Decide What Method You Will Use
Will this project be formed on the potter’s wheel, or will you build it with coils, pinching, or slabs? Each method has its own quirks and requirements from you, the potter.
Envision the Finished Piece
Before you begin to create the form, it is best to have a clear idea of what form you want your piece to take. Sketch out your vision. Consider the piece as a 3-D structure in its own right, but think about what surface(s) you want the finished piece to have.
Determine What Clay Body to Use
Look at your method and your vision. Throwing clays need to be smooth and elastic. If you are handbuilding small pieces, a clay suitable to throwing will also work for you. However, if you will be handbuilding a large piece, you need to choose a clay body that contains grog. Handbuilding clays do not need to be as elastic, either.
You must also determine to what temperature you will be firing the piece. If you want to use a cone four glaze, you will need to use a clay body that also matures at cone four. You absolutely must avoid firing a clay body higher than its maturity; it will slump, at best, or become welded to your kiln shelves at worst.
Plan Your Actions: Before Firing
Before the Clay Is Leather Hard: During this time you will do your basic forming of the piece. Beyond that, however, plan what other actions you may want to take. Do you want to modify the form through minor cutting, impressing, or deforming? Do you want to add handles, spouts, or apply other embellishments? These all must be done while the clay is moist enough to work with, yet dried just enough to support the changes being made.
When the Clay Is Leather Hard: This is the time for cut-work, if it is extensive, and also the time to apply slips if you so desire.
After the Clay is Bisqued: Do you want to use underglazes? They need to be applied to the bisqueware before glaze is applied.
Plan Your Actions: Firing
Will you be using glazes? They are applied to the bisqueware after any underglazes are applied. If you are using glazes, what surface do you want? What colors? Do you want a transparent or opaque glaze? If you want a transparent glaze, do you want it to be colored or clear?
After the Glaze Firing: Will you want to use an overglaze? These are usually applied after the first glaze has been fired. They require a second glaze firing, at a lower temperature than the first one.
