Throwing or hand building is considered to be one of the most important steps while working with clay or in handmade pottery. Always remember to use wedging clay on a plaster or canvas surface. Pottery should always be done while standing or use a wedging table.

To reuse some clay just place it on the wedging table so that the plaster can absorb the moisture because it's important to have the correct moisture content before wedging. If you're unsure on how the clay will turn out to be simply wedge it a little and place it in a plastic bag, for a couple days to get the air bubbles out again.

Now, take some clay and slam it onto the wedging table. Make sure to use a wire cutter to cut it in half and throw the left out piece down on top of the other in the same direction. Repeat this step again and again till all the air bubbles in the clay come out. Even if you've a wedged clay perform this step until you don't see any bubbles you still need to wedge again by using the cone method.

You can also weigh the clay using lids, bowls, vases etc, before wedging. It will help you estimate the size of pot or lid want. This record will also assist you to know exactly what the weight you will need to obtain the size mug you want to make.

In addition, make sure to know the type of pot you want to make before you get started making a piece of pottery on the wheel. You can make anything including a mug, bowl, vase, lamp or platter. Based on the item, and its dimensions, decide the weight of the clay and accordingly wedge it.

In case, you're unsure of the exact weight that you'll need to make a certain item, try throwing some pots using different weights so that you become familiar with the different clay sizes and its final outcome. This step is very important that every potter have an specific style and technique to their throwing the sizes of the finished pots.

Beside, you should also know that as your pot dries it will shrink in size. Even the bisque firing gets reduced, which helps to eliminate the extra moisture in the pot. After the final firing the pot is going to shrink even more. So make your item a little larger than the desired size.

Therefore, to achieve a successful piece of pottery all you need is a little planning, weighing, and wedging.