Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Clay Studio Series – You Tube Video Review – Centering Clay on the Wheel

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When it comes to pottery, one of the most fundamental (and sometimes most frustrating) skills to master is centering clay on the wheel. In this YouTube tutorial, the host takes viewers through the process step by step, offering clear explanations, troubleshooting advice, and useful tips for both beginners and those looking to refine their technique.

 

What We Loved

  • Clarity & Detail – The instructor breaks down each motion and why it matters. This isn’t just “push the clay and hope it centers” — instead, they explain how hand placement, pressure, and body posture all work together. 
  • Troubleshooting Tips – The video doesn’t gloss over mistakes. The host shows common errors (like wobbling clay, uneven pressure, or collapsing walls) and how to correct them, which is extremely valuable for beginners. 
  • Balanced Teaching Style – The video is calm and easy to follow, striking a nice balance between technical detail and approachable teaching. 

Key Takeaways

  • Proper posture and consistent pressure are essential. 
  • Centering is less about force and more about controlled, even movements. 
  • Patience is key — it’s better to adjust slowly than to rush and lose control. 

Why You Should Watch

If you’ve ever struggled to get your clay to stop wobbling on the wheel, this tutorial will save you hours of frustration. It’s packed with practical advice that you can apply immediately during your own wheel sessions. Even intermediate potters may discover little tricks to refine their centering technique.

 

Have you read?

DIY Doily Pinch Bowl Set with Matching Platter

There’s something so satisfying about creating a whole handmade set that feels like it belongs together. After experimenting with my grandmother’s doilies on flat slabs of clay, I wanted to see how they would look when pressed onto a curved form. That’s how this set of three doily pinch bowls was born—each one textured on the outside with lace, glazed in soft tones, and displayed together on a matching pink speckled doily platter.

It’s a beautiful way to combine sentimental textiles with modern pottery design. The finished set makes a charming serving arrangement for nibbles, dips, or trinkets, and it doubles as a decorative centerpiece when not in use.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain) 
  • Rolling pin 
  • Crochet doily (preferably a smaller one for consistent texture) 
  • Sponge and water 
  • Small bowls or your hands (to form the pinch bowls) 
  • Knife or clay cutter 
  • Plastic wrap 
  • Kiln access (or community pottery studio) 
  • White glaze 
  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide) 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Cut your clay into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball about the size of a small orange.

Step 2: Form the Pinch Bowls

Using your thumbs, gently press into the center of each clay ball and pinch outward, rotating as you go, until you form small bowl shapes. Keep the walls fairly even, but don’t worry about perfection—pinch bowls are meant to have a rustic, organic charm.

Step 3: Press the Doily Texture

Drape a crochet doily around the outside of each bowl. Gently press it into the surface with your fingers or a rolling pin. Carefully peel it back to reveal the lace impression. Each bowl will carry the delicate detail of the doily, almost like a frozen textile pattern.

Step 4: Refine the Shape

Smooth the rims with a damp sponge, rounding off any sharp edges. Leave the outside textured, but clean up the insides of the bowls so they’re smooth for glazing.

Step 5: Dry and Fire

Let the bowls dry slowly until bone dry. Bisque fire them with the platter if you’re making the full set together.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

For a cohesive look, glaze the pinch bowls in soft white or cream, allowing the doily texture to stand out. Place them on the matching pink speckled doily platter (created using the earlier technique) for a complete serving set.

Styling Ideas

  • Serving Set: Use the three bowls for nuts, olives, and dips when entertaining. 
  • Jewelry Dishes: Perfect for holding rings, bracelets, and earrings on your dresser. 
  • Decorative Accent: Place them on the platter as a centerpiece with seasonal décor inside (dried flowers, crystals, or potpourri). 
  • Gift Idea: Wrap the full set as a handmade, one-of-a-kind present for weddings or housewarmings. 

Why I Love This Project

These bowls carry a story. The lace impressions remind me of my grandmother’s hand-crocheted doilies, yet the final design feels fresh and modern. Displayed together on the platter, they become more than functional—they’re a handmade heirloom set that blends memory with everyday beauty.