5 steps to CENTERING CLAY on the wheel!...for beginners

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  • čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
  • This is a how to video about how to center clay on the wheel! The most important part of throwing clay on the wheel. Centering is the foundation of throwing and must be mastered if you ever hope to create symmetrical pots!
    Step 1 - Start with a wedged ball of clay.
    Step 2 - Throw it down as close to the center as possible.
    Step 3- Use the palm of one hand and the side of the other hand.
    Step 4 - Don't let the clay move your hands, make your hands move the clay.
    Step 5 - Spend a lot of time on the wheel.
    I hope this video helps those who are just starting out!! Centering can be very frustrating but I promise that it comes with time !
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Komentáře • 189

  • @EC-xc9gy
    @EC-xc9gy Před 3 měsíci +2

    I showed my nine-year old your video - it's clear, relatively quick, and with it, she centered air-dry clay on a battery-powered plastic wheel and is elated. Thank you!

  • @annwltr
    @annwltr Před 4 lety +78

    After months of watching tutorials I'm pleased to say I got centering right away! The rest, however....I'm still cleaning up 🤣

    • @adirutler5221
      @adirutler5221 Před 3 lety +1

      same

    • @emilymccarthy1
      @emilymccarthy1 Před 3 lety +2

      Lol! Good job with getting it centered! I just got a wheel. Fingers crossed that I’ll be able to get step one accomplished! 😊

    • @DannyGu33
      @DannyGu33 Před 2 lety +2

      Legend says Annwltr is still cleaning his pottery wheel until this day

  • @screamingmimi90
    @screamingmimi90 Před 4 lety +69

    Wow. You have just explained to me exactly what I’ve been doing wrong. My instructor is amazing, but he’s been doing it so long that it’s hard to understand the nuances of his movements.

    • @MollySanyourCeramics
      @MollySanyourCeramics Před 2 lety

      I'd love your feedback on my most recent video!!! "Tricks for throwing taller"

  • @watasiwawan
    @watasiwawan Před 4 lety +23

    Hi, I'm Clara. I started my ceramics class yesterday, it is so difficult for me to do centering clay on the wheel. your video is so useful! I hope I can do it next time! Thank you!

  • @glendyllcasia3475
    @glendyllcasia3475 Před 5 lety +13

    i haven’t played with clay in SO long and that was my first love tbh. i’m glad i came across your channel! thank you for the tips and reigniting my fire 😭

  • @User-to7nb
    @User-to7nb Před 4 lety +17

    You make it look so easy...
    I got so frustrated while trying to center it

  • @MaeInBelgium
    @MaeInBelgium Před měsícem

    Great tips. I really appreciate showing how not to do it, just as much as how to. It helps me identify errors and correct them.

  • @craiglynn2755
    @craiglynn2755 Před 4 lety +14

    Can you recommend a wheel to start with iam try to beat my addiction and I have always enjoyed art and design and I neet to focus on positive things in my life an help from you would be great start for my future many thanks for your time and support Craig

  • @RubinaMerchant
    @RubinaMerchant Před 4 lety +4

    I love pottery. Wish my teacher had explained it so well! Thank you.

  • @kla7389
    @kla7389 Před 2 lety

    Thank you!!! My teacher wasn’t explaining the steps this clearly so this helped a lot!

  • @shelbyisathug
    @shelbyisathug Před rokem

    So nice to look at while I’m struggling through life 😂

  • @TwoGuysThrowingPots
    @TwoGuysThrowingPots Před 4 lety +2

    Step 5 really helped me out when I was hitting a wall with centering! Thanks for the tips!

  • @susanjaracz1574
    @susanjaracz1574 Před 5 lety +46

    Part of my issue is when I open it, I don't do that well and then after centering I have a wobble.

  • @Sunshio
    @Sunshio Před 4 lety

    So I have been taught but I just got a wheel for home. I could not center, not like I could in class. Well, I watched this and was able to center it!
    I love watching your videos . Thank you.

  • @charlielikesmice
    @charlielikesmice Před 2 lety

    Soooo just paid over $300 for an 8 week pottery class and after the first class I was like...oh-oh, why did I sign up for this?? I was so frustrated. Going back tomorrow for week 2 and after watching your video I feel armed for battle with that little ball of clay! lol thanks so much Jon the Potter for posting this :)

  • @brennajohnson8276
    @brennajohnson8276 Před 2 lety

    You just LOCK IT- this is the biggest thing I tell my students!

