Pottery for Beginners: Projects for Beautiful Ceramic Bowls, Mugs, Vases and More

by Kara Leigh Ford

Everything You Need to Get Started with Pottery

If you ever daydream about delving into pottery but aren’t sure where to begin, this is your book. Professional potter Kara Leigh Ford will be your personal pottery guide, helping you to overcome any doubts about your abilities. All you need are curiosity and a few simple tools to mold stunning stoneware with confidence. Inspiring projects and primers on equipment, technique, clay types and setting up a workspace make pottery approachable for complete newcomers, as well as budding potters who want to hone their skills. Plus, gorgeous photos from Kara’s studio offer visual guidance every step of the way.

Enter the wonderful world of ceramics with hand building, the meditative method behind your next mug, spoon set or soap dish. When you’re ready for the wheel, easy-to-follow instructions cover the foundations of throwing bowls, plates, vases and other beginner-friendly kitchenware like a pro. Each stand-alone piece builds upon a skill introduced in the previous project: Craft all ten and you’ve learned pottery’s fundamentals! Tutorials on glazing and decorative techniques will help you discover your own unique style and understand the basics of the firing process―whether in your own kiln or at a community studio―ensuring beautifully finished pieces.

Kara’s can-do approach brings handmade ceramic creations fully within reach. Whether you want to make charming home décor or thoughtful gifts for loved ones, you’ll find all you need to embark on your pottery journey.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with beautiful and functional ideas as well as clear, concise instructions and guidance. I would probably struggle if I relied solely on this book to learn to make these forms, but I am finding that it is a helpful complement to classes and videos.

[Bete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un excelente libro para empezar en el bello mundo de las cerámicas. Te explica desde conectar con la cerámica y las distintas variedades presentes en el mercado, hasta el tan esperado momento de tener tu propio horno. Encuentras ejercicio y proyectos básicos para empezar (sin tener una rueda); como ejercicios mucho más arriesgados y experimentales para un principiante.
Lo único que me faltó para que fuera “perfecto, PERFECTO”; fueron más ejemplos para personas que no tienen rueda, como hacer platos, por ejemplo.

Lo recomiendo a todo aquel que esté adentrándose en este camino de las cerámicas o incluso quienes les gustan libros estéticamente perfectos, porque las fotos y los colores son bellísimos.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book for ceramic newbies out there. Beautiful pictures, easy tutorials. The reason why she totally deserves 5 stars is because she did little extra's like making video tutorials and share all the glaze brands she used for her work. WITHOUT a funnel! You don't need to leave your e-mailadres to get the extra's, the resources are all with free access on one page. Generous, kind and a joy to read.

I don't consider myself a newbie (I'm in my 4th year ceramics in art school) but it was still inspiring to me. Seeing the results of different glazes might not be the focus of the book but they were all so pretty to look at, I was happy she shared all the brands on her webpage.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful modern book for all beginner potters - even if you're 5 years in, you're bound to learn some new tips and techniques. As with all ceramics, everyone has different ways of doing things and Kara is so good at explaining her methods in text form. So clear and concise, beautiful images and simplifyed pottery techniques without skimping on the details. A must for beginner potters and pottery studios.

[Knud Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book with illustrations and down to earth description of what to do. This book makes pottery easy for beginners. Pottery is not easy but the warm smile on Karas beautiful face gives energy and inspiration to go practicing practicing practicing...
The book comes with a personal warm greeting from Kara😍

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible tool for those wanting to dive into the world of pottery making but if you simply are a collector of beautiful books and art and pottery, this is your book. 😍

[Sharanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super clear instructions, helped me improve my throwing a lot !

[Leif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely pictures and good advice.

[Dara Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information for beginner potters. Pictures and details are helpful.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful advice and project suggestions for new patters.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid guide for new to intermediate potters. No way can a book replace lessons, but this will give you ideas and reminders.

[Blaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable and informative read!

[Angie Seffker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty basic