Another Day in the Pottery Studio: Trimming Pots

This week in my pottery class, I didn’t get to throw new clay on the wheel, but I dove into the art of trimming our previously thrown pots. Some of my pieces turned out beautifully, and I’m genuinely proud of them. Others? Well, let’s just call them part of the learning process—charmingly imperfect.

I’m constantly amazed at how quickly our 2.5-hour class flies by. I sit down, get lost in the rhythm of shaping clay, and before I know it, it’s time to clean up. One session a week feels far too short to satisfy my growing pottery obsession. That said, I’ve noticed my back gets sore by the end, so I’m planning to set an hourly alarm to remind myself to stretch. I’m also working on maintaining good posture and engaging my core to build strength while I work.

Overall, I’m thrilled with most of my creations so far. Next up, they’ll head to the bisque firing stage. There’s one bowl I’m a bit worried about, but as every potter knows, the kiln has the final say on what survives.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for next week’s class, where we’ll learn to pull cylinders and work with more clay. I can’t wait to try my hand at making a vase! While I missed throwing clay this time, trimming my vessels was its own kind of satisfying—and a lot less messy to clean up. I’m so eager to share my finished creations with you all soon!