Creative Pottery: Innovative Techniques and Experimental Designs in Thrown and Handbuilt Ceramics

Take your work to the next level! In Creative Pottery, ceramic artist Deb Schwartzkopf offers the tips, techniques, and inspiration you need to grow as a functional potter.

Whether your background is in wheel-throwing or handbuilding, start with a quick review of where you are in your own journey as a potter. If you need to brush up on the basics, help setting goals, or pointers on how to translate your inspiration into your work, you’ve come to the right place. The rest of the book is a self-guided journey in which you can choose the techniques and projects that interest you:

Go beyond the basics and learn how to throw or handbuild a bottomless cylinder. Then explore seams and alterations for projects like an oval serving tray, altered cylinder vase, and dessert boat.

Learn about small changes that make a big impact, making an asymmetrical slab plate, throwing plates, and creating a cake stand.

Master bisque molds and use them to open a new world of possibilities. Make spoons, a goblet, a butter dish, and more.

Add complexity for stunning forms, including a pitcher, juicer, teapot, and oil pourer.

With compelling galleries, artist features, and guided questions for growth throughout, this book will not only teach you new skills—it will unlock your creativity.

Pages: 192

Publication year: 2026