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The Beginner's Guide to Hand Building: Functional and Sculptural Projects for the Home Potter
Join the home pottery revolution! Whether you have access to a communal studio or not, hand building projects can travel just about anywhere . Take your clay outside or work at the kitchen table , with instruction from best-selling ceramics author Sunshine Cobb . In this book, you’ll find all the necessary fundamentals , including a thorough discussion of clay as well as helpful tips for keeping your body and mind in top shape . Then pick the path that’s right for you in the chapters that follow. Develop new skills and unlock your own creativity as you explore: All along the way, skill-building is front and center, with conversational instructions and tips to help you make pieces you’re proud to show off. Gallery work from some of today’s top artists are sure to inspire potters of all levels. What will you make first?
For beginners and those returning to ceramics, the Essential Ceramics Skills series from Quarry Books offer the fundamentals along with fresh, contemporary, and simple projects that build skills progressively.
For beginners and those returning to ceramics, the Essential Ceramics Skills series from Quarry Books offer the fundamentals along with fresh, contemporary, and simple projects that build skills progressively.
- GenresArtNonfictionCrafts
176 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2022
49 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 22, 2024
Great books with examples of projects to try. I made the Fox and can’t wait to see how it turns out
October 10, 2022
4 Stars!! Good book with tons of helpful and useful information. This book has 3 main sections - ‘Welcome to the Studio’ is first where the author goes through everything you could possibly need or want to know - and than some! Tools needed with an explanation on why and how to use it. Clay - what types there are and which one you’ll want to use. Terms and concepts are explained along with the foundation of skills needed for hand building. Plenty of pictures and ideas are included and I loved that! So helpful!
The next section is called ‘Sculptural Projects’ which is basically a step by step on hand building sculptural objects such as flowers/plants, wall hangings/tiles, a soap dish, a candle holder and more!
Finally we have the last section labeled ‘Functional Projects’ and that includes step by step instructions on how to create functional items such as a citrus reamer, a butter box, tapas plates and that’s just the first 3 projects! Also comes with a gallery of photos for ideas and inspiration. The end wraps up with templates for the projects and a resources page so you can check out some really cool and helpful websites.
I loved this book and would definitely recommend! The only negatives I have about this book are that there was a lot of info to read through and I wish it had been condensed a bit more as I tended to skim through some of it. Also I wouldn’t have minded some air dry clay information which I sadly didn’t find any info on in this book. That being said - I can’t wait to try some of these projects out!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
The next section is called ‘Sculptural Projects’ which is basically a step by step on hand building sculptural objects such as flowers/plants, wall hangings/tiles, a soap dish, a candle holder and more!
Finally we have the last section labeled ‘Functional Projects’ and that includes step by step instructions on how to create functional items such as a citrus reamer, a butter box, tapas plates and that’s just the first 3 projects! Also comes with a gallery of photos for ideas and inspiration. The end wraps up with templates for the projects and a resources page so you can check out some really cool and helpful websites.
I loved this book and would definitely recommend! The only negatives I have about this book are that there was a lot of info to read through and I wish it had been condensed a bit more as I tended to skim through some of it. Also I wouldn’t have minded some air dry clay information which I sadly didn’t find any info on in this book. That being said - I can’t wait to try some of these projects out!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
October 10, 2022
I love art and craft books that contain functional projects and this book has some really cute ones! I like in particular the scoop and the citrus reamer. Would have loved to make them, if only my place is suitable for clay projects. Some of the other projects did not quite appeal to me, but there are also galleries of other creations for inspiration.
The step-by-step pictorials and instructions are good, making this suitable for a beginner.
A 4-star from me.
The step-by-step pictorials and instructions are good, making this suitable for a beginner.
A 4-star from me.
November 4, 2022
This book is colourful and fun, just like Sunshine’s work. It’s a great peek into Sunshine’s beautiful style, as well as helpful in you discovering your own. She did a great job selecting the projects; you will be able to use the various skills covered to make so much more. I don’t think beginners are the only ones who can get something out of this book full of inspiring art! :)
October 20, 2023
This was a library borrow. I haven't used any of the templates - though I do like the scoop and candelabra. I love that the author had an awareness of issues that exist in the world of ceramics. What really perked me up was when I got to page 13 and read this: “NOTE Besides physical conditions and materials, there are toxic attitudes and practices that can come along with Shared spaces. Racism, sexism, ablism, elitism, and entitlement are all things we have not escaped in the ceramics field. Sometimes, because of the nature of a small business, those behaviors have been left unchecked. We, as a community, have a very long way to go toward inclusive and equitable spaces. There has been a pay-your-dues mentality when it comes to those -isms, and even learning ceramics information and technology, meaning those who came before suffered so those coming after should as well. I reject that practice. Find your community (even if it's just in these pages). Don't let the fact that it is not perfect stop you in your creative journey.” TRUTH! And I'm glad to see it acknowledged!
And I love that there was some awareness of accessibility at multiple points in this the book: how pinch pots can be inaccessible and tricky if you have mobility and dexterity issues, and this: "If you drop in to your local studio, keep in mind every studio setup is different, and they are often not set up with comfort, ergonomics, or the differently abled in mind. Setup is often centered around equipment, tables, shelving, and how many bodies can fit."