  • @danasiperko6853
    @danasiperko6853 Před 3 lety +2

    So helpful. I’m a practiced potter, but have been out of practice for several months cause of COVID. Wonderful refresher since I was struggling with centering

  • @connierisser3599
    @connierisser3599 Před 2 lety

    Hey Jon, I am a new potter. I’m taking classes and watching every video you’ve made so that I can teach pottery at a small school I started for kids with dyslexia. So many of them are artists and when I told them I was going to help them learn how to do pottery they got extremely excited. Now I need to try and at least stay five minutes ahead of them. This video is super helpful. Thanks

  • @thevirtualzookeeper8226
    @thevirtualzookeeper8226 Před 5 lety +83

    "After about 5 minutes" hahaha... in my ceramics class I took all of the 1 hour and 30 minute block :)
    Edit: oh wait I forgot to mention that I didnt get it to center after that amount of time

    • @Vandex
      @Vandex Před 3 lety +3

      Same lmfao

    • @apeddie3777
      @apeddie3777 Před 3 lety +3

      He makes it look so easy. I've had trouble with this for 2 years and throwing is just starting to click for me 😱

    • @maddiem9941
      @maddiem9941 Před 3 lety

      That's where I am rn 😅😅

    • @chinyereoffor9521
      @chinyereoffor9521 Před 3 lety +1

      same centering IS HARD

  • @darciebaumann1213
    @darciebaumann1213 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for the video! I took intro to ceramics at Eden Prairie community arts center and an note doing the open studio - centering is truly my biggest challenge

  • @fayetowner2817
    @fayetowner2817 Před 2 lety

    One of the best beginner ones I've seen. Enjoy your cadence and accent as well. Having the "beginner" get in there was a nice touch as well!

  • @ballamaramorgans
    @ballamaramorgans Před 5 lety +1

    Thankyou just what i needed hopefully in my lesson this week i can finally get it centered!

  • @ceefpv19
    @ceefpv19 Před 2 lety

    I'm watching this before I go to my ceramics class in two days

  • @ELynn3993
    @ELynn3993 Před 5 lety +2

    I love this video, it is super helpful for a beginner - thank you!

  • @mollymueller3701
    @mollymueller3701 Před 3 lety +3

    Thank you so much for this - I'm currently taking a pottery class and your explanation is so helpful cuz I just was not getting it!

  • @sunshineleach6478
    @sunshineleach6478 Před 5 lety +8

    I'm just learning, you make it look so easy. Will spend some time on the wheel tomorrow.

  • @jackierisch5793
    @jackierisch5793 Před 2 lety

    Well this am I watched and I am taking this easy looking way to my studio. I began pottery before the pandemic. Did well building my pots more that 6 inches high. Looking good. Then it happened. Seems like I couldn’t center anymore. My friend and I have a small studio with shimpo tabletop wheels that’s really nice. I thought maybe it’s to low on the table we use. So I raised it. Today I’m goin in hitting the target I hope after seeing this video. It encouraged me. I may be over thinking it lol. Thanks for your videos.

  • @ItsmeCisco
    @ItsmeCisco Před 4 lety +1

    Your video helped me out a ton, after watching it once I centered my clay

  • @renae5958
    @renae5958 Před 5 lety +1

    I am a new subscriber. I have been taking my first pottery class. Your videos have been so helpful for me to watch. You have an amazing talent. Thank you for sharing.

  • @mithijanvi
    @mithijanvi Před měsícem

    Thank you so much. You make it so easy to follow and simple.

  • @sonofjimbo3145
    @sonofjimbo3145 Před 3 lety

    jon i gotta thank you buddy, you helped me pass ceramics

  • @TheSkully123
    @TheSkully123 Před 2 lety

    I learned to center right away using your video.

  • @DearHatty
    @DearHatty Před 4 lety

    Thanks for your suggestions!✨ Hope someday I'll be able to do this as good as you

  • @nancysines6343
    @nancysines6343 Před 5 lety +2

    This past summer I started working with clay for the first time. So far I have thrown clay only for 5 classes! Summer class was a beginner class. We learned something new every day on how to work with clay. The last 2 classes we were introduced to the wheel. I wanted to take the next class (with my daughter) she has more experience, but the class was full. We decided to go into the intermediate class (which is pretty much you are on your own) soooo. My daughter has been wonderful at helping me...and the instructor too! But the centering of my clay I could just not get ugh....until I watched your videos!!! My last class I actually threw 2 centered bowls !!! I am so excited to see how they dry....now I need to watch your trimming video. Thank you for your help and encouragement!!! Love step 5!!! Time is the key to learning I forgot that.

