Pottery - How to Center Clay on the Wheel

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Click 'subscribe' to know when I post new videos. I'm sorry I can't easily respond to comments left on youtube. Please direct question to my Facebook page Evolution Stoneware Pottery or email me through my website www.EvolutionStoneware.com. This is an instructional pottery video on how to center clay on the potters wheel by Janis Hughes in the Evolution Stoneware Pottery studio. Check out www.evolutionstoneware.com for my 3 hour "Custom Clay Pottery Tools" video series and go to Evolution Stoneware Pottery on Facebook. Thanks for watching and click 'like' (if you do).
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1 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 146

@christybrown3444 11 лет назад

I am so excited. I just tried this technique and for the first time in two years is centered the clay in seconds. Thank you so much! It's one of those very basic things that can just kill a piece and I was so frustrated.

@-niasdiary- 5 лет назад

YOU MAKE IT LOOK SO EASY BROOOOO😭

@EvolutionStoneware 11 лет назад

Believe me, it's just from years, and years, and years of practice. Every time you do it you get a little better. I hope the video helps a bit. There are a lot of ways to center, but this is what works for me.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

So for some people it helps to think about it as maintaining your position regardless of how hard the clay is pushing for that instant. You are resisting the push back of the clay. It may push hard one instant and less the next if it is out of round. If you use the same force the whole time, your hand will just follow the rocking of the uneven clay (the butter churning movement). You want to stay steady and get the clay to conform to your position to keep it round and center it.

@burpboy- 3 года назад

sus

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

This is hard to explain in words, but I'll try. Think of the right hand as trying to maintain it's position regardless of how hard the clay is pushing against it. You are applying inward pressure on the clay pushing toward the center of the bat, but it's almost more of a resistance. When people think push, they tend to think of using the same amount of force the whole time. But if the clay is uneven, you need to push harder for part of the revolution of the wheel.

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@nose4real I'll add this to my list of ideas for future videos. I'd center a little more than half of it like I do in this video, then I'd smack the rest of the clay on top. I'd pat the new clay to center it as much as possible, then cone and compress the whole thing as before.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

I typically do wedge my clay. You don't *have* to if it is commercially processed clay right out of the bag. But I usually do.

@fictionalhuman 5 лет назад

Excellent explanation! Centering is what I struggle with the most. This has been helpful. Thank you!

@brooklyn9392 8 лет назад

This is definitely one of the best videos I've seen on centering! She doesn't go too fast, she explains things well, and it's generally just very helpful. To everyone out there who needs help with centering I would also recommend watching "help! I can't center". These two videos really helped me pass my ceramics class.

@Leelz247 2 года назад

I'm going to try coning, the traditional way of centering takes forever.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

@SillyKinkajoo There are several different approaches to opening the clay. I like to rest the palms of both of my hands on either side of the centered clay, find the middle, and press in with both of my thumbs. I find this more stable than using one finger. Keeping your hands resting on the outside helps to stay centered. And make sure you keep the clay wet in the hole as you push in. If your thumbs are sticking, it will get out off center. Check out my other videos to see how I open.

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@shanetoons I'm slammed right now with orders and getting ready for holiday shows, but I'll try to make you a bowl video before Thanksgiving. I think if you subscribe to my channel with that subscribe button you'll get an email update when I post new videos. That might be an easy way to keep track. As far as decoration to not look plain, are you most concerned about the inside or outside of the bowl? Or both?

@danr733 2 года назад

Curious… are you right or left handed. Great video! I also throw standing and have had some trouble adjusting. Thanks

@EvolutionStoneware 2 года назад

I'm right handed. But I do a lot of non-pottery things with my left hand like eating and using a computer mouse due to nerve pain in my right hand.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

Little Loafers cone 6 white stoneware from Highwater Clays

@sexmuffin2122 11 лет назад

The first time I threw and was centering I put it to fast and it want down all the way and I was in class and it flew across the room and my bucket full of water split I was so embarrassed :( then I tired again a few days letter and I was a natural at it i was one of the fastest centers in clay one (;

@EvolutionStoneware 14 лет назад

@earthfaemama I stacked up some cinder blocks on their sides (2 high) and sat the wheel on top of them. It's been very sturdy for a few years now. I hope you like it if you decide to raise your wheel. :)

@Dive_Me_Crazy 9 лет назад

That was great, thanks..... Have you ever thrown a bird bath? Would love to see how it's done...

