Where can I find inexpensive pottery wheels and art supplies?

Question

I am looking for an electric pottery wheel inexpensive or used. I am also looking for art supplies like canvasses and paints. I am new at this and I want to start painting and making my own pottery. I just don't know how to get started.

Answer 1

I completely agree with the idea of taking art classes locally, and using their wheels and kilns at first.

You could also join your local Freecycle group through Yahoo Groups. They help people get rid of their extra junk, and find stuff that members need for free - no cash, no barter, just redistributing unneeded and unwanted stuff for free. Many people spend a lot of money on a hobby that they think will be fun and rewarding, only to find out that it's not their cup of tea. Some of those people sell their stuff at yard sales. Others donate it to local thrift shops, charities, or artists' groups, and some give the stuff away on Freecycle.

Sometimes schools and art centers sell off their excess equipment at discount prices, and sometimes you can find bargains at yard sales and thrift shops. People who are handy or creative often build their own equipment and tools. Artists certainly qualify as handy and creative, and I've made a lot of my own stuff in the past. I've seen plans online for building kick wheels, and I'm sure you could find some for motorized ones. I'm lucky enough to be able to buy my clay directly from the refiner, (if that's the right word for the people who dig it out of the ground, grind it up, screen it, etc.).

You could also try placing an ad in your local newspaper or online, or putting a notice on a local bulletin board saying that you are interested in finding cheap or free art supplies. EBay has some good bargains once in awhile, too.

Good luck.

Answer 2

taking a class first will be cheapest by far, definitely for pottery. I wouldn't buy a pottery wheel unless you are absolutely sure you are going to keep doing it. As you say you are just starting out I assume you may not even be certain if it is something you will enjoy once you actually do it. So if you try out a class they will teach you all the basics (which will save you a lot of money and frustration you will spend on mistakes you will make otherwise) and you will see how much you really like doing it. Also a pottery wheel is not enough, you really need a kiln as well or a place to have your greenware fired. If you take a class, they will have a kiln and provide glazes and so on. Once you done a bit you will have a much better idea what is important to look for in a tool. Also you will know experienced people who can advice you and help you to find a cheap wheel.
If you nevertheless are convinced you want your own wheel now: used will be cheaper (or you get better quality for the same money)
as shipping will be expensive, check out your local craigs list, local classified ads in newspaper. check out places where potters hang out, e.g. places where they teach pottery or where they fire pottery for a number of people. If anybody wants to sell a wheel, that's a good place for them to post, so it's a good place to look.

Answer 3

Look for used obviously. Craigs list can be a good place to look and as it's free you might post a wanted ad. Look around pottery studios around town. If somebody has to sell one they are most likely to post it where other people interested in pottery will see the ad. Classified ads in your newspaper is another option. It may require a bit of patience until you find one. Don't know if ebay is worth looking at as shipping will be expensive. Depending on your aims and situation it may be easier to find one you can use for free or for a small fee.

Answer 4

Hey Jittybug,

Here are few locations online.

Answer 5

dickblick.com