    • @Jonthepotter
      @Jonthepotter  Před 5 lety +2

      Centering is the hardest and MOST important part!! I know is seems like it should be the first step but it takes years to truly get centering down, once you do though, the whole world of pottery opens up! Keep at it, thanks for watching!

  • @karmienbowman5102
    @karmienbowman5102 Před 3 lety

    Got it and the sound too. Clear steps nicely presented and I realized I have already been saving your videos before this one! Great teaching online.

  • @donnanancarrow4816
    @donnanancarrow4816 Před 3 lety

    Love your videos. About to head to the wheel (now that I have my own - yippee) and practice, practice, practice. You make it look so easy but I know it's not. Am determined by the end of today to be able to center and even make a pot!

  • @mariaelenajara163
    @mariaelenajara163 Před 2 měsíci

    You are a great teacher!!

  • @Hazelcatkins
    @Hazelcatkins Před 5 lety +1

    Hi Jon, this is a bit off topic but I ordered some pottery and it arrived in a really awesome packaging. It's kind of paper bubble wrap. Flat sheets of brown paper with a Lazer cut pattern so when it is wrapped around something it makes a 3d honeycomb. I was so excited by it as I'm sick of storing bags of packing material for my pottery and this was the best protection I have found.

  • @user-tm8zn7hy3e
    @user-tm8zn7hy3e Před rokem

    انت تشرح من كل قلبك. شكرًا جزيلًا❤️🇸🇦

  • @debraanderson9570
    @debraanderson9570 Před 5 lety +1

    Great refresher, now back to the studio after moving chaos is complete.

  • @designed_by_nina
    @designed_by_nina Před 5 lety

    Thank you for making these videos!

  • @tilasaine2728
    @tilasaine2728 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for making this video. I make all my students watch it before I allow them on the wheel!

  • @legowelt88
    @legowelt88 Před 4 lety

    Thank you for your video. It has been very helpful for me. I'm just at the beginning of pottery and this helps me a LOT!!! thank you again Mate and keep it up the good job!
    Cheers from Rome!

  • @mariastellamelendez8670

    Thank you Jon for your great videos.

  • @aubreyzaugg4203
    @aubreyzaugg4203 Před 2 lety +4

    Jon, you are a gift! Thank you for sharing your talent and expertise! I just started teaching at the high school level, and I have one ceramics class. I started the year teaching handbuilding techniques because I'm not proficient at throwing on a wheel (But I'm learning a lot through you. Thank you!) My question is, how can I stop the ceramic bat from shifting/rocking on the wheel?

  • @robertdumoulin4612
    @robertdumoulin4612 Před 2 lety

    Thank you Jon for this video I'm new to pottery and I'm having trouble centering my clay but I'm working on it.

  • @anapoletan
    @anapoletan Před 3 měsíci

    I am definitely Sam!!! 😫 Thanks for the helpful video!!

  • @margaretbarnaby5764
    @margaretbarnaby5764 Před 3 lety

    Great hints and eye candy too. Perfect.

  • @fallonwyattjazzgene8219

    This is such a helpful video!! I’m on day two of throwing and I’ve got it almost centered but the top hand is what was throwing me off. :-) thank you!!

  • @shannonhopkins2001
    @shannonhopkins2001 Před 2 lety

    Thank you!!!! I can’t wait to try again with some of your techniques.

  • @Irjdunn1
    @Irjdunn1 Před 3 lety

    Unboxed the shimpo tonight and tried to center some clay. It was interesting. Didnt get it first try, but tomorrow is a new day.

  • @gulhanegilmez1105
    @gulhanegilmez1105 Před 4 lety

    Thank you for your great video I was really strugling with centering clay, after watching your video I did easily thank you 🙏so much

  • @Jenny-nz4mi
    @Jenny-nz4mi Před 6 lety

    Yay. I have a bad left wrist, so I can't get my thumb into the right position to use them to push the cone down, so I do similar to this to centre. But I think you've just helped me work out the kink in my method, I'm not holding my right palm in quite the right way at the start. I'll try it tomorrow!!!

  • @patriciamagoon1366
    @patriciamagoon1366 Před 3 lety

    You teach amazingly well!! Thank you!!!