@allltheotherkids 11 лет назад

omg you make coning look so effortless! every time i do it it takes me forever

@Iluvluvsukisukisuki 3 года назад

It looks so easy when I watch it and then when I try it I end up with a crooked asymmetrical flop of a "mug" 😂

@EvolutionStoneware 3 года назад

Keep going! Throwing is hard to learn and takes a LOT of practice. It's like learning to play an instrument. Stick with it. You can do it. 🙂

@Iluvluvsukisukisuki 3 года назад

@@EvolutionStoneware thanks so much for the encouragement! My husband just bought me a wheel and I'm so excited to keep practicing! Even if my stuff is floppy right now 😂 your videos are so helpful, thank you!

@GSAtheUnparalleled 2 года назад

This is so incredibly helpful. Thank you so much

@pamgoodrich8888 3 года назад

Thank you so much! I'm on my 3rd pottery wheel class and have had trouble centering. Your directions were perfect. Can't wait to try them out today at the studio.

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@dewinter42 I'm so glad this helped! Learning to center can be terribly frustrating.

@LockStoppageSandwich 2 года назад

Such a skill……………..not done this since back in School. Use to enjoy 😊 pottery class 👍

@kyrak5340 7 лет назад

Thank you for showing your fingers and where there they are positioned. As a ceramic student with smaller hands and it was very difficult for me to get enough pressure without my fingers touching today, now I know its ok to do that.

@maha-kj3504 3 года назад

That’s exactly my problem small hands 😭

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

You're welcome! I'm so glad to hear that this helped. Happy potting to you!

@mikema9311 7 лет назад

good video feed...thanks mucho

@themysteriouszane 10 лет назад

I used to be good at throwing in highschool (when my teacher was buisy, I taught the advanced ceramics kids on throwing xD) but its been afew years and of coarse now I have a treddle....can't center. I'm glad I found your video!

@TheAbstractview 13 лет назад

I've been watching videos on how to center clay for the last hour this by far is the most helpful thank you.

@musicalmuse3614 11 лет назад

*_* I can't wait to go to my ceramics class tomorrow, its been too long

@LockStoppageSandwich 3 года назад

I remember doing this stuff back at School in England..............great memories. Not touched clay or a wheel since. Which is a shame because it was enjoyable. But them other things got in the way.

@burpboy- 3 года назад

amogus!

@howmanyusers 11 лет назад

AWESOME!!!! I've been doing it for like 5 years, and just took it back up a week ago and centering the clay has always been the hardest for me, but your tutorial will hopefully help me in a couple days. Thanks.

@Docwood_Theory 4 года назад

Thank you

@danr733 2 года назад

Thanks for responding. Idid try it left handed , as you did, but ended up right handed. Anyway the process works great in a standing position. Thanks

@TheTypoGoddess 13 лет назад

You have NO idea how much this helps me. I'm in an intermediate/advanced class in my high school because I have a lot of experience handbuilding. However, I can't center. At all. Hopefully this will help me tomorrow in class. Thank you!

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

Hmmm, if the bat is only a little unlevel, I think it shouldn't cause any serious problems with centering. Just try to focus on what the clay is doing and not what the bat is doing. If it's really unlevel, say a quarter inch or more difference in height from one side to another, that would be problematic. The other thing that can cause problems is if the bat is really loose and jiggles a lot. While it's possible to work through that, it can psych you out.

@dawnjones7706 3 года назад

You make it look so easy, I feel like I'm trying to move a boulder.

@EvolutionStoneware 3 года назад

Oh Dawn, don't feel bad! It takes a lot of practice. I hope some of the explanation in this video will help you. Wedging the clay well will help loosen it up and make it more responsive and pliable on the wheel. Throwing is like surfing. It looks natural and easy when you're watching someone with a lot of experience, but learning how to do it requires a lot of practice, building up your coordination, and developing a 'feel' for it. Keep trying, and you'll get it! It's totally normal for it to be hard at first.

@brandonbrunette2723 5 лет назад

I was wondering if you could also make a vase on the wheel and how to make a vase please

@EvolutionStoneware 5 лет назад

I'll definitely add that to my list for future videos Brandon. 🙂

@rslane32 13 лет назад

Wow that is great. I would love to see you throw that bottle too.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

It can be so frustrating learning how to center. Stick with it because I promise you the fun of throwing is worth the pain in the beginning. I know you know, but generally people really don't understand at all how hard it is because it looks so simple until you try it.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

@waichita What is the weight of clay that you are trying to center? You might want to check out some of my most recent videos to see how I normally center in real time when I'm making a pot as opposed to this slowed down approach where I break down each step.

