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What's In My Pottery Bag: Pottery Tools for Beginners
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items After taking my first pottery class in June of 2025, I quickly became addicted to the craft! Since then, I've joined a 24/7 studio and turned my apartment into a part-time handbuilding studio. Here are the tools that I've collected that I actually lo...
Sections
3
Wheelthrowing & Trimming Tools
Handbuilding Tools
Organization
Wheelthrowing & Trimming Tools
My go-to tools for wheelthrowing and trimming pieces. These all have helped make my pieces look so much more professional.
The interchangable tips makes this super convenient and saves a lot of space in my pottery bag. These are my go-to trimming/sculpting tools because they never dull and give me the precision I need.
I bought the small tips, but plan on getting the medium tips to use for trimming!
I bought the small tips, but plan on getting the medium tips to use for trimming!
Xiem Sculptor's Wire Tool Set
So glad I bought this instead of the calipers I see everywhere. I especially this one because it has an actual ruler on it so I can easily measure my pieces & use the built-in calipers to make sure my lids fit perfectly.
It also makes it easy to check the thickness of the bottom of your piece!
It also makes it easy to check the thickness of the bottom of your piece!
Xiem Potter’s Clay Gauge
Saves me so much time with trimming! Allows me to keep my piece steady without messing up the bottom.
Trimming Spinner with Level
This was one of the first tools I bought myself when I joined the open studio and I had to get one in every shape.
It really made a world of difference in making my pieces look smoother and also helped me throw with more of a foot which saves a lot of time on trimming.
It really made a world of difference in making my pieces look smoother and also helped me throw with more of a foot which saves a lot of time on trimming.
Mudtools Polymer Potter’s Ribs
My studio doesn't have wheel bats, so I use a heat gun to slightly dry my pieces before removing them from the wheel so I don't warp them.
I especially like this one because it has two fan speeds and you can adjust the temp so you can make sure you don't accidently dry out your pieces too much.
I especially like this one because it has two fan speeds and you can adjust the temp so you can make sure you don't accidently dry out your pieces too much.
2-Speed Heat Gun w. Temp Control
I often head to the studio straight from work, so I needed an apron that would actually keep my clothes clean. This one is longer and splits along the legs, so my clothes stay covered even while I'm at the wheel.
Split Pottery Apron
My best friend got me a personalized stamp that says “Made by Caroline” so I can stamp all my pieces — best gift I've ever gotten!
They're all over Etsy, but this specific one has a handle that screws on/off so you could get multiple stamps and swap them out.
They're all over Etsy, but this specific one has a handle that screws on/off so you could get multiple stamps and swap them out.
Custom Pottery Stamp
Handbuilding Tools
I've recently fallen in love with handbuilding, so my collection is still growing, but these are the tools I'm loving so far!
If you want to get into doing detailed engraving & design work, I highly recommend this set. Super precise and high quality.
Xiem Studio Sgrafitto and Detailing Set
I love these for blending together seams or sculpting small details on my handbuilding pieces. I personally prefer the firm-flex.
Xiem Clay Finishing Tools
Switched to this after using a linen table cloth for at-home handbuilding. I love that it doesn't leave any texture marks like the cloth does. It's also easy to store away.
SlabMat for Handbuilding at Home
Organization
Some of my favorite items for keeping all of my pottery tools & supplies organized. I work on pieces both in the studio and at home, so these help me move my tools back and forth without losing track.
My studio has very little surface area at the wheels themselves, so this keeps my tools easily accessible and out of the way.
I also film a lot, so this helps keep the area looking less cluttered in videos.
I also film a lot, so this helps keep the area looking less cluttered in videos.
Pottery Wheel Caddy for Tools & Sponges
Completely worth the hype!
Why I love it: it has so many different sized pockets so everything can have it's place. I was still discovering new pockets 6 months after having it.
It also is big enough to fit a 25lb block of clay which helps keep my shelf/locker organized in the studio so I can keep everything together.
As someone who has to bring her tools back and forth between home & the studio, this bag quickly became one of my essentials.
Why I love it: it has so many different sized pockets so everything can have it's place. I was still discovering new pockets 6 months after having it.
It also is big enough to fit a 25lb block of clay which helps keep my shelf/locker organized in the studio so I can keep everything together.
As someone who has to bring her tools back and forth between home & the studio, this bag quickly became one of my essentials.
Soolla Pottery Tool Bag
This is one still on my wish list. Personally, I'd love to use this for the tools I always reach for, so I could leave my Soola bag at the studio and just take the pouch home with my handbuilding tools.
Soolla Studio Pouch