THE BASICS

Build a safe, repeatable studio practice.

Understand clay bodies, preparation, tools, workspaces, molds, slip, and the safety decisions that support every later technique.

CHAPTER INDEX

Techniques in this chapter

Turn observation into workable ideas and useful tests.

Control dust, heat, chemicals, and lifting risks.

Choose a focused set of tools and maintain them well.

Match clay body, forming method, glaze, and firing range.

Wedge for even moisture and remove trapped air.

Prepare fluid clay and understand simple mold workflows.