Tools, Tools! Essential Pottery Tools

If there’s one thing you’ve probably already noticed about pottery; it’s probably that there are SO many tools!!! There are thousands of pottery tools available on the market. Where do you even begin? Pottery tools range from extremely simple, to seemingly very fancy. What do you really need? Here are the essentials and a few of my favorites!  *This article contains affiliate links*

This set will cover your absolute basics, these are all necessary for creating beautiful pottery. From helping throw your piece, to cutting it off of the wheel and trimming it, you have everything you need. You can purchase this set on Amazon here or by clicking on the pictures.

It’s also nice to have a choice of sponges while you’re throwing, as you might be shaping or cleaning and finishing up. Sometimes you need a firm sponge, and sometimes you need super soft. Or have three choices! This Mudtools variety pack will have you set!

If you are throwing lids or separate pieces to be joined together, you will need an accurate measuring tool. My preference is the calipers, they are super easy to use, and work on all sorts of shapes and sizes.

There are even different pottery tools to help you form your initial shapes as you throw. For example, you could use a semi soft bowl-shaped rib along the inside, with a different bowl shaped metal rib on the outside to create specific and precise bowl shapes!

When you are ready to cut your piece off of the wheel or bat, you need a good cutting tool. If you didn’t already receive one in a kit or you just want a better one, you need to purchase one ASAP. This heavy duty Mudtools wire is is a great additional to your toolbox. You can also get a wavy wire tool!

If you just want a little bit of everything, and then some, go for the Mudtools starter pack with tool box. Mudtools are great quality, you won’t be disappointed!

If you like to carve or sculpt and want to get into more intricate work, this kit has many different shapes and sizes of tools. These will allow you to carve in different shapes and styles than the above set. This set includes 30 clay sculpting tools!

If you prefer more options for your initial trimming, taking it from basic to fabulous, check out these different trimming tools. Different shapes and edges allow you to get into more complicated designs when trimming your pieces.

Another useful set to have are hole punchers. Want to create planters or lanterns? You need these! They make it easy to punch perfect holes through your clay, quick and easy.

You can continue your decorating with rollers, stamps, lace, placemats, and all sorts of other pottery tools! Let your imagination run wild! We will get into more advanced techniques, tools, and tutorials in later posts.

Stay tuned!

P.S. More videos coming as soon as the new tripod arrives!

Don’t forget to hit your Ebates button for cash back on your purchases!