Top 7 Clay Pottery Hacks Every Potter Needs to Know

Whether you’re brand new to pottery or a seasoned clay lover, a few smart hacks can make your creative process smoother, faster, and a whole lot more fun. Pottery is both an art and a craft, and sometimes it’s the little tips and tricks that take your work from frustrating to fabulous.

Here are seven clay pottery hacks that every potter should keep in their toolkit.

1. Keep Clay Fresh by Wrapping It Tight

Clay dries out quickly if exposed to air, which makes it difficult to work with. To keep it soft and ready for use, all you need is a plastic bag or container.

How to do it:

1. Wrap your clay – Press out as much air as possible and wrap the clay block tightly in plastic (a grocery bag or cling wrap both work).

2. Double-bag for safety – For long-term storage, place the wrapped clay inside another sealed bag or a plastic tub with a lid.

3. Add moisture if needed – If your clay feels dry, lightly spritz it with water before sealing.

This simple method ensures your clay stays workable for weeks instead of days.

2. Use an Old Credit Card as a Flexible Rib

No rib tool handy? Old gift cards, credit cards, or hotel key cards work perfectly as smoothing tools. Cut them into different shapes to reach curves, edges, and tight spaces.

3. Use Baby Wipes for Easy Clean-Up

Instead of scrubbing your hands raw, keep a pack of baby wipes at your wheel or worktable. They make quick work of clay-covered hands and tools and save you from running to the sink every five minutes.

4. Use Cornstarch for Mold Release

Working with plaster molds or slump molds? Dust them lightly with cornstarch before pressing in your clay. It acts as a natural release agent and won’t damage your pottery.

5. Plastic Bags for Perfectly Slow Drying

Clay dries unevenly, leading to cracks. To prevent this, cover your pieces with lightweight plastic grocery bags while they dry. This slows down evaporation and ensures even drying.

6. Use a Sponge-on-a-Stick for Tall vessels

Reaching into tall vases or narrow-necked forms? Attach a sponge to the end of a wooden dowel or chopstick. This makes it easy to remove water or smooth hard-to-reach spots.

7. Layer Glazes for Instant Depth and Dimension

One glaze is nice, but two or three layered glazes create magical effects. Try a dark base like Obsidian with Seaweed or a crystal glaze like Jungle Gems on top—you’ll get rich textures and vibrant colors without extra effort.

These pottery hacks aren’t just about saving time—they’re about making your creative process easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re storing clay, cleaning up, or glazing, these little tricks can make a big difference.

So grab your wheel, your tools (or old credit card 😉), and start experimenting with these tips. You might just find your new favorite pottery shortcut!