Beginner Pottery: Basic Trimming (Coffee Mug)

Before pinning the pot down with clay, the pot needs to be centered.
Take a look if pot is thick or thin and know how much you can trim off. Check if if inside and outside are matching.
Smooth down little pieces, put pot down in the center. With tip of wooden tool draw circle on bottom of pot to see if it is centered and push with both hands forward if needed (want to do this when it’s not too dry). Don’t start at the edge so you can move toward it. Push it with both side. Pin it down with little coils. Hold down pot while putting down coils. Push at 45 degree angle to pot, to avoid denting the pot, pressure on wheel rather than on pot.
When you go to trim use a very sharp tool. Don’t use broad tools right away. Use a very sharp tool to make a nice clean cut. Start wherever it’s nice and even (there might be some bumps on the pot). Start low and move up, ribbons should come off. This is to even out the surface and to take off extra clay. You’re also shaping the pot a little bit.
You can make a little foot for aesthetic value. Make a foot and give it a little lift (looks like pot is on a pedestal). Foot 1/4 inch is sufficient. Make a flat bottom so walls are even all the way through and it will dry evenly.
The potter is the amazing teacher Amy Lee who gave me a fantastic private class at Santa Fe Clay.

[@Smokie181]

Hmmm 🤔and they have found ancient Egyptian pottery to have perfect symmetry down to a 1000th of a inch! Got to really respect the skill and effort to achieve such a feat in such a time.

[@susiehallam]

Thank you for a really helpful, clear tutorial with no gimmicks!

[@sd20017]

Love this! So great as a beginner to watch this. You made it so easy to understand. I have been very intimidated by trimming. Much appreciated ! ✌🏾️

[@marlenepeacock6339]

Ceramic tile trivets

[@StaticRose]

I've been doing it wrong this.whole.time. thank you so much

[@tlillianbakken]

What a perfect detailed tutorial -- thank you!

[@noraabousteit6255]

Lillian Bakken thank you for the nice comment!

[@bettymartinez1633]

Excellent tutorial!!!!! ❤️

[@andrewfalk3834]

Thx now I know how to trim 👍🏻