@NonDoormat 12 лет назад

Thanks! I've been looking for a video to help me centre for a while now. Yours is the best!

@EvolutionStoneware 11 лет назад

I like to open the middle of the clay using my 2 thumbs side by side, but some people prefer to steady their right hand with their left and press into the middle of the clay with their pointer or middle finger.

@nxtrenaissance 3 года назад

You reall helped me out thanks

@EvolutionStoneware 3 года назад

I'm so glad it helped!!! Keep going. It gets easier with practice. You can do it.

@501photo 9 лет назад

That pot was really nice. Thanks for the VoD.

@EvolutionStoneware 9 лет назад

Thanks Craig! :)

@pirti1008 6 месяцев назад

Loved your simple effective demo ...very easy to follow

@earthfaemama 14 лет назад

What did you put your wheel on to raise it up for standing? Great video!

@potterydayz6565 5 лет назад

Keep the videos coming. Really good demo.

@tmiller7011 6 лет назад

This was so helpful! You got right to the point and you explained it so well.

@DannyPodcast 3 года назад

Beautiful, you make it look so easy. Thank you.

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@sadiejimenezr I'm a righty. While I'm pretty handy with my left side too, but I'm not totally ambidextrous.

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@GimmeYourCookies I use a ^6 white stoneware called Little Loafer from Highwater Clay. It's very smooth with no grog.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

@shanetoons I'm finally getting this video done. I hope it's not too late for you. The bowl is thrown and trimmed. Tomorrow I'll decorate it, and I'll get the video up as soon as I can.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

@daonethtlks I have a Shimpo RK Whisper. I love it! I've been using it for about 8 or 9 years, and it's been great.

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

@NonDoormat Oh, wow, that's great to hear! Thanks for letting me know. Best of luck with your throwing.

@Swinton12fv79c 10 лет назад

That's a nice quiet wheel. Can you share the brand name?

@EvolutionStoneware 8 лет назад

I use a Shimpo RK Whisper wheel. It is almost silent. They have another very quite model that I think is called the VS Whisper.

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@TheTypoGoddess I hope it's going better for you now! Thanks for dropping me a note. :)

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

@waichita I really hope this helps you out! Good luck, and let me know how it goes.

@ShineHatfield 9 лет назад

Am I the only one who uses my left hand as a brace, and my right hand to guide the clay?

@EvolutionStoneware 9 лет назад

+ShineYClayStuffs It's not just you - I've seen several people center that way. In my book, there is no 1 correct way to do anything with clay. If it works for you, go with it. :)

@chrispya1 2 года назад

That's what I've seen and how I've been taught. The clay doesn't care!

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@TheRappin12 It was 3 pounds of white stoneware clay.

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@TheAbstractview Thank you so much! I'm really glad you found it helpful :)

@katherineneel2194 11 лет назад

Your technique is so beautiful! Thanks for posting!

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

Hi Sherry - It's great to hear that this helped. Thanks for your note.

@mony1823 3 года назад

Hi how much did the ceramic wheel cost?

@waichita 12 лет назад

Oh... it looks so easy when you do it. Ok, so I had a go at your centering technique but it didn't really work for me. I found it very difficult to create such a tall cone and once I had one (not as tall as yours), when I pushed it back down I got a mushroom shape : / I told my teacher about your technique but he said it was to get the clay a bit softer... is that so? I did manage to center it one time (out of the 5 attempts). Hope next week will be better.

@EvolutionStoneware 13 лет назад

@shanetoons Okay, I'll get something put together for you. :)

@bobhampu5677 11 лет назад

THANKS SOOO MUCH

@jaybob44 11 лет назад

I start out using Janis' tandem thumb approach, but depending on size of clay mass, do something different. The thumbs enter and push into the clay only to the desired thickness of the floor (and that depends upon whether the foot will be trimmed deeply, or just a shallow little bit, or just rolled as in the production foot with no trimming at all. After I've reached my desired floor thickness, I grab my right index finger with the uppermost pads of the first three fingers of my left hand.

