8 Innovative New Pottery Books Shaping 2025

What started as an exploration of art therapy led Kendyl Arden to coauthor this approachable guide that invites you into the world of pottery wheel throwing with clarity and patience. You’ll learn how to set up your own studio, understand different clay types, and master core techniques like centering, coning, and raising walls—all explained with practical visuals and tips. Chapters on trimming and decorative methods such as sgraffito and slip trailing provide concrete skills to elevate your craft. If you've struggled with pottery before or are just getting started, this book breaks down the process to help you turn frustration into creative confidence.

What happens when a potter known as the Mud Witch turns her vibrant studio into a classroom? Viviana Matsuda invites you into a world where pottery breaks free from muted tones into curvy, colorful art. She starts with the basics of clay and tools, then guides you through pinch pots, slab building, firing, and glazing, making complex techniques approachable. You’ll find inspiration in her photographs and a fresh perspective on crafting mugs, bowls, and plates that express personality and playfulness. If your pottery dreams lean toward imagination rather than tradition, this book will speak directly to your creative side.

This tailored book explores the latest developments in pottery, focusing on breakthrough techniques and discoveries shaping the craft in 2025. It examines emerging trends and innovative practices that expand creative possibilities, offering a deep dive into cutting-edge methods personalized to your interests and skill level. The content reveals how these new insights transform traditional pottery, blending contemporary approaches with foundational knowledge. By tailoring the material to match your background and goals, this book ensures a focused exploration of advances that matter most to you. It invites you to engage actively with the evolving art of pottery, keeping you informed and inspired by the newest research and creative breakthroughs in the field.

What happens when a hands-on artist distills pottery into its four essential techniques? Chloe Becker, an independent author passionate about ceramics, offers exactly that in this book, focusing on hand-building methods from coil to slab construction. You’ll gain practical skills in forming stable pottery, mastering surface textures, and troubleshooting common issues like cracked clay, all detailed in clear, accessible steps. This book suits both beginners eager to start molding clay confidently and experienced potters looking to refine their hand-building process without relying on a wheel or kiln. Its chapters on drying techniques and glazing provide a solid foundation for anyone wanting to deepen their ceramics craft.

During the creative process of pottery, Canvas Retirement Press recognized the need for a dedicated tool to help potters keep precise records of their projects. This log book guides you through documenting vital details like clay types, glaze formulas, firing temperatures, and project timelines, while also encouraging reflection on your artistic mood and inspiration. It's particularly useful if you want to track your progress methodically or teach others, offering space for sketches and notes that make your creative journey tangible. If you prefer a structured yet personal approach to pottery, this workbook can help you organize your work and develop your craft over time.

Unlike most pottery books that focus solely on technique or history, this log book by Issy Wong serves as a practical journal designed to capture every detail of your ceramic projects. It guides you to record clay types, glaze recipes, firing schedules, and even sources of inspiration, making it easier to replicate successes and learn from experiments. With dedicated sections for project ratings and sketches, it helps you track your creative journey methodically. If you’re serious about refining your craft through detailed documentation, this book offers a structured, hands-on way to enhance your pottery process.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of pottery as it moves into 2025, highlighting emerging trends and discoveries that shape the craft’s future. It covers innovations in materials, techniques, and artistic approaches, offering you a focused journey through the latest developments. By addressing your specific interests and background, the content reveals cutting-edge insights and fresh ideas tailored to your pottery goals. This personalized guide matches your experience level and desired topics to help you stay ahead in the ceramics world, fostering continuous growth and creative exploration with an emphasis on what matters most to you.

Unlike most pottery books that focus on techniques or history, John Bruce offers a practical tool designed to streamline your glaze experimentation. This notebook guides you through tracking glaze stacking orders, recipes, and combinations, helping you avoid repeating mistakes and rediscover your favorite results. You'll learn how to document your processes methodically, which is essential for refining your glazing skills and creating consistent finishes. Ideal for both seasoned potters aiming to organize their work and beginners eager to keep a clear record of their creative trials, this book turns your glaze journey into a manageable, inspiring practice.

Unlike most pottery books that focus solely on techniques or aesthetics, this notebook by Creator Maker Dreamer and Elli Stoneware offers a unique approach by providing dedicated space to meticulously document every stage of your ceramic projects. You learn to track specific details like clay types, glaze formulas, firing temperatures, and even client sales, which makes it easier to replicate successes and refine your craft. It’s especially helpful for potters juggling multiple creations, from novices eager to organize their early experiments to seasoned artisans managing complex series. This work encourages a disciplined yet creative record-keeping habit that supports growth and consistency in pottery practice.

When Ashley Odell discovered how many ceramic artists struggle to turn their craft into a sustainable business, she created this planner to fill that gap. You’ll find a blend of goal-setting frameworks and practical tools like production trackers and glaze test notes tailored specifically for potters. It’s designed to help you map out your studio cycles, focus on your ideal customers, and reflect on progress monthly. If you’re serious about growing your pottery into a viable business, this planner gives you the structure to stay organized and intentional without overwhelming you with rigid schedules.