Wheel-Thrown Pottery (DIY): An Illustrated Guide of Basic Techniques from the Hit DIY Show Throwing Clay (DIY Network) (Paperback)

by Bill van Gilder (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Anyone who has ever imagined plunging bare hands into cool, moist clay and shaping it into a vase, platter, or tile can now experience the pleasure of pottery. Lifelong potter Bill van Gilder has a bounty of time-tested advice on all the basics, and a plethora of fantastic techniques. That means novices will enjoy the advantages of a master teacher guiding them through each stage of the process—while intermediates will eagerly soak up every new idea he has to offer. With van Gilder’s help, beginners can try hand building, and progress onto the fundamentals of wheel-throwing. They’ll get expert tips on shaping spouts, handles and feet; adding texture, color, and luster; and combining techniques to create a variety of attractive projects.
 

A production potter for more than 30 years, Bill van Gilder, host of DIY Network’s Throwing Clay, has traveled around the world to learn, teach, and exhibit his craft. He is a regular contributor to Clay Times magazine, and is on the faculty of The Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2000, he founded the Frederick Pottery School in Maryland.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (August 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579908551
• ISBN-13: 978-1579908553
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #160,063 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, January 18, 2007

By	J. Patterson (New Orleans, LA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book provided detailed illustration and pictures on various forms...from mixing bowls, plates, handels, teapot, and even a soup cup with a matching saucer. He explains how to throw knob handles! He provides alternative methods in some cases and lists the tools needed for each project. There are also glaze recipes at the end of each project for the glaze exhibited on the piece. Excellent for beginners and advanced learners. I have been in pottery for 4 years and continue to find this book resourceful. Excellent buy and worth the money!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great how to...., January 3, 2007

By	Potter2 (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

I teach pottery. Bill's book is an excellent how-to type book as well as a valuable teaching tool for beginning potters. I'm anxiously awaiting the next volume as well as a DVD set (hint hint) that extend Van Gilder's popular DIY network series on throwing clay. I highly recommend this book for all potters!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have learned so much from this book, October 9, 2007

By	Gabrielle K. (Tempe, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

I had seen one episode of Bill van Gilder's show on DIY Network and walked away with at least 3 great ideas for improving my skills with clay. I bought this book and brought it to my pottery class and several other students and the teacher all went out to get their own copy. The projects give very clear instructions and photos, telling you exactly how much clay to use. There are useful techniques to learn with every project. There are even glaze recipes for the glazes used in the examples in the book.