Homemade Pottery Kit – Savi Community Studio

Your Simple Guide to

Making Pottery at Home

Materials and Tools You’ll Need:

Clay (included)
Clay cutting and shaping tools (included)
Rib tool (included)
Sponge (included)
Rolling pin or slab roller (not included)
Water
Wooden surface workspace
Kiln for firing (handled by Savi Community Studio)

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you begin, ensure your workspace is clean and organized. Have all your materials and tools ready to use. Wedge your clay to remove air bubbles and make it uniform in texture.

Step 2: Roll Out Slabs

Roll out several flat slabs of clay using a rolling pin or stab roller. The slabs should be of even thickness, typically around 0.5 cm thick, smooth the surface using the wooden rib.

Step 3: Cut Out Cup Shapes

Using clay cutting tools, cut out the shapes needed for your cup. You'll need one slab for the cup's body and another for the base. The body Slab should be taller than the desired cup height to account for shaping.

Step 4: Score the Edges

Score (scratch) the overlapping edges, then add slip (clay mixed with water) before pressing them together

Step 5: Join the Cup Body and Attach the Base

Roll the cup's body slab into a cylindrical shape and overlap the edges slightly. Press them together firmly to create a secure seam. Smooth the seam both inside and outside of the cup.Center the cup body on top of the base slab and press them together firmly. With the wooden rib or shaping tool, smooth the connection to ensure a watertight seal.

Step 6: Shape the Cup

Using your hands and any shaping tools you prefer, refine the shape of your cup. You can create curves, angles, or unique designs by manipulating the clay. Pay attention to the thickness of the walls for even drying and firing.

Step 7: Create the Rim

Form the rim of your cup using your fingers or shaping tools to achieve the desired thickness and style.

Step 8: Let It Dry

Allow your ceramic cup to air dry completely. This can take several days to a week, depending on the humidity in your area. Be patient and avoid rushing this step to prevent cracking.

Step 9: Coloring

Once the piece is entirely dry, you can proceed with painting your mug with the included paint.
This part is entirely up to your imagination!

Please note: only the included paints should be used, as these are made specifically for ceramics. The studio will not be able to accept pieces painted with other materials for firing.
Don’t worry if the colours are looking pale - they’ll come to life after the firing!

Firing at our studio

Savi Community Studio offers free firing with Home Pottery kit purchases.

You can drop-off your piece at our studio:
Leokoriou 6-8, Psyrri, Athens. (Google Maps)

Please make sure your pieces have dried for at least 1 week before bringing.
We will not accept pieces that are thicker than 2cm and which have not been signed/stamped.

After drop-off, we will fire it and notify you by email when your piece is ready for pickup.

Please note: the firing is only offered for the clay included in the kit. If you buy additional clay, it will not be covered by the service