She also had helpful questions to consider when assessing if a shared studio is for you.
This book is a helpful reference, and it is very approachable. I like that towards the beginning she says that this is a book that she encourages skimming and coming back to, rather than reading cover to cover. I'd say this is perfect for just that, and would be great to have in any home studio or ceramics classroom - particularly for those who are newer to handbuilding, or who are trying to remember old skills if they've spent more time at the wheel. I find that other ceramics books can read more like chemistry books - and while there is a place for that, those books are not for me. This presents info in a helpful practical way, and includes technical info, examples of art from notable contemporary ceramicists, and templates in the back of the book for all of the projects included within these pages.
This is a book that I would come back to later, and I'd like to read more on ceramics from Sunshine Cobb. In fact, I've already put a hold at my library for her previous book, Mastering Hand Building. I look forward to reading it! I was hoping more handbuilding with stamping and texture would be in this book, but there wasn't really any of that, this was more structural. I'm thinking there would be more textural work in Mastering.
And I love that there was some awareness of accessibility at multiple points in this the book: how pinch pots can be inaccessible and tricky if you have mobility and dexterity issues, and this: "If you drop in to your local studio, keep in mind every studio setup is different, and they are often not set up with comfort, ergonomics, or the differently abled in mind. Setup is often centered around equipment, tables, shelving, and how many bodies can fit."
She also had helpful questions to consider when assessing if a shared studio is for you.
This book is a helpful reference, and it is very approachable. I like that towards the beginning she says that this is a book that she encourages skimming and coming back to, rather than reading cover to cover. I'd say this is perfect for just that, and would be great to have in any home studio or ceramics classroom - particularly for those who are newer to handbuilding, or who are trying to remember old skills if they've spent more time at the wheel. I find that other ceramics books can read more like chemistry books - and while there is a place for that, those books are not for me. This presents info in a helpful practical way, and includes technical info, examples of art from notable contemporary ceramicists, and templates in the back of the book for all of the projects included within these pages.
This is a book that I would come back to later, and I'd like to read more on ceramics from Sunshine Cobb. In fact, I've already put a hold at my library for her previous book, Mastering Hand Building. I look forward to reading it! I was hoping more handbuilding with stamping and texture would be in this book, but there wasn't really any of that, this was more structural. I'm thinking there would be more textural work in Mastering.
November 17, 2022
4.5*
What a fun book and a great way to dive into the world of hand building ceramics. As a potter that started only a few years back, I wish I had a book like this available to me when I started- but even now it still seems relevant with its collection of cute projects and tips and tricks that have been collected over years of experience that Sunshine Cobb shares with her readers. Reading this books feels like sitting down with a friend who explains her method in a conversational style that is non-intimidating and makes ceramics feel entirely accessible to anyone who wants to try. The book starts off talking about everything from studio space to hand stretches and getting into the mindset for creativity. It is a very organic and "come-as-you-are" approach to pottery. Then the book goes on to talk about techniques with clay, glazing, tools and foundational skills. From there, readers get a chance to see both functional and sculptural projects to make and also see different artists that Cobb has highlighted in her book. The projects are easy to follow along and super cute. Overall, there are many valuable tips and tricks to be discovered in this extremely approachable book about pottery. Highly recommended to anyone who is just starting in ceramics or anyone looking to learn a little extra from a really fun author.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sunshine Cobb for providing me an ARC of this book. My review is honest and freely provided*
What a fun book and a great way to dive into the world of hand building ceramics. As a potter that started only a few years back, I wish I had a book like this available to me when I started- but even now it still seems relevant with its collection of cute projects and tips and tricks that have been collected over years of experience that Sunshine Cobb shares with her readers. Reading this books feels like sitting down with a friend who explains her method in a conversational style that is non-intimidating and makes ceramics feel entirely accessible to anyone who wants to try. The book starts off talking about everything from studio space to hand stretches and getting into the mindset for creativity. It is a very organic and "come-as-you-are" approach to pottery. Then the book goes on to talk about techniques with clay, glazing, tools and foundational skills. From there, readers get a chance to see both functional and sculptural projects to make and also see different artists that Cobb has highlighted in her book. The projects are easy to follow along and super cute. Overall, there are many valuable tips and tricks to be discovered in this extremely approachable book about pottery. Highly recommended to anyone who is just starting in ceramics or anyone looking to learn a little extra from a really fun author.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sunshine Cobb for providing me an ARC of this book. My review is honest and freely provided*
November 14, 2022
The Beginner's Guide to Hand Building Functional and Sculptural Projects for the Home Potter by Sunshine Cobb is a valuable addition to the beginning potter’s reference shelf. This book presents the material in such a way as to make clay approachable for anyone.
I especially appreciated the emphasis on healthy work/clay habits and overall wellness, which can easily be overlooked by a beginning potter. The stretching exercises were particularly helpful from a functional perspective and also as a reminder to take care of your body in the practice of this sometimes strenuous art.