  • @tazmantiz6938
    @tazmantiz6938 Před 4 lety

    Ty
    Im taking classes shortly

  • @sarasweet3723
    @sarasweet3723 Před 3 lety

    John - you will be my life mentor!

  • @longschlong1000
    @longschlong1000 Před 4 lety

    This was super helpful. I'm gonna be watching it tomorrow in class while I throw for the first time 😁 Can't wait!
    10/10 tutorial for beginners. Very thorough

  • @margeanderson9380
    @margeanderson9380 Před 5 lety

    Awesome video! I’m new to pottery and hope to learn and have a great time with it. This video really helps. I’m looking forward to my next session in the studio to practice, practice, practice this centering method! Thanks!!!

    • @Jonthepotter
      @Jonthepotter  Před 5 lety

      It takes lot's of time!! Just keep at it!

  • @carolp5830
    @carolp5830 Před 6 lety

    I found this video helped me better understand centering your clay. Not to try it for the first time. Wow. ; )

  • @dkdkmkn
    @dkdkmkn Před 5 lety

    Hi Jon~ I'm going for my first class tomorrow, just wanna thank you for the video and heads-up on the important part of throwing! :D
    Feeling excited and nervous for tomorrow, but i'm sure it'll be fun

  • @nathfran
    @nathfran Před 3 lety

    This video helped me a lot. I'm gonna try centering s]using this tips next time!

  • @leannemcintire3926
    @leannemcintire3926 Před 4 lety

    Great videos! Thank you!

  • @miguelothemelo7396
    @miguelothemelo7396 Před 4 lety

    I’m ready for the wheel now !

  • @lindseyluebbert9723
    @lindseyluebbert9723 Před rokem

    Super helpful to see you talk it through while a beginner was throwing! Something I struggle with is getting is centered to start, and then while I open it up it gets off centered again! Maybe I'm not opening it up with even pressure? Either way - I'm just starting out and have watched a lot of other YT videos but you're by far my favorite! Love watching your videos!

  • @semayasar9872
    @semayasar9872 Před 5 lety

    thanks 🙏

  • @msaddicted2utube
    @msaddicted2utube Před 2 lety

    This is helpful! Thank you for sharing your talent.

  • @honeytta.studio
    @honeytta.studio Před 5 lety +1

    I'm throwing right now and watching you 💪

  • @crunchybeen4263
    @crunchybeen4263 Před 2 lety

    Took my first pottery wheel class last week and the hand and arm positions presented to me are very similar to what you shared. Did well with my first bit of clay, the second and third did not go as well...

  • @trishahughes1876
    @trishahughes1876 Před 2 lety

    I made it this far! Thank you so much for this!

  • @igotbit9454
    @igotbit9454 Před 2 lety

    very valuable. thanks so much.

  • @SherriDavisPhotography

    Thank you, this was very helpful

  • @karineperron1173
    @karineperron1173 Před 3 lety

    Thank Jon for your vidéo ! Very nice!

  • @timclark4931
    @timclark4931 Před 3 lety +1

    Just got home from my 1st pottery class. Man I struggled with this. Def need more practice! Getting good at wedging and cleaning bats though!

  • @ChelsieLue
    @ChelsieLue Před 4 lety

    Thank you so much! Your videos are always fun to watch and super helpful! What do you think the best wheel is for a beginner?

  • @annwltr
    @annwltr Před 4 lety

    I should also mention that wow! That was so fun!

  • @gratefulgardengal2298
    @gratefulgardengal2298 Před 3 lety +5

    Thank you for this well done video. I spent 90 minutes trying to center in my first pottery class class last night -- the entire class time -- with no success. I felt so frustrated at the end of class. I am going to try your tips next time.

  • @gp_thats_it
    @gp_thats_it Před 5 lety +2

    New subscriber here! 😊 I am really happy I came across your videos because I have been thinking about trying pottery out by the beginning of next year. I am really excited to start!

    • @Jonthepotter
      @Jonthepotter  Před 5 lety +2

      It is addicting!! But so so so fun and rewarding, good luck!

  • @amyfreeman7958
    @amyfreeman7958 Před 4 lety

    I got it! Wahoo thx for the great vid!

  • @alphonsinelepitre1992
    @alphonsinelepitre1992 Před 3 lety

    thank you !

  • @miki-kc5br
    @miki-kc5br Před 5 měsíci

    You are great!!

  • @samwilbur6155
    @samwilbur6155 Před 3 lety

    I'm also Sam and having the same problems as Sam haha! This video gives me encouragment! Back to the wheel I go!

