I am new to pottery. I bought a house a few years back and in building gardens I found an abundance of raw natural clay so I have been learning and playing with clay and everything that goes along with it. I bought a wheel but haven’t used it yet (need to do some electrical first). I built a fire pit kiln, but I’m not sure if I am doing it correct or how to test if the clay is pottery when it is done. So I am open to any and all.

I am 2yrs new to pottery. I am reading and researching on line. I am looking for any learning experiences when it comes to clay and pottery. If I can - I would love to be able to do pottery for a living or extra savings if possible. I have raw clay all over my yard so I am processing the clay myself. If there is any advice or how-tos so I know I am doing it right that would be great. And also the “what to mix”, silica, sand etc to make it stronger or more pliable. I play with hand building right now but have a wheel I will be using once the room/building is ready for it. Clay and Pottery 101. Anything and everything 😂

My name is Melissa. I have been playing with the natural clay I found in our yard for about 2 yrs now. All hand build and fired in my fire pit or pit fire kiln I made. I have a building I am going to turn into a studio once I finish two other major projects we are working on ( fixing a barn and finishing a deck). I dig the clay, I clean the clay, I dry the clay and I hand build small odds and ends. I would love to learn the wheel and better ways to hand build. I am trying to find my niche.