Handbuilding Pottery 101: Easy Beginner Pottery Projects to Try

If you’ve ever wanted to try pottery but felt intimidated by the pottery wheel, handbuilding is the perfect place to start. Handbuilding pottery is a beginner-friendly technique that uses only your hands (and a few simple tools) to shape clay—no wheel required! It’s accessible, creative, and wonderfully relaxing.

What Is Handbuilding?

Handbuilding is one of the oldest forms of pottery. Instead of spinning clay on a wheel, you roll, pinch, or coil it into shape. It’s perfect for pottery for beginners because you can take your time, experiment, and make something beautiful without worrying about perfect symmetry.

Easy Beginner Pottery Projects

You don’t need fancy equipment to get started—just a bit of clay and imagination. Here are a few simple beginner pottery projects you can try in your first class:

• Pinch pot mugs: Start with a ball of clay and pinch it into a small cup shape. Add a handle, and you’ve got your first mug.

• Coil bowls: Roll long, snake-like coils of clay and stack them to build your bowl’s walls. Smooth them out for a modern look or leave the coils visible for texture.

• Mini planters: Create small pots for succulents or herbs—perfect for gifts or your own windowsill.

Each project helps you learn the basics of shaping, joining, and decorating clay while building confidence along the way.

Ready to Try Handbuilding?

At The Clayful Potters Studio, our beginner pottery classes focus on handbuilding techniques that let you explore, play, and create something you’ll love. Come discover how fun it is to make with clay—because everyone can be an artist. Check out our classes - we are posting new ones every few weeks!