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!

Sign up for our Newsletter!

Never miss an article. Subscribe to the CMW newsletter for insightful ceramics content, announcements, and more!



CMW is on YouTube!

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

Learn More

View All Blog Articles

¡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

Whoopsie-Daisy! Common Mistakes in Ceramics and How to Avoid Them

Beginners Guide, Informative

So you're ready to dive into the wonderful world of ceramics? Fantastic! But hold on a minute before you get your hands dirty. Even the most experienced potters make mistakes, but knowing about some common pitfalls can save you frustration (and maybe a few cracked pots) down the road.

Read Article

The Heat is On! A Beginners Guide to Glazing & Firing Pottery

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative, Kilns

You've sculpted, you've shaped, you've maybe even thrown on the wheel. Now, it's time to transform your clay creations into finished masterpieces! This is where the science of glazing and firing comes in. But before you crank up the heat, let's get a handle on the basics.

Read Article

Unleash Your Inner Scientist: The Chemistry of Clay

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative, Kilns

Ever wondered how that lump of clay transforms into a durable masterpiece? At Ceramic Materials Workshop, we're passionate about uncovering the science behind ceramics.

Read Article

Clay: It’s Not Just Mud! A Beginner’s Guide to This Material

Beginners Guide, Clay, Featured Article, Informative

Okay, you've signed up for that pottery class, or maybe you've just got a bag of clay staring at you from the corner of your craft room. Now what? Before you dive headfirst into making amazing pottery, let's get to know the star of the show: clay!

Read Article

A Beginner’s Glossary of Glaze Chemistry Terms

Beginners Guide, Clay, Glazes, Informative, Kilns

Glaze chemistry made easy! Download our beginner's glossary & flashcards to master the essential terms

Read Article

The Science Behind Glaze Application: Dipping, Brushing, Spraying

Beginners Guide, Glazes, How Tos, Informative

Ever stared at a freshly bisqued piece and dreamed of transforming it into a dazzling, glazed masterpiece? You're not alone!

Read Article

Not Just Hot Air: Understanding Thermocouples in Your Kiln

Beginners Guide, Informative, Kilns

Ever wondered how your kiln "knows" when to turn up the heat or cool things down? The answer lies in a tiny but mighty hero: the thermocouple!

Read Article

Ceramic Cone Chart:Deciphering Kiln Firing Rates for Best Results

Beginners Guide, Charts, How Tos, Kilns

Learn how to interpret ceramic cone charts and understand the impact of different firing rates on your pottery. Discover the ideal balance between efficiency and material integrity for successful kiln firings.

Read Article