This kids’ pottery wheel is magic for any clay lover. Learn real pottery skills and introduce new clay techniques to kids. A big thank you to Faber-Castell for sponsoring this post and sending us the pottery studio to try out and review. As always, all opinions expressed are our own.
Updated July 2024
My son is a huge clay lover and I’ve had my eye on Faber-Castell’s Do Art Pottery Studio for a while now, with him in mind.
We had SO much fun trying out this kids’ pottery wheel! I’ve taken adult pottery classes myself and I think this kit is a great entry point for kids.
It opens up a whole new world and allows kids to build new clay skills and work on real pottery techniques. Kids can practice all the basics that you would at a pottery class––things like centering and raising a pot, without the commitment or cost of a class.
This would make a unique art gift for a birthday or holiday, so be sure to keep it in mind for that special occasion. It also is a great product to experiment with over summer break. I know we’ll be trying ours all summer long.
How to Make a Clay Pot on a Kids’ Pottery Wheel
MATERIALS
- Faber-Castell’s Do Art Pottery Studio
- Extra air dry clay, if needed
- Tray for supplies
- Container for water
Before we get started, a few tips to contain the mess
- Set up a table outside, if possible. Or in a place that you’re okay with a little more mess.
- Shape clay on a tray (when prepping clay or making a pinch pot)
- Have towels on hand and a container to periodically rinse hands in.
- Use a sponge or washcloth to clean wheel & table surface.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wedge clay
Download our free PDF below with tips for steps to remove air bubbles from clay before you get started.
- Center clay on wheel
Turn pottery wheel on and while rotating, firmly press a clay ball into the center of the wheel. Use the marked target on the wheel to help guide you.
One hand presses with a firm downward motion while the other hand helps guide the clay to prevent it from moving out of the center target marked.
This takes practice to get the hang of but is very important to get correct or your pot will not rotate evenly on the wheel.
- Open a pot
First, create a hole in the center of the clay ball. Insert your thumb into the middle of the ball of clay. Press down into the ball as the wheel spins.
Be sure to leave an estimated 1/4″-1/2″ for the base of the pot and avoid going straight through to the bottom.
- Raise the pot
Place thumb inside the pot and your index and middle fingers on the outside of the pot. Apply even pressure and slowly pull your fingers in an upward direction.
This motion creates the walls of your pot! Continue until it is the desired height.
- Remove pot from wheel
Use the clay cutter tool to remove your pot from the wheel. Slide the wire carefully under the pot and firmly guide it to slice the pot off of the wheel. Set pot on a tray to dry.
- Let pot dry completely
Set pot on a tray out of moisture and sunlight. Let dry completely. The included natural air dry clay will turn white when dry.
- Paint pot
Finally, paint pot with included acrylic paints.
I highly recommend that you try this kids pottery wheel and see where it leads your child!
Receive 3 FREE printables sent directly to your email!
Enter your email to receive a set of FREE printables to help your child get started with all the basics. We’ll walk you through with photos of how to prep clay, pottery wheel techniques & how to make a pinch pot.
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More Clay Projects for Kids
- 15 Amazing Clay Projects for Kids
- Clay & Playdough Play for Kids
- How to Make Starry Night Scene by Painting with Clay
- How to Make a Clay Pinch Pot
- Use Modeling Clay to Make Clay Faces
- How to Make Clay Leaf Prints
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Again, a big thank you to Faber-Castell for sponsoring this post and sending us the Do Art Pottery Studio to try out and review. As always, all opinions expressed are our own.