@SillyKinkajoo 12 лет назад

Help! I'm in a ceramics class, and I can get the clay into a centered pillar, but whenever I press down it turns into a lopsided, off-center mess. Do you have any tidbits of wisdom you can pass along?

@mathildatanner6612 10 лет назад

I'm a potter and pottery teacher too, and I really admire your descriptions and step by step instruction. Thank you and may the kiln gods favor you!

@GliteryIcecreamPanda 10 лет назад

Thank you so much

@BreakfastDragon 12 лет назад

So your right hand does not push inward at all? it simply acts as a brick wall while your left hand pushes down?

@waichita 12 лет назад

I've been to my 4th pottery class today and I really can't get the clay to center. My teacher has a different method that requires centering the full lump of clay, which I find very difficult. I will try this technique. Thank you so much for sharing!

@staceem 4 года назад

SO helpful. Thank you! :)

@EvolutionStoneware 4 года назад

I'm really glad it helped! Hope you make lots of great pots! 😊

@jaybob44 11 лет назад

Then I use my right index finger as a tool, controlling it by the grip of my left three fingers and pulling that extended right finger outward from the center. As I'm pulling outward, the wall tries to rise and sharpen. I use the right thumb to become the "retaining wall" (love that image, Janis!) to keep the lip rounded and contained.

@tishihara1994 13 лет назад

hardest thing in the world.

@makatara3 11 лет назад

Thank you

@markhollahan2859 8 лет назад

u are epic

@muneebi8273 5 лет назад

I didn’t see the pot at all ..

@teepsman1234 12 лет назад

Thisis a great video - thank you for the tips. I do have a question. Some of my bats seem a little unlevel. Would this have an effect on the centering process?

@EvolutionStoneware 12 лет назад

@iabLee91 I'm glad it was hepful!

@TheRappin12 13 лет назад

how much was that 1

@infra97 9 месяцев назад

Belos produtos !😀

@carolthomas6337 5 лет назад

Thank you, I am learning to throw standing and those tip are very helpful.

@jasongaming2781 Год назад

Facts

@AliHammoudlifeandcinema 3 года назад

very insightful technique, that I will take it to heart.

@sarashields9079 6 лет назад

I am confuse are we to make that hole ? I thought that will cause a mushroom???

@ScotteryPottery 5 лет назад

Awesome video! Its been a while since I've done any throwing so its a good refresher

@kornluv3r1 12 лет назад

If you watch this video long enough, you'll realize she's throwing clay :P

@Meglivls 12 лет назад

does it feel funny when the wheel is going around :)

@654paloma456 12 лет назад

do u wedge the clay before throwing it on the wheel?

@reannaetague5680 11 лет назад

what is an easy way to break into the clay?

@mgfmudpies 11 лет назад

Are you left handed or right handed Janice

@TheChuggtom88 14 лет назад

Thank you so much this was really helpful!

@GimmeYourCookies 13 лет назад

Which kind of clay did you use?

@daonethtlks 12 лет назад

what type of wheel do you use?

@GeeLifesSwell 12 лет назад

What kind of clay is this?

@thevirtualzookeeper8226 5 лет назад

Yeah, I cant do that

@angelamonteith4206 7 лет назад

Is it possible that I could be getting air bubbles in my clay when I'm making the tall cone/tower when centering? I'm wedging my clay before I throw it, but then when I make the cone, I get cracking at the top right before I close the cone and start to bring it down to center. After that, I will sometimes here bubbles popping when I'm beginning to lift the walls of the bowl. Help! Where are these bubbles coming from?

@EvolutionStoneware 7 лет назад

Angela Monteith it sounds like you are raising the outside of the clay & creating a cavity or opening in the middle when you cone up. There are a few things you can try. You will need to adjust your coning technique. Perhaps try using more water. Or try coning a bit from the top third, then move down to squeeze up the middle third to match the top, and then squeeze the bottom. It's possible you'll need to squeeze harder in general in your coning. The goal is not to pull up the outer wall like when you're actually making a pot. You want to squeeze the clay toward the middle so that it has no where to go but up. This is a bit hard to explain with only words. You'll need to experiment with adjusting your technique until you get the clay to rise up as a pillar when you cone without creating a significant cavity in the middle to trap air. I hope this helps!

@angelamonteith4206 7 лет назад

I'll try it. Thanks for your feedback and suggestions!