Ceramics are a beautiful medium that you can use to make all sorts of things. From mugs to bowls to spoons, there is something for everyone to enjoy making with clay! It’s a soothing, creative and rewarding hobby. There’s no better feeling than creating something with your own hands.
To begin, you’ll need some clay and a potters’ wheel. If you don’t have access to a wheel, you can still get started on this project by using a plaster mold. This is a simple, but effective way to make a plate without spending too much time on the wheel.
First, roll out a slab of clay to about 1/8″-1/4″ thick. This should be a fairly uniform thickness to ensure the plate will be easy to handle.
Next, you can run a rubber rib over the surface of the slab to smooth out any texture that’s left from the rolling. If you don’t have a rubber rib, you can also use a piece of cardboard. This is a handy tool to have in your studio, especially if you’re making large pieces of pottery!
Before you throw a plate, it is important to decide how big you want the finished plate to be. This will help you determine the amount of clay you need to throw it, as well as how thick you want it to be when you are done.
Once you’ve determined the size and thickness of the plate, it is time to prepare it for throwing on the wheel. You will need a wedge of clay that is the same thickness as your desired plate, and some extra clay on the edges to help support the underside of the rim.
You will need to pull the clay up and outwards gently to support the underside of the rim. This is called forming the rim and will help to prevent the plate from flopping while you’re throwing it. You may want to add a little more clay than you think you will need, as you can trim away the excess later on.
If you don’t have a lot of experience throwing on the wheel, it can be a good idea to start with small projects that are easier to work with. You can always expand your skill level by trying more advanced techniques when you’re ready!
One of the most popular ways to make a plate is by throwing it on the potters’ wheel. This is an ideal project for beginners as it will teach you all the basic skills needed to create a functional ceramic object.
Depending on the type of clay you choose to throw with, your plate may be susceptible to cracking as it dries out. If this happens, it’s best to avoid overworking the plate and simply re-compressing it once the crack has healed.
It’s also a good idea to check the plate before it dries out to make sure it is still thick enough for throwing and to avoid trimming too soon afterwards. This will allow you to see any problems that need to be addressed.
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