Wheel-Thrown Pottery (DIY): An Illustrated Guide of Basic Techniques from the Hit DIY Show Throwing Clay (DIY Network)

by Bill van Gilder
Buy new: $17.95 $10.53 Buy used: $8.99

Editorial Reviews

Anyone who has ever imagined plunging bare hands into cool, moist clay and shaping it into a vase, platter, or tile can now experience the pleasure of pottery. Lifelong potter Bill van Gilder has a bounty of time-tested advice on all the basics, and a plethora of fantastic techniques. That means novices will enjoy the advantages of a master teacher guiding them through each stage of the process—while intermediates will eagerly soak up every new idea he has to offer. With van Gilder’s help, beginners can try hand building, and progress onto the fundamentals of wheel-throwing. They’ll get expert tips on shaping spouts, handles and feet; adding texture, color, and luster; and combining techniques to create a variety of attractive projects.

A production potter for more than 30 years, Bill van Gilder, host of DIY Network’s Throwing Clay, has traveled around the world to learn, teach, and exhibit his craft. He is a regular contributor to Clay Times magazine, and is on the faculty of The Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2000, he founded the Frederick Pottery School in Maryland.

Customer Reviews

Great photos...don't use the recipes, 2008-02-13
by B. Brock (SC)
This is a great book to learn how to do pottery. Bill Van Gilder explains fully how to make the different pieces. The photography is great in helping to see how to do what Bill is explaining. The recipe for clear glaze is incorrect (the ingredients add up to 118%) There should not be dolomite in the recipe. Dolomite is for high fire glazes, not mid range. The recipe for red raspberry (beautiful color) should be 7% instead of 3.7 with a question mark. Poor editing of the recipes. Those are the two mistakes I've had to deal with so far.
Pottery by wheel, 2007-12-17
by P. Robles (Woodland CA)
Just purchased a wheel and this book will help me with the how-to in using it.
Adventure at the wheel, 2007-10-11
by Sulynn E. Sexton
This book provided wonderful inspiration for wheel thrown pieces. When you want to create but are at a loss for a goal, this book will release your creative talents.
I have learned so much from this book, 2007-10-09
by Gabrielle K. (Tempe, AZ USA)
I had seen one episode of Bill van Gilder's show on DIY Network and walked away with at least 3 great ideas for improving my skills with clay. I bought this book and brought it to my pottery class and several other students and the teacher all went out to get their own copy. The projects give very clear instructions and photos, telling you exactly how much clay to use. There are useful techniques to learn with every project. There are even glaze recipes for the glazes used in the examples in the book.
Informative, 2007-08-23
by Rosario Juliano
I loved this book! Bill has a unique talent for sharing his knowledge so both the experienced potterr and the novice will learn. I highly reccomend it.