Wedging clay with the bull's head technique.

Antoinette Badenhorst teaches the “Bull’s Head” wedging method as a practical and efficient way to prepare clay for handbuilding and wheel throwing. Named after the shape the clay forms during the process, this wedging technique helps align clay particles, remove air pockets, and create an even moisture consistency throughout the clay body.
In the Bull’s Head method, the clay is rhythmically pushed forward and folded inward in a controlled motion that resembles the shape of a bull’s head with two curved sides. The process develops strength and consistency in the clay while minimizing trapped air bubbles that can cause problems during forming or firing.
Antoinette emphasizes proper body posture, hand placement, and movement to reduce strain on the wrists and shoulders while improving efficiency. In her teaching, she often explains that wedging is one of the most important foundational skills in ceramics because well-prepared clay responds better during shaping and firing.
Her approach combines technical discipline with studio practicality, making the Bull’s Head wedging method especially valuable for beginners learning clay preparation as well as experienced potters working with porcelain and other sensitive clay bodies.

Clay wedging is explained and demonstrated in one of Antoinette's online classes. Students learn in these porcelain e-courses how to wedge clay, throw on the wheel, trimming techniques, hand building and many more about porcelain, the Diva of clay. This video shows how Antoinette wedges clay and is a snippet from her Understanding Porcelain online workshop at TeachinArt. ​​