we're still sculpting our tutorials!

Full video and step-by-step guides for both pottery techniques and pottery projects will be up before you get your kits!

Wedging

Recycle your leftover scraps into smooth, usable clay with ram’s head wedging. This method removes air pockets, evens out moisture, and leaves your clay strong and ready to use. Not necessary for air-dry finishing option or for larger flat surface pieces of clay (simply press and slap these back together).

Difficulty: Intermediate

Time: 5-10 minutes

Technique: Clay Prep

What You Need

Clay scraps

Clean flat sturdy surface

Step-by-Step

Prepare Your Surface

Use a wedging board that won’t stick—plaster, plywood with canvas, or wood. Hip-height is ideal so you can lean in without straining your back.
Shape the Clay Block

Press your scraps together into a rough rectangular or square lump. Larger flat pieces can just be slapped into a ball—ram’s head is for smaller scraps.
Set Hand Position

Place your thumbs on top and your fingers loosely around the sides. Keep your palms slightly angled inward.
Press Forward & Down

Using your body weight, push the clay down and away from you in a rocking motion. At the same time, squeeze slightly inward with the pads of your palms, shaping the “ram’s horns.”
Lift & Reset

Pull the top of the clay back toward you and set the lower tip (the “nose”) against the board. Repeat the rocking press.
Establish a Rhythm

Continue pressing forward, inward, and down, then pulling back up. A smooth rocking rhythm keeps the clay consistent without folding it.
Keep Going!

Depending on starting quality of the clay you'll need 50-100+ repetitions to remove all air pockets. When you're ready simply hit the rams head back into a ball (without folding the seams).

Studio Secrets

→ Body over arms: Use your body weight to press, not just your arms — it’s easier and more effective.

→ Don’t fold: Folding traps air. Always push in and down, never fold clay back onto itself.

→ Consistency over speed: A steady rhythm matters more than going fast.

→ Moisture control: If scraps are drying, mist lightly. Too much water will make clay sticky.

Helpful Fixes

Clay still has air pockets

Tighten your press — make sure you’re pushing inward as well as down and increase repetitions.

Clay spreading wide

Keep your hands closer together so the “horns” don’t flatten out.

Clay getting sticky

Let scraps dry slightly but careful not too much.

Back or arm strain

Check table height—hip level is best to keep good posture.

Quick Checklist

For scraps (fresh clay doesn’t need wedging)

Press with body weight, not arms

Push forward, inward, and down in rhythm

Never fold clay—always compress

Aim for 100 repetitions

Atelier Home Pottery Techniques