Posts & Resources
Explore our collection of blog posts, videos, and tutorials designed to support your body‑friendly pottery practice. Browse by action or body part, or dive into the newest content below.
How to Lift Heavy Things
Proper lifting technique is essential for potters to protect their backs from injury when handling heavy clay blocks, full kilns, and equipment. Moving heavy objects without the right form strains the lower back and leads to chronic pain. Follow this simple 5-step ergonomic guide from The Aligned Potter to build strong lifting habits and keep your studio practice pain-free.
Wedging Without the Wrist Pain
Wedging without the Wrist Pain
And we're back! Kicking off a new series on Hands, Fingers & Wrists — starting with wedging. Wedging can be one of the more uncomfortable parts of pottery making — especially for our wrists. Try this: staggered stance, hands planted on the clay, and lean your whole body weight in instead of forcing it with your hands. Keep that wrist neutral — roughly lined up with your elbow — the whole time. Prefer stack-and-slam? Works too, just trades wrist strain for shoulder work. And always: soft clay over hard clay for repetitive, forceful work.
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**Joints Inventory**
Click here to find the free Joints Inventory. This inventory serves as a guide for potters to assess joint positioning, either sitting or standing, while working. Joint alignment can reduce strain, minimize injury risk, and enhance long-term sustainability in ceramics.
4. Using Tools to Help Posture
Suggestions on using tools to help with head & neck posture.
2. What’s Going on in a Potter’s Head?
Why potters should think about their head & neck when making pottery.
