There are numerous techniques for making pottery, ranging from ancient methods to modern technologies

The main methods of forming pottery include:

• Hand-building: This encompasses various techniques where pieces are constructed entirely by hand, often using simple tools.

• • Pinching: Shaping clay by inserting a thumb into a ball of clay and pinching the walls to form a vessel.

• • Coiling: Creating forms by rolling clay into ropes and stacking them, smoothing the surfaces to join them together.

• • Slab construction: Rolling out flat sheets of clay, cutting them into shapes, and joining the edges to build objects.

• • Sculpture: Creating three-dimensional forms by adding, removing, and shaping clay.

• Wheel-throwing: Using a potter's wheel to shape a ball of clay into symmetrical forms while it spins.
• Slip-casting: Pouring liquid clay into a mold and allowing it to solidify, creating multiple identical pieces.

Other forming techniques include:

• Press moulding: Pressing clay into a porous mold.
• Jiggering and Jollying: Semi-automated processes used on a potter's wheel to shape flatware (jiggering) and holloware (jollying).
• Ram pressing: Pressing a bat of prepared clay between two porous molding plates.
• Injection molding: Injecting a mixture of clay and organic additives into a mold for mass production of complex shapes.
• 3D printing: Layered deposition or powder binding techniques using clay.

Techniques for decorating and finishing pottery:

• Glazing: Applying a glass coating to the ceramic surface, often for decoration and waterproofing.
• Firing: Heating the clay in a kiln at high temperatures to harden it.

• • Bisque firing: Initial firing to harden the clay.

• • Glost firing: Second firing to melt and set the glaze.

• Sgraffito: Scratching designs into the surface of the clay.
• Mishima: Carving designs into the surface and filling them with contrasting colored clay.
• Nerikomi: Layering different colored clays and slicing them to create patterns.
• Burnishing: Rubbing the surface of the clay with a smooth object to create a polished finish.

The choice of technique often depends on the desired shape, size, and purpose of the ceramic object. Many potters combine techniques to create unique pieces.

Cotton Valley Pottery uses many of these techniques while hand crafting our unique pottery pieces. We are located in Wolfeboro, NH on  Lake Winnipesaukee. Situated in the Carroll County tourist and recreational areas, there are stunning views of the White Mountains Presidential Range, the Belknap Mountains, and beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. Many artisans of all mediums, including myself, are inspired by the area’s natural beaty. My inspired pottery creations include various sizes of everything from plates, bowls, baking dishes, vases, bowls, mugs, pitchers, wall hangers, mugs and so much more for your home or office.