NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Pottery Wheel for Kids - Instruction Manual (Model NGPWHEEL)

Introduction

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Pottery Wheel for Kids is designed to introduce beginners to the art of pottery. This kit provides all the essential tools and materials to create decorative air-dry pottery pieces. Follow these instructions for a fun and creative experience.

Key Features:

• Everything You Need: Includes 2 pounds of air dry clay, 3 arm attachments, 3 sculpting tools, 6 paint colors, palette, brush, apron, and more.
• Integrated Arm Tools: Specially designed for beginners, these tools assist in centering, opening, and shaping clay for both right- and left-handed users.
• 2-Speed Electric Motor: Provides steady power and rotation with two speeds suitable for different stages of pottery making.
• Kid-Friendly Instructions: Detailed instructions and video lessons guide users through the process, while a learning guide teaches about the science and history of pottery.

What's in the Box

Your NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Pottery Wheel kit includes the following components:

• 1 Pottery Wheel
• 2 Packs of Air Dry Clay
• 3 Sculpting Tools
• 1 Cut Off Tool
• 1 Sponge
• Instruction Manual
• Apron
• Wire Tool
• Palette
• Brush
• Color Paints

Image: All components of the National Geographic Pottery Wheel kit, including the main unit, two packs of air-dry clay, various sculpting tools, a sponge, paint pots, a brush, a palette, a wire tool, and an apron.

Safety Information

WARNING:

• Not suitable for children under 8 years.
• For use under adult supervision.
• This is an electric toy. As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.

Setup

Before you begin, ensure you have a stable, flat surface for the pottery wheel. Prepare a small bowl of water for wetting your hands and tools during the process.

Assembling the Pottery Wheel:

1. Attach the Tool Arm: Screw the tool arm into one of the threaded holes on the top of the pottery wheel base. Choose the right-hand side for right-handed users and the left-hand side for left-handed users.
2. Install the Throwing Wheel: Place the blue throwing wheel onto the hex nut in the center of the base. Press down firmly to secure it.
3. Install the Centering Tool: Attach the centering tool (blue/green) onto the tool arm. Ensure the smooth, rounded part of the tool faces inward towards the center of the throwing wheel. It should snap into place on the 'X' mark on the arm.
4. Plug in the Unit: Ensure the power switch on the right-hand side of the unit is in the OFF position. Uncover the plug port at the back of the unit and insert the power adapter.

Preparing Your Clay

Proper clay preparation is crucial for successful pottery. This process, known as "wedging," removes air bubbles and ensures a smooth, workable consistency.

1. Portion the Clay: Take approximately 1/4 to 1/2 of the clay block provided in your kit.
2. Wedge the Clay: Knead the clay with your hands for 1-2 minutes. Press down with the palm of your hand and roll it forward, then pull it back. This process helps remove air bubbles. The clay should resemble a monkey's face or have a spiral at the bottom when properly wedged.
3. Form a Ball: Gently form the wedged clay into a smooth ball.
4. Ensure Dry Bat Head: Make sure the blue throwing wheel (bat head) is dry before placing the clay. This allows the clay to adhere properly.
5. Use Water Sparingly: With air-dry clay, too much water can make it difficult to work with. Use only a small amount of water to keep your hands and the clay lubricated.

Operating the Pottery Wheel

Once your clay is prepared and the wheel is set up, you can begin shaping your pottery.

Centering the Clay:

1. Place Clay on Wheel: Firmly press the clay ball onto the center of the blue throwing wheel.
2. Turn On Wheel: Switch the power button to Speed 1 (medium speed).
3. Use Centering Tool: Move the tool arm with the centering tool over the clay. Your non-dominant hand should hold the outer edge of the clay, while the centering tool pushes the clay towards the center. Apply water as needed to keep the clay lubricated.
4. Manual Centering (Optional): If you prefer, you can remove the tool arm and use both hands to center the clay. Your left hand acts as a wall, pushing the clay inward, and your right hand acts as a top, pushing down. This technique is called "coning" and helps align clay particles.

