As we usher in the New Year, many of us are inspired to set resolutions that challenge us and push ourselves out of our comfort zones. While we often set our eyes on physical improvements, such as joining the gym, here at the Ceramic School we think it’s equally important to focus on flexing and building your “ceramic muscles”!

Just like a workout routine, developing your skills in ceramics requires dedication, exploration, and a willingness to experiment. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or a budding clay artist, this year is the perfect opportunity to expand your techniques, learn new methods, and unleash your artistic potential!

In this article, we’ll explore ten dynamic ways to stretch your ceramic skills and elevate your craftsmanship. From diving into different styles and materials to collaborating with fellow artists, these tips will inspire you to take your passion for pottery to new heights. Let’s make this year one of growth, creativity, and endless ceramic possibilities!

1. Throw Off the Hump

Throwing off the hump on the pottery wheel is a fantastic technique that offers several benefits for potters of all skill levels. This method allows you to work with a larger mass of clay, which can lead to more efficient use of materials and faster production of multiple pieces. By centering a larger hump of clay, you can create a variety of forms — like bowls, cups, or plates — without having to constantly reset your clay. Additionally, this technique encourages better control and precision as you learn to manage the clay’s weight and shape. Overall, throwing off the hump can enhance your skills, boost your creativity, and make the pottery process more enjoyable and productive.

To help get you started check out our detailed article on this very subject!

2. Develop 5 New Handle Designs

Exploring different pottery handle designs can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your work. Each handle style offers unique opportunities for creativity, allowing you to express your personal style while improving your craftsmanship. Experimenting with various making methods — like pulling, pinching, and casting — can also deepen your understanding of clay’s behavior and versatility. Pulling creates elegant, ergonomic handles that feel great in hand, while pinching allows for more organic, sculptural forms. Casting, on the other hand, opens up possibilities for intricate designs that can be replicated. By trying different handle designs and making techniques, you not only expand your skill set but also discover new ways to engage with your ceramic creations, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

We’ve got a number of great online workshops to help you expand your handle-making skills. Why not check out Naomi Clement’s “Handbuilt Handles”, or Mike Strumbas’ “How to pull Multi-Component Handles”?

3. Throw Larger Forms

Learning to throw larger forms on the pottery wheel offers several advantages that can significantly elevate your ceramic skills. Working with larger pieces challenges your control and technique, helping you develop a more nuanced understanding of clay dynamics and wheel mechanics. It also allows for greater creative expression, as you can explore bolder shapes and designs that stand out in your collection. Additionally, mastering larger forms can increase your efficiency in production, enabling you to create statement pieces or functional items in fewer sessions. Overall, tackling larger projects enhances your confidence as a potter and expands your creative possibilities.

For an excellent tutorial, check out “How To Throw a 20 Inch Tall Cylinder On The Potter’s Wheel” by Yoon Lab. She includes a transparent demo that is great for showing how to move your inner hand that helps you position both hands correctly for this throwing challenge.

4. Try a New Surface Decoration Technique

Exploring new ceramic surface decoration techniques can greatly enrich your artistic practice and elevate your pieces. Experimenting with methods such as sgraffito (where you carve designs into a colored slip) underglazing (for vibrant, detailed imagery), or layering glazes (for unique effects), allows you to add depth and personality to your work. Other techniques, like using decals or experimenting with natural materials for texture, can create striking visual contrasts and enhance tactile experiences. By trying these diverse approaches, you not only expand your skill set but also discover new ways to convey your artistic vision.

Once you’ve tried out a few methods, why not take things even further by layering these processes together? Janet Deboos’s workshop “Hybrid surface-culture, techniques and materials” is a great place to get you started! Follow along as she demonstrates how she combines terra sigillata with stencils, transfers, and wax resist. 

5. Sculpt the Figure from Life

Sculpting the human figure from life offers invaluable benefits for artists seeking to deepen their understanding of anatomy, proportion, and movement. Working with live models in community classes or model sessions allows you to observe and capture the subtleties of the human form, fostering a more intuitive grasp of three-dimensional space. This practice not only sharpens your technical skills but also enhances your ability to convey emotion and expression in your sculptures. Additionally, participating in group sessions fosters a sense of camaraderie and inspiration among fellow artists, creating a supportive environment where you can share ideas and techniques. Sculpting the human form can feel daunting, but it’s an excellent way to break out of your clay comfort zone!

