Every wheel project goes through all the same basic steps, but there are many ways to do each basic step. If you watch Youtube videos, look for these steps:
The initial centering of the clay is done with the wheel turning at high speed. The clay is “coned up” with both hands, then pressed down with the edge of one hand with the heel of the other being rock steady.
That typically creates a puck of clay, perfectly centered.
Then the speed is reduced to medium and the clay is “opened” often with a thumb creating a shallow hole. Then the hole is enlarged with fingers held together pulling slowly towards you.
That moves most of the clay to the rim and creates the “floor” of the mug or bowl.
Lastly the clay is “pulled” up to make the walls, even though it’s not really pulled. It’s actually a lifting movement with the finger on the outside , but that’s the name of this step.
