Getting started with pottery means you’ll probably run into some common issues, but don’t worry, these are all part of the learning process. Here's some common mistakes you'll likely face and how you can prevent them: 

Cracks in the Clay

Cracks often happen when clay dries too quickly or unevenly. To avoid this, cover your pieces with plastic to slow down the drying process. If cracks do appear, you can try smoothing them out while the clay is still leather hard by gently whiping it with a damp sponge. For bigger cracks, you might need to carefully cut out the cracked section and patch it with fresh clay, scoring and slipping the edges to make it stick well.

Sometimes cracks show up after the bisque firing. These can happen if the piece dried unevenly or if stress during firing caused tiny fractures. A common fix is to brush a mixture of vinegar and slip (a watery clay paste) over the crack. The vinegar helps the slip bond better to the fired surface. Once dry, you can smooth it out and then glaze and fire again to seal the repair.

Air Bubbles

It’s a bit of a myth that air trapped inside your clay (in bubbles) will explode during firing (if the clay was 100% dry at least!). However air bubbles will create weak spots in your pieces and may cause the piece to change it's shape slightly during the firing process.

To prevent this, spend extra time wedging your clay before you start building. If you notice bubbles while working, you can cut or or pierce with a needle tool into the clay to release trapped air. Then finish by compressing the clay with a pottery rib.

Handles or attachments not connecting well

If handles or decorations crack or break off, it usually means they weren’t attached properly. Always score both surfaces where you want to join pieces, then apply slip as glue. Attach the parts when the clay is leather-hard, not too wet or dry. Press firmly but gently to bond everything together. You can add a tiny coil around the attached elements and smoothen it out with your finger for extra strength. Lastly you can place a small clay ball or dry sponge underneath to support the attachment.

Glaze issues

Glazing is not the easiest task. Uneven glaze, drips or patches will occur. To get the best results, make sure you apply the glaze in thin, even layers. I always test my glaze on small 'test tile' before I use it on a final piece. If glaze drips, it may be too thick or applied unevenly, try wiping off extra glaze before firing. Also, remember that some glazes run more than others, or need more layers to get an even coating. Always check the firing temperature and instructions on the product label!

Pieces bending during firing

Flat pieces like plates can bend or wrap if they dry unevenly or too fast. You can prevent this by drying your work slowly and on a flat surface. I like to add add a plastic bag filled with rice on top to add some weight to the piece, it will slow down the drying process and the weight will keep the piece flat.

Pottery is an unpredictable thing, mistakes will happen but don’t be discouraged, it's all part of the process! I personally like to write down how I dried my pieces, and my process and firing temperature during glazing. So I can head back to it and learn from the mistakes I might have made.

You can write it down in a note book or use the DIY club printable pottery sheet to fill in during your making process.