's face it, the ceramics world is full of surprises. One minute you're gazing lovingly at a perfectly glazed piece, the next you're staring in disbelief at a volcanic eruption in your kiln. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? Every crack, crawl, and unexpected color explosion is a chance to learn and grow. And the key to unlocking those ceramic secrets? Test tiles, baby!
Read Article

The Wheel Deal: Taking Your Pottery Passion to the Next Level

Beginners Guide, Informative

So, you've taken your first pottery class, and now you're officially hooked? Welcome to the club! The feeling of clay transforming between your fingers is truly addictive. But what happens when that class ends and you're left with a burning desire to keep creating?
Read Article

Diving Deep into Electric Kilns with Freddy Fredrickson

Beginners Guide, Informative, Kilns

Lets explore the ins and outs of electric kilns, drawing insights from Freddy Fredrickson, a kiln expert with 36 years of experience, as featured on the "For Flux Sake" podcast.
Read Article

From Plucked to Polished

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

Ever had that moment when you open your kiln, brimming with anticipation, only to find little chips or divots missing from the foot and your otherwise glorious glaze? Well, my friends, you've just encountered the curious case of "plucking"!
Read Article

Glaze Detectives: Cracking the Case of Studio Waste

Beginners Guide, How Tos, Informative

Ah, the public pottery studio: a haven of creativity, camaraderie, and… mystery glazes? Yep, those colorful concoctions lurking in communal buckets can be a source of both excitement and trepidation. And then there's the question of glaze waste – what to do with those drippy buckets and rinse water?
Read Article

A Guide to Kiln Peeps (the Non-Marshmallow Kind)

Beginners Guide, Informative, Kilns

Kiln peepholes – those mysterious little portals into the fiery depths of your kiln – are more than just a way to sneak a peek at your pottery's progress. They're crucial for controlling the kiln's atmosphere and ensuring your masterpieces emerge in tip-top shape. But when should you use them, and how do you avoid turning your kiln into a ceramic popcorn popper? Let's shed some light on these fiery peepers!
Read Article

Mud Wrestling 101: Surviving Your First Pottery Encounter

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

So, you've signed up for your first pottery class? Get ready to get your hands dirty – literally! Pottery is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity, de-stress, and maybe even discover a hidden talent. But before you dive headfirst into a mound of clay, here's the lowdown on what to expect and how to make the most of your first pottery class.
Read Article

Chill Out, It’s Just Lead: A Sensible Look at Glaze Safety

Beginners Guide, Glazes, Informative, Myth Busters

Hey there, ceramic enthusiasts! Let’s tackle a topic that often causes confusion and concern: lead in ceramics. It’s time to clear the air and separate fact from fiction, so you can confidently create and enjoy your pottery!
Read Article
Ever gazed at a piece of pottery and wondered about the magic behind its glossy, vibrant surface? That's the power of ceramic glazes, and you might be surprised to learn how accessible creating your own can be. Forget the limitations of store-bought glazes; it's time to dive into the exciting realm of crafting custom finishes that reflect your unique artistic vision.
Ever gazed at a piece of pottery and wondered about the magic behind its glossy, vibrant surface? That's the power of ceramic glazes, and you might be surprised to learn how accessible creating your own can be. Forget the limitations of store-bought glazes; it's time to dive into the exciting realm of crafting custom finishes that reflect your unique artistic vision.

Glaze Mixing Demystified: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (and a Few Pro Tips Too!)

Beginners Guide, Glazes, Informative

Ever gazed at a piece of pottery and wondered about what gives it its glossy, vibrant surface? That's the power of ceramic glazes, and you might be surprised to learn how accessible creating your own can be. Forget the limitations of store-bought glazes; it's time to dive into the exciting realm of crafting custom finishes that reflect your unique artistic vision.
Read Article

¡Ups! Errores Comunes en Cerámica y Cómo Evitarlos

Beginners Guide, Informative

¿Así que estás listo para sumergirte en el maravilloso mundo de la cerámica? ¡Fantástico! Pero espera un minuto antes de ensuciarte las manos. Incluso los alfareros más experimentados cometen errores, pero conocer algunos errores comunes puede ahorrarte frustración (y tal vez algunas vasijas rotas) en el futuro.
Read Article

Clay, Kilns, and Creativity: A Beginner’s Guide to Ceramics!

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative, Kilns

Ready to dive into the awesome world of ceramics? Grab your apron and let's get started! First things first, you'll need some clay. Think of it like the superhero of the art world, able to transform into almost anything! But just like superheroes have different powers, clay comes in different types.
Read Article
Load More