Image: The pottery wheel in action, with a person using the blue centering tool attached to the arm to help center the clay on the spinning wheel.

Opening the Clay:

1. Switch to Opening Tool: Turn off the wheel. Remove the centering tool from the arm and replace it with the orange opening tool.
2. Create a Divot: Turn the wheel back to Speed 1. Move the tool arm with the opening tool over the clay. Press the opening tool down into the center of the clay to create a small divot. Add a few drops of water to the divot.
3. Expand the Opening: Slowly pull the opening tool across your body (or away from your body, whichever is comfortable) to expand the diameter of the opening. Add water as needed to prevent sticking. Be careful not to press down too hard, as this can cut a hole in the bottom of your pot.
4. Adjust Speed: If the wheel begins to slow down due to pressure, increase to Speed 2 to maintain consistent rotation.
5. Manual Opening (Optional): You can also use your fingers to create and expand the divot. Make sure your hands are wet.

Image: The pottery wheel with the orange opening tool attached to the arm, being used to widen the center of the clay to form a bowl.

Shaping the Walls:

1. Switch to Shaping Tool: Turn off the wheel. Remove the opening tool and replace it with the green shaping tool.
2. Raise the Walls: Turn the wheel back on. Use your non-dominant hand on the outside of the clay and your dominant hand (or the shaping tool) on the inside. Gently pull the clay upwards to raise the walls of your pot. Keep your hands and the clay wet.
3. Smooth the Rim: Use your fingers and a wet sponge to gently pinch and smooth the rim of your pot. Avoid pinching too hard.
4. Refine Shape: Use the shaping tool or your fingers to refine the desired shape of your pottery.

Image: A child is focused on painting a finished clay pot, showcasing the final step of decorating creations made with the pottery wheel.

Finishing Your Creation

1. Create a Foot: Use a sharpened pencil to create a small foot at the base of your pot. This helps when cutting the pot from the wheel.
2. Cut Off Pot: With clean hands, use the wire tool to carefully cut the pot from the throwing wheel. Gently slide the wire underneath the pot.
3. Drying: Carefully remove the wet pot and place it in a safe spot to air dry. Air-dry clay typically hardens within 24 hours.
4. Decorating: Once completely dry, use the provided paints and brush to decorate your pottery.

Image: A child is focused on painting a finished clay pot, showcasing the final step of decorating creations made with the pottery wheel. Several other colorful, unique pots are displayed around.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your pottery wheel and a clean workspace, follow these cleaning instructions:

• Unplug the Unit: Always unplug the pottery wheel from the power source before cleaning.
• Remove Excess Clay: Use a sponge or damp cloth to wipe away any excess clay from the throwing wheel, tool arm, and base.
• Clean Tools: Rinse all sculpting tools and arm attachments with water immediately after use to prevent clay from hardening on them.
• Dry Components: Ensure all components are thoroughly dry before storing.
• Store Properly: Store the pottery wheel and accessories in a clean, dry place.

Troubleshooting

• Wheel Slows Down: If the wheel slows down significantly while shaping, increase the speed to Speed 2. Ensure you are not applying excessive downward pressure.
• Clay Not Centering: Ensure the clay is firmly pressed onto the center of the throwing wheel. Use the centering tool or manual coning technique with sufficient water to achieve proper centering.
• Clay Sticking to Hands/Tools: Always keep your hands and tools wet with a small amount of water to act as a lubricant.
• Hole in Pot Bottom: When opening the clay, avoid pressing the opening tool or your fingers down too far, which can cut through the base.
• Paint Runs Out Quickly: The included paints are for initial decoration. For more extensive or long-term projects, consider purchasing additional acrylic paints.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information or product support, please refer to the contact details provided in the original product packaging or visit the Blue Marble website. Blue Marble is committed to ensuring a stellar experience with their award-winning products.