Children love to play with clay. Getting their hands dirty to create a unique masterpiece is a perfect art form for kids. The majority of schools across the nation use Amaco clay because it contains no New York talc or other harmful toxins. Teachers and parents feel confident children won't be exposed to detrimental elements while they enjoy working with clay.

Despite safe clays and modern safety methods, certain pottery techniques are best left to adults because they are difficult or dangerous for young children. When children start working with clay, usually the instructor takes care of getting their projects set up on the potter's wheel. Many consider wheel throwing as an art form as much as the actual sculpting of clay. To make beautiful works of art, potters much master the techniques of throwing and centering clay. If you work with clay that is not centered, you will be fighting the clay during the entire creation process.

Older children can be taught wheel throwing with the constant supervision of an adult. Younger children may find it tough to master the art of wheel throwing because they need to use their entire body and it requires some strength. Children under 12 may not have the physical strength or ability for wheel throwing. Even adults need plenty of practice and assistance when they learn wheel throwing.

Another technique that is strictly for adults is using a raku kiln to make pottery. Raku pottery techniques were first used in Japan during the 16th century. During the raku process, pottery is loaded into a cold kiln and firing occurs slowly until the ideal temperature is reached. Pyrometric cones are used to determine whether the desired temperature was reached in the raku kiln. When firing is done, the pieces are immediately taken out of the kiln. The glaze is hot and molten so lifting devices such as tongs must be used to remove the pottery from the kiln. Sometimes a post firing reduction phase is completed to cool pottery wares.

Because of the unpredictability of the raku medium, it is not a safe art form for children. Adults also have to use caution when learning to use the raku kiln. Usually two or more people must be present to reduce raku pieces. Whether the potters uses an electric or gas raku kiln, they are exposed to extreme heat, fire and smoke during the process. Potters must always wear fire and heat protective clothing, an approved smoke mask and fireproof gloves to protect themselves. The reduction process is always conducted outdoors for maximum safety.

Various clay and glazes can be used for the raku process. This spontaneous pottery technique yields a variety of unique effects. Raku is not for children but it is exciting and safe when practiced conscientiously by adults or college students.