Books like Pottery Basics by Jacqui Atkin

*from foreword* Welcome to the fraternity of potters! Come join the company of those who fashion this out of earth and fire, who work with materials old as time itself. Explore the mysteries of the kiln whose magic changes dull mud in to objects as brilliant as jewels. Learn the secrets of the ceramic art - learn about clay. A wonderful material, clay - probably the first to which man turned his hand when he felt the urge to make things, not for hunting or for war, but just for the pleasure of creating. Out of clay he contrived those first utensils for cooking and storing food which spelled the beginning of civilization. Out of it he also made ornaments, representations of natural forms, objects of religious veneration, even books. If you learn its simple rules, clay will serve you well, obeying your slightest touch and giving tangible expression to your thoughts. It will remain plastic and responsive, changing as you command; yet when you achieve the form you wish and pass it through the fire, it will hold the impress of your fingers forever. You may work clay with machinery or you may work it by hand. The experienced potter can use it to produce articles of exquisite design whose making will tax to the utmost his knowledge and his craftsmanship. A little child can use it, also, and make things of real utility and charm. It can be modeled, pressed, or stamped. It can be thrown on a wheel. It can be made into a liquid and cast in molds. It can be carved as a solid. It can be rolled, turned, scraped, incised, pulled, cut. When hardened by fire, it can be glazed with colors, brilliant or subdued, glossy or mat. It may be decorated with designs or given a variety of textures. Its range is almost limitless. It has something to offer to all tastes. It will lend itself to all degrees of skill. It took a thousand centuries for forces of air and water working on granite rock to form the clay you work with. It took countless centuries more for winds and glaciers and running streams to deposit it in the bed where it was found. It is ready to serve you. Respect it for what it can do. If you are honest and sincere, it will reward you richly, not only in pieces of ware but in that deep satisfaction which comes from making something and knowing that you have made it well.

A practical, step‑by‑step guide to constructing essential pottery workshop equipment—from clay mixers and hand tools to various kiln types—complemented by detailed plans, diagrams and a source list.

A practical guide that teaches pottery from clay selection to glazing, with clear illustrations and expert advice for beginners and experienced makers alike.

Create cups, mugs, bowls, and more pieces that are perfect for you! Everyone who owns a beloved mug that has just the right handle, an agreeably deep cereal bowl, or a plate that fits perfectly in the dishwasher knows that once you've found these pieces, you wish you had more of them. You will learn how to create the pieces that will work best for you. Each element of the creative process is explained, including: deciding the function of the item; working out proportions and making basic drawings; choosing the right clay and tools; design decisions, techniques to consider, variations to contemplate; picking the best method: throwing, slabbing, or coiling; choosing food-safe glazes; and more. This book explains how to throw and hand-build pieces that are beautiful and practical, from plates, cups, and saucers to casserole dishes, pitchers, and tureens.

Describes the full range of available clays and their individual qualities, as well as necessary tools and equipment; presents easy-to-follow directions for fashioning pottery; and augments instruction with captioned, step-by-step photos, illustrations, and sidebars featuring troubleshooting tips with solutions to problems that often arise in the process of making pottery. This essential reference book also covers topics such as developing design concepts, from sketch pad to finished piece; slabbing, pinching, coiling, throwing, turning, and mold-making, using various clays; and creating surface decoration, with attention to colors, textures, and glazing.

Many would say that only by making and resolving mistakes do we really learn from craft but of course the more experienced potter can often work out what they have done wrong relatively easily and remedy the problem by making a few adjustments here or there in their working practice. This book details all the common problems, why they happen, and how to fix them.