How to make a small jar

This is a quick tutorial on how to make a small jar. I'm in a Wheel throwing class this quarter and it's the  first time I've ever tried it. It's much harder than my teacher makes it look! Because I think it's easier to understand by watching someone do it versus reading it, I found a great video demonstrating how to make a cylinder. The instructor in the video is Casey Oconnor. He also shows all the tools you can use which is wonderful! Click here to go to the video on youtube.

STEP 1
Wedge your clay really well so that you work out all the air bubbles.  When you are done, slap it in your hands to make a smooth, round ball. 

STEP 2
Throw your ball of clay in the center of the wheel as best as you can. Then, by using tons of pressure with your hands, center your ball of clay. (Trust me, you'll know if it's not centered because your hands with be jerking every which way). 

STEP 3
Stick one finger in the center and push down. Pull your finger towards you to create a small bowl shape. Once you have done that you can start to bring up the sides by pushing the coil up from the bottom in small increments. You don't want to bring it up too fast or you risk tearing the clay. 

STEP 4
Now you have a cylinder shape. Next take a round tool called a rib. Use it by pressing it against the outside of the cylinder and pushing your finger (from the inside of the jar) and running it from top to bottom against the rib. 

STEP 5
The basic shape of the jar is complete!


The last steps that need to be taken are trimming away the extra clay at the foot of the jar. Then you put the slip on it, then you put it in the bisque kiln, then lastly you glaze it and then fire it.