Beautiful and well photographed book with clear step by step instructions. As someone who loves to create with her hands, and once had the luxury of a kiln at her former school, but hasn’t had access to one since, it was lovely to have inspiration for projects that can be done from the ease of home with small children, rather than needing to visit a pottery studio.

I thought this book was very nice! The pictures and the instructions for the projects were very well done. Though the projects did start to get very repetitive by the time I reached the end of the book. I was expecting something different from this book just based on the title. I thought there would be more traditional ceramic techniques. Nonetheless I still enjoyed what I read and learned a lot. I would recommend this book to someone who has no prior pottery experience.

This was a fun read! I really enjoyed learning from this book and trying something new. The author wrote this book in a way that was easy to digest and take away the information to incorporate in my life. Great book!

Making Pottery without a Kiln is a tutorial and instruction guide for pottery techniques with projects by multi crafter and content creator Daniela Schmidt-Kohl. Originally published in German in 2023, this English language translation is due out 14th May 2025 from Fox Chapel. It's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The book follows a logical layout. The instructions presuppose no previous experience on the reader's part. The book begins with an introduction which covers tools and supplies. It includes recipes and definitions for everything from surface embellishments, to sourcing and preparing clay.

The tutorials are arranged by seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each of the projects include complete instructions, supplies lists, and numerous full color photos. Readers of most levels will find useful information and tips. The projects all use air drying clays (and modelling clay) and no kiln firing is needed. There are small gift tags, decorative objects, small table items (like a cute coffee tray), and other giftables. The projects utilize rolling pins, surface embossers, cookie cutters, etc.. so for the most part, there are no full size templates included.

Really lovely job. The translation work is seamless and there are no obvious issues with scansion or word choices.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I have always loved pottery but don't have much big equipment so this is a great way to try the hobby without it.

I was disappointed by this book. I had hoped for more of a range of projects and these all fell into the trap of: make a flat object, add some texture, then paint. Not much variation between a plant tag and a pendant and a holiday ornament. Flat or slightly curved objects. I had hoped for a bowl or two, maybe a small slab built container, a mug, a vase.

Not enough variety to justify the book.

Good friends of ours create gorgeous pottery using a kiln so the only knowledge I have of this craft is from them. When I realized pieces can be created from air-hardening clay and modelling clay without using a kiln, I grew excited. Sure, it may not technically be traditional pottery to my understanding, but the seasonal projects in this book appeal to the crafter in me. The inclusion of nature such as botanicals clinched it for me as a nature lover. Working with my hands brings me such joy.

The author includes materials needed, instructions, photographs, and tips for each project. She explains texturing, includes templates, describes painting and decoupage, using napkins and sponges, stenciling using cookie cutters, and how to make quick repairs with slurry. Projects include garland, candle holder, herb markers, gift tags, air plant holders, a jewelry dish and a tiled coffee tray. Amongst my favourites are the bird ornaments and flowerpot made from an ordinary pantry object. But nearly all of the projects would be a for appealing for me to make. I wonder whether earrings with this technique would be realistic (unless too heavy?).

I would love to get immersed in clay as a medium. The projects in this book triggered further ideas to pop into my mind. The required material list is short and wouldn't require be a significant financial outlay as so many projects do (until one becomes immersed!). Fascinating stuff!

I'm always looking for a new hobby, and MAKING POTTERY WITHOUT A KILN is a great introduction to working with clay in ways that I never thought of before. It was quite fun to see all the projects that were available, including materials needed, tips to keep the clay fresh, and what tools I'll need to complete each project.

The pictures were very helpful, especially when I was just starting a new project. The pictures were very helpful, and very pretty.

These are very cool and great ideas. Every book I read leads me to having more ideas for my collage art, and I always thought it would be cool to make pottery projects. However, the cost of classes or the supplies needed for home are prohibitive. These projects seem very easy. My only concern is the high-gloss coating aspect, as I'm very sensitive to odors, but that's not the author's fault, and I will investigate low-odor options for that. Definitely going to try out some of these soon!

While I’m not sure about the durability of air dried clay, this book is excellent. There are many step by step instructions for the projects. There projects were all something I would make in my home. Just adorable. I may now have ANOTHER hobby! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

i received a complimentary digital arc by daniela schmidt kohl's making pottery without a kiln. it had a nice variety of projects and clear, crisp pictures that invited you to get crafting! there was a flower pot, a trinket dish, a tray, garden markers, and various tags and ornaments amongs other bits of house decor. the instructions were clear and to the point.

This is a great reference for crafty patrons, as well as a resource for library programming! It includes some great gift ideas and projects that can be added to for more advanced crafters. Instructions are well written and easy to understand.

Loved this book - such great ideas and photos that clearly show each step to take to make - perfect for a beginner like me. Adding this on my new hobby list for this year.

What a lovely book. It made me go the the arts and crafts store for the first time in ages; I had such fun there. Projects look achievable so can't wait to get started. Well illustrated and inspiring.

This book caught my eye because it’s a great way to introduce people to different types of clay since most people think of ceramic clay first! This book covers using modeling and air-hardening clay to make household items, and explains the differences between both before diving into the tools and many projects this book covers. I like the nice range of projects they show us because it shows off how versatile these clays can be! I particularly liked the idea of using leaves because I never thought about using them outside of Raku for some reason. I’m excited to use some leaves with my future projects again!

All in all, this is a great book to get readers started with using non-ceramic types of clay. I think it’s a fun way for people to get started in pottery without having to think about kilns or baking their projects in an oven or toaster oven. I think it’s a fun book to check out if you’ve ever been interested in pottery!

This is adorable! So many things I could make at home for either gifts or every day items. I love how detailed everything is especially with the pictures of items you need/use. I feel I could make some of these with my daughter! Can’t wait to give gift tags a try with her!!

Great little book for those wanting to try pottery but without the expense or hassle of a kiln. The book explains different types of clay you can use and various methods, along with some projects to try and template guides to help. I'm definitely going to be trying some of the ideas for myself and also some to do with my young Grandaughter.

I was I bit disappointed; I was hoping for more pottery techniques, but this book seemed more like instructions for making the same 2 or 3 items over and over again in different shapes

A wonderful book of ideas for working with air dry clay and modelling clay. The instructions, both written and visual, were detailed and precise which made the projects easy to follow and recreate. While the book could've benefited from grouping certain ideas together - such as the different types of tags, which felt like the same idea slightly altered - 'Making pottery without a kiln' is a wonderful resource for both beginners to the craft and those with more experience.
Visually, the book is beautiful, There is a lot of attention to detail placed in the layout of each page and the colour schemes chosen. The photos chosen for each project were also gorgeous.

Thank you to NetGalley and FoxChapel publishing for an ARC!

Making Pottery Without a Kiln is an excellent resource m. I had actually hoped it explored more types of clay but what it did explore was exceptionally well done. The pictures are gorgeous and the ideas and inspiration are almost endless. I highly recommend it!