For information on local opportunities, contact your craft guild, arts council, local university or college, or your neighborhood community center.

6. Mix a New Glaze Recipe (or 2 or 3!)

Trying new glaze recipes can be a transformative experience for ceramic artists, allowing you to explore a wider range of colors, textures, and finishes. Experimenting with different formulations not only enhances the visual appeal of your pieces but also deepens your understanding of how various ingredients interact during the firing process. By modifying an existing recipe — perhaps by adjusting the proportions of colorants or fluxes — you can gain insights into the effects of each component and how they contribute to the final result. This hands-on experimentation will increase your confidence while also inspiring new ideas or product lines.

If you really want to expand your glaze making skills be sure to check out Matthew Blakely’s “Making Glazes from Rocks, Clays, and Ash”. You’ll learn to see your surroundings in a whole new way, all while developing glazes that are unique to you and your environment. 

7. Try a New Firing Method

Exploring a new ceramic firing process can significantly enhance your artistic practice and expand your creative horizons. Each firing technique — whether it’s raku, soda firing, or reduction firing — offers distinct outcomes in color, texture, and surface finish, allowing you to experiment with different aesthetics and effects. Trying new methods can also deepen your understanding of the chemistry involved in ceramics, as you learn how varying temperatures and atmospheres impact the final piece. Additionally, stepping outside your comfort zone can inspire fresh ideas and approaches in your work, fostering a sense of innovation and adventure in your artistic journey. Ultimately, embracing new firing processes can lead to exciting discoveries and a more dynamic body of work.

For opportunities to try new methods and kiln types, contact your local potters’ guild or craft council for information on upcoming workshops, or to connect with kiln owners in your area who are open to sharing their facilities. You can also check out Zhang Liming’s workshop “How to make a kiln out of clay” to create your own alternative firing experience!

8. Throw Closed Forms

Learning to throw closed forms on the pottery wheel offers a unique set of benefits that can significantly enhance your pottery skills. This technique challenges you to develop greater control and precision, as working with a closed form requires a solid understanding of balance and clay dynamics. Mastering closed forms not only allows you to create interesting elements for your functional pieces, but it can also be used to make components for sculpture pieces, such as the torso or limbs of a figure. As a result, throwing closed forms not only expands your technical repertoire but also encourages creative exploration in your work.

For some great tips on how to get started with closed forms, check out this video by Little Street Pottery. She also includes three great project ideas to help get you inspired!

9. Teach a Friend to Make Something Using Your Preferred Method of Making

Teaching a friend to make a ceramic piece can be an incredibly rewarding experience that benefits you both. As you share your techniques, you reinforce your own understanding and mastery of the craft, often discovering new insights along the way. Guiding someone else through the process fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of ceramics, while also nurturing your communication and mentorship skills. Additionally, the collaborative atmosphere can spark fresh ideas and inspire creativity, leading to innovative approaches in your own work. Sharing your passion not only strengthens your bond with your friend but also enriches your artistic journey, making it a mutually beneficial endeavor. And for those of you who have an interest in offering classes but are lacking a bit of confidence, working with someone you know and trust and who can give you honest feedback can be an excellent introduction to teaching.

10. Collaborate with Another Artist

Collaborating with another artist on a project offers a wealth of benefits that can enhance your creative practice and broaden your perspective. By merging different styles, techniques, and ideas, you can spark innovative solutions and push the boundaries of your work. Collaboration encourages open dialogue and the sharing of skills, allowing you to learn from each other and grow as artists. It also fosters a sense of community and connection, which can be incredibly inspiring and motivating. Ultimately, working together can lead to unique, hybrid creations that reflect the strengths and visions of both artists, enriching your individual practices while creating something truly special. And remember, the other person doesn’t have to work with clay! Collaborating with an artist who works in another medium, such as wood, metal, glass, or paint, can offer real creative excitement!

As you embark on this creative journey, remember that every small step you take in exploring new techniques and ideas contributes to your growth as a ceramic artist. Embrace the challenges and celebrate your progress, knowing that each experiment and collaboration enriches your skills and deepens your understanding of the medium. By committing to one or several of these ten dynamic ways to stretch your ceramic abilities, you’ll not only enhance your craftsmanship but also find joy in the process of discovery. Here’s to a 2025 filled with inspiration, creativity, and the endless possibilities that await in the world of ceramics!

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