Mastering Lifting

In this workshop, we’re diving into one of the most important skills on the wheel: lifting. This is the process that takes your clay from a short, thick form and transforms it into something tall, refined and usable.

Whether you’re just getting started or revisiting your fundamentals, we’ll break down how lifting actually works, rather than simply showing you what to do.

You’ll learn how to work with your hands and pressure to gradually lift the walls of your clay, building height while maintaining control, consistency and strength in your form.

We’ll also look at common lifting mistakes and how to troubleshoot them, giving you simple ways to understand what’s happening with your clay and make adjustments as you go.

Lifting is one of those fundamental skills that unlocks so much on the wheel - from cups and bowls to vases and more sculptural forms. Take your time with it, enjoy the process and build a strong foundation that will make everything else easier.

This workshop is ideal for beginner to intermediate potters who want to build confidence and improve their wheel-throwing fundamentals.

What you'll learn

• How lifting works and why it is such an important part of throwing
• How to gradually lift clay from a short, thick form into a taller shape
• How to use hand pressure effectively when lifting
• How to maintain control as your walls become taller and thinner
• How to recognise and troubleshoot common lifting mistakes
• Simple ways to improve your lifting technique each time you throw
• How good lifting technique creates a strong foundation for cups, bowls and vases
• How to build confidence and consistency with one of the most important wheel-throwing skills