Tiny Pottery Wheel Magic: How I Make and Trim Miniature Ceramic Pieces

Dec 5

If you’ve ever wondered how miniature ceramics come to life, working on a tiny pottery wheel is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to explore the craft. In this post, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how I make and trim tiny pottery on my small UK-based ceramics wheel, turning small lumps of clay into beautifully detailed mini creations. Whether you’re curious about mini pottery or looking for inspiration for your own setup, this is the perfect place to start.

Making & Trimming Tiny Pottery on My UK-Based Small Ceramics Wheel

Exploring the joy of miniature making

There’s something incredibly calming about working on a tiny pottery wheel—the gentle hum, the slow shaping of clay between your fingers, and the satisfaction of creating something so small yet so full of character. In my latest YouTube video, I take you behind the scenes as I throw and trim miniature pots on my UK-based small ceramics wheel, a tool that has completely transformed the way I approach pottery.

Whether you’re a beginner curious about miniature ceramics or an experienced maker looking for inspiration, this little wheel packs a surprising amount of creative potential.

Why Tiny Pottery?

Working on a tiny pottery wheel offers a unique creative challenge. Miniature pieces require patience, control, and a willingness to embrace imperfections. What I love most is how the scale invites experimentation—there’s less pressure, less material, and more room to play!

Plus, tiny pots make perfect:

Display pieces
Gifts
Dollhouse accessories
Test forms for larger projects
Collectibles for fellow pottery lovers

Behind the Scenes: Making Miniature Pots

In the video, I start by centering a small ball of clay—often the trickiest part when the scale is this tiny. Once centered, the magic begins. I slowly open the form, lift the walls, and shape each pot with gentle movements. Because everything happens so close to your fingertips, you get an incredible sense of connection with the clay.

The tiny pottery wheel spins smoothly, allowing me to create clean lines and surprisingly detailed forms. From miniature bowls to teeny vases, each piece feels like a small accomplishment.

Trimming for Perfection

After the pots firm up and become leather hard, it’s trimming time. Trimming is where miniature pottery really comes alive. Using fine tools, I refine the foot of each pot, clean up the shape, and add those final touches that make miniature ceramics feel polished and intentional.

In the video, you’ll see how even the tiniest adjustments can completely change the look of a piece. The trimming stage is delicate, meditative, and incredibly satisfying.

Why I Love My Small Ceramics Wheel

My UK-based small ceramics wheel has become one of the most inspiring tools in my studio. It’s compact, portable, and perfect for quick creative sessions. Whether I'm making tiny pots for fun or experimenting with forms before scaling them up, this wheel has become a staple in my creative process.

If you’re thinking about diving into miniature pottery, a tiny pottery wheel is an amazing way to get started without needing a full ceramic studio setup.

Watch the Full Video

If you’d like to see the full process—throwing, shaping, and trimming—be sure to check out the YouTube video that inspired this blog post. It’s relaxing, satisfying, and a great way to get a feel for how miniature pottery comes together.

I hope it inspires you to try making something tiny today!