I liked the layout and progression of the book which reviewed not only the types of clay but explained the states of clay as it moves through making to finished product. The gallery of photos ignite one’s own creativity and the templates offer a solid resource. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.). This book is an excellent resource for a beginning potter looking to develop and expand their handbuilding skills.
I especially appreciated the emphasis on healthy work/clay habits and overall wellness, which can easily be overlooked by a beginning potter. The stretching exercises were particularly helpful from a functional perspective and also as a reminder to take care of your body in the practice of this sometimes strenuous art.
I liked the layout and progression of the book which reviewed not only the types of clay but explained the states of clay as it moves through making to finished product. The gallery of photos ignite one’s own creativity and the templates offer a solid resource. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.). This book is an excellent resource for a beginning potter looking to develop and expand their handbuilding skills.
October 4, 2023
This book was interesting, but not what I was expecting. The artist's approach in the Body and Mind section at the beginning was a bit negative, and didn't bring a great vibe for the rest of the book. The technical information was helpful and accurate to what I had learned in my college ceramics classes many years ago. I appreciated the refresher and this part will be the most helpful to beginners. I found the artist's style rough and ready, and her examples and tutorials didn't inspire me with my own ideas. I liked that there are some pages with creations from other artists, and the variety helped showcase a wider range of styles.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
October 16, 2022
The Beginner's Guide to Hand Building
4 Stars
One of my favorite things about hand building is how calming it is. It helps me find my zen place. Throughout the years, I have found myself returning to build with clay when life gets stressful.
My favorite section is the functional projects. The scoop and citrus reamer would make a really lovely gift. I've stepped away from this hobby a few times due to lack of space to store anymore "said projects." Some projects inspired me to want to create, while the more abstract projects didn't appeal to me at all, but I appreciated the variety of projects offered.
I enjoyed Cobb's laid back conversation-style instructions, tips, and step-by-step tutorial. I loved the many photos throughout this book; they definitely inspired me to try a few of these projects for myself. The instructions are good, making this book suitable for a beginner or an intermediate level. Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4 Stars
One of my favorite things about hand building is how calming it is. It helps me find my zen place. Throughout the years, I have found myself returning to build with clay when life gets stressful.
My favorite section is the functional projects. The scoop and citrus reamer would make a really lovely gift. I've stepped away from this hobby a few times due to lack of space to store anymore "said projects." Some projects inspired me to want to create, while the more abstract projects didn't appeal to me at all, but I appreciated the variety of projects offered.
I enjoyed Cobb's laid back conversation-style instructions, tips, and step-by-step tutorial. I loved the many photos throughout this book; they definitely inspired me to try a few of these projects for myself. The instructions are good, making this book suitable for a beginner or an intermediate level. Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 9, 2022
This book is fabulous, one of the better ones for both beginners and those with some experience. Not only does the book start off with some health and safety (which seems to be lacking in some pottery books), information on how to set up a space and finally some hand stretches and relaxation.
The instructions that follow are step by step and after each technique, with project, there is a glossary of item for examples. The photos are very useful and very easy to understand and the project are not only a lot of fun but useful as well.
Love this book .Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC
The instructions that follow are step by step and after each technique, with project, there is a glossary of item for examples. The photos are very useful and very easy to understand and the project are not only a lot of fun but useful as well.
Love this book .Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC
November 7, 2022
Very thorough, including information on setting up a studio. I loved the range of projects and the galleries of other artists’ work. Some of the projects really appealed to me like the match striker (brilliant and gorgeous), the citrus reamer and the funky soap dishes. Some of the inspiration in the gallery also made me wish I could go make them. Recommended.
I read a temporary digital version of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital version of this book for review.
October 28, 2022
A great book on hand-built pottery! Sunshine includes so many tips & tricks that other ceramics books don't teach. I have learned so very much from both of her books. I highly recommend this beautiful book for beginners and practicing potters. Full of inspiration and practical instruction. A must have!!
October 28, 2022
I can't speak to how it would be to use this book if you were truly a beginner, but it has lots of good information and instructions and helpful accompanying images. There are a variety of projects to try. I got so much out of her first book, Mastering Hand Building, and this one is great too.
November 5, 2022
The Beginners Guide to Hand Building is a fantastic guide filled with fun and pretty projects. I highly recommend it! The book is filled with inspiring ideas and shows proper tools techniques and finished projects. Super fun and refreshing.
November 3, 2022
A lovely book for beginners with easy to follow tutorials.
November 29, 2022
Sunshine’s Beginner’s Guide to Hand Building was a joy to read and use. I was in the need of inspiration and this book provided just what I needed to try new projects.
April 6, 2023
Skimmed.
November 30, 2022
I enjoyed this and had preordered it as I read and used her other book- Mastering hand building. I think this is definitely a good beginner book. If you are thinking I really want to get into pottery this is a good place to start. If you have taken classes or done pottery for a while maybe this won’t be super helpful. I would recommend Mastering Hand Building instead. Sunshine Cobb is an exceptional artist and I love her writing just thought this wasn’t as helpful as I wanted it to be.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews