Centering Clay the Gentle Way..

If you’re new to the wheel, centering clay can feel like trying to balance jelly with one hand and steer a ship with the other. But it doesn’t have to.

Start slow. Use your whole body, not just your hands. Anchor your elbows on your thighs. Let your palms lean gently inward, nudging the clay toward the middle. There’s no need to push aggressively — clay responds to steadiness more than force.

We teach a body-based approach to throwing, where breath and posture matter just as much as pressure. Students are often surprised how much calmer their pieces become once their shoulders relax.

Practice in short sessions. Watch the clay move. Let it guide you. And remember — off-center pots have a beauty too. Explore more throwing tips here, or come visit one of our glazing support mornings to see how form and finish come together.

Would you like the next Tips & Techniques post on trimming, pulling handles, or glaze mixing?

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