  • @HappyLivingSg
    @HappyLivingSg Před 2 lety

    Nice to watch the video

  • @missyrnmissyrn7479
    @missyrnmissyrn7479 Před 5 lety +5

    You made that look so easy!! New subscriber here!!

  • @jessicak6226
    @jessicak6226 Před 18 dny

    Very good tips, thank you!! 😊

  • @l2hetoric
    @l2hetoric Před 5 lety +1

    Have any tips for centering larger amounts of clay? I seem to center it about half way but it goes out of center as I push the rest down to the bat.

  • @rebecca.menashe
    @rebecca.menashe Před 2 lety

    Just had my first ceramics class. I couldn’t center it after 7 hrs I was so frustrated! I am going to try what you said. Raising it up like a cone seems difficult. Holding one hand steady is something I will certainly try.

  • @kim9837
    @kim9837 Před 5 lety

    COOL..... You inspire me bro 👌🏼

  • @John007BE
    @John007BE Před rokem

    Thank you so much XXX

  • @alberttranghese3775
    @alberttranghese3775 Před 4 lety

    Hi John, I love your videos and have learned so much. My one question is you stand while throwing. We don’t have any wheels that high where we go. Is there a reason you stand, it seems easier.

  • @max3hand
    @max3hand Před 4 lety

    Hallo John! I realy love to watch your videos! I just trying to start throwing on wheel And have issue with centering ( obv :D ) could bevbecause my wheel Is counter clockwise And i am lefthended? Should i use oposite direction? Ty for answear!

  • @meganmoore9587
    @meganmoore9587 Před 5 lety

    Hey Jon! I noticed your cool shirt! I have the same shirt, and I was wondering if you had gotten it from the same festival as I did. PS, I love your pottery videos! I enjoy doing scraffido on different pieces, have you ever tried it?

  • @paulgolke2012
    @paulgolke2012 Před 4 lety

    Love the shirt

  • @hartrups
    @hartrups Před 5 lety +1

    Love your videos Jon, I’m just starting out on my pottery journey and you have inspired me!😃. Can I ask what clay you use as I love it’s unglazed colour? Thank you! X

  • @RobertsonStriping
    @RobertsonStriping Před 3 lety

    This is what I was looking for. The only other bit of info I'm curious about is the speed the wheel head should be going. I notice how when I turn up the speed, my hands are being thrown a LOT more and no matter how much I brace against my legs, my hands always move. But slower speeds, a lot easier to handle.

    • @RobertsonStriping
      @RobertsonStriping Před 3 lety

      side note, just tried for the first time and it was fun! didnt come out of it with anything usable, but I put all my wet clay back on on plywood with some plastic and hope it'll be usable again once it's dried a bit.

  • @robinhood1969phonykingssuck

    How romantic! lol Very satisfying lol

  • @marymiddleton5013
    @marymiddleton5013 Před 18 dny

    Thank you so much! That is the best way I have tried so far! Center first try after watching! The conning is really hard for me though. Do you stand?

  • @DammitJoeBandit
    @DammitJoeBandit Před 6 lety +1

    Do you have a video on the very basics? For someone who is looking to get into it. A decent price turn table for someone who wants to give it a try. What type of clay to use. What to do with left over clay, is it trash or able to be reused for future projects... Just the 101 of beginning.

    • @dominictriolo2305
      @dominictriolo2305 Před 6 lety

      If you are trying to give throwing a shot, I'd recommend taking a class! throwing is actually very cost prohibitive, and you're looking at shelling out easily over 1000$ just for a new wheel.

  • @Handmadebygas
    @Handmadebygas Před 5 lety +4

    thank you and thank you sam! like riding a bike - ha!

    • @DIUCLIPS
      @DIUCLIPS Před 3 lety

      Lol me to I like riding a bike

  • @celinestormjensen2797
    @celinestormjensen2797 Před 4 lety

    Hi Jon
    I really enjoy your videos, and I hope that you can help me with my struggle.
    I struggle to get the clay to stick to the wheel, it moves of, when I try to center it, also when I try to cone it up. What could be the problem? :-)

    • @longschlong1000
      @longschlong1000 Před 4 lety

      Make sure you get the bat/plate/whatever other people call it slightly damp, and be sure to really throw the clay down too

  • @EdBoonSucks
    @EdBoonSucks Před 2 lety

    Does this apply to airdry clay as well?