Centering the clay is the most important part of wheel throwing. Even the best-wedged lump will be nothing without proper centering. Centering is done by lubricating the lump with water, and applying a firm but guiding hand to it. The potter then practices coning, which is moving the clay up and down to make the clay more malleable. A firm and guiding hand is needed to assist small children as they learn to make decisions. Social standards and morals have not been fully comprehended yet, so it is easy for a small child to start off on the wrong foot here.

The potter now opens the centered mass rotating beneath his hands. This is done by forming a depression in the top and inserting his thumbs down to one half inch of the bottom. Then, the sides are pulled outward to the desired diameter. The potter firms or re-centers the rim

Nurturing and guiding a child through life is a very hard task. There are pitfalls and rewards alike. Throwing pottery is undisputedly easy compared to raising a child, but the basics are still the same. Mistakes can either be mended or go on to destroy the pot. No matter what the outcome, the experience of making a pot is always fun. Everyone should definitely jump at the chance to experience the magic of creating his or her own life drama on the wheel.

each step after opening, once again using a firm and guiding hand to ensure quality. As the pot grows, less pressure is needed to keep the rim true if this was done correctly throughout the beginning stages. A good parent will allow children to grow and learn on their own, but keep them on the proper path as they continue their life journey. Once the child understands how they should behave, less stringent guidance is needed.

After proper trimming, the pot must dry out and harden to the bone dry stage. The pot is considered to be bone dry when there is no humanly detectable moisture in the clay and it no longer feels cold to the touch. Once it is bone dry, the pot is tested and made whole by fire in the kiln. Firing makes the pot permanent by fusing together the clay particles into a whole. This initial firing process is called the bisque firing. If the pot is too thick or misshapen, it can warp or explode. As a young adult goes out to explore more and more of the world around us, they too must be strong enough to survive its trying hardships.

The pot may only be pulled a few times before it rebels and goes in its own direction. I am sure every parent knows this truth when it comes to pressuring his or her own children.

Some topics in this essay:
, guiding hand, firm guiding hand, pot pulled, bone dry, firm guiding, pot grows, pressure rim, firing pot, trimming pot, outside hand, hand inside,