Online pottery workshops

Wheel thrown Teapots

In this 3-week wheel thrown teapot online class, you will learn different techniques for throwing functional teapots and will learn what is needed in the mysterious world of teapot collections. You will learn how to make and attach teapot spouts that do not drip or spatter during pouring and will learn all the basic to make a functional teapot.

Pulling and attaching handles are easy if you know how to do it, but the handle must fit the design of the teapot and must compliment the other elements of the teapot.

You will learn how to make a lid that will not fall off from the teapot during pouring. Pouring tea should not require two hands for pouring. Glazing and firing rounds off the teapot projects.
​Duration of class
3 weeks formal video classes, 2 weeks reviewing
5 weeks total viewing

Contents of the class

​Week 1 
  • An overview of the History and Elements of a teapot
  • A short Introduction to the History of teapots
  • What is defined as good functional teapots?
  • ​Design all the elements of a cylinder formed teapot.  
  • How to throw the teapot body from a cylinder form
  • How to throw a drop lid that will fit into the teapot body 
  • How to throw a spout that will pour without spattering and dripping after pouring.
  • How to trim the teapot body so that the drop lid will fit tight but comfortable.
  • How to trim the drop lid so that it will fit into the teapot body. 
  • How to trim a spout that will pour well and fit the design.
Week 2 
  • Design all the elements of a bellied teapot.  
  • How to throw off the hump
  • Start throwing the cap lid first off the hump
  • Throw a spout from the hump 
  • How to throw the body of a bellied teapot off the hump
  • How to trim the teapot body so that the cap lid will fit like a glove.
  • How to trim the cap lid so that it will fit onto the teapot body. 
  • How to trim a spout that will pour well and fit the design.
​Week 3
Assemble all the elements of the cylinder teapot
  • Pull and form the handle  
  • Teapot decoration considerations
  • Assemble the teapot handle
  • Finishing touches
  • Trim and attach the spout
  • Form and attach the handle
  • Glaze considerations
  • Firing tips, techniques and considerations
To make a teapot that pours a strong hot stream of tea into a cup without spilling is a dream for many potters. Tea drinkers do not appreciate it when a lid drops down while pouring the tea or if hot tea spatters in all directions.

There is something special about teapots and that may be the reason why there are so many dedicated teapot collectors. It is probably the most challenging object for many potters but at the same time also the object that carries the most visual language.

During this online class, we will examine different techniques to help us make good functional teapots and will guide students into the mysterious world of teapot collections.

We will discuss teapots as a means of expression.