Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Review: ThaLan Pottery Kit for Beginners (Adjustable Pottery Wheel Set)

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If you’ve ever dreamed of trying pottery but didn’t want to invest in a full-size wheel and studio setup, the ThaLan Pottery Kit for Beginners might just be your new favorite craft toy. I grabbed this for my teens (and myself, let’s be honest) as a rainy-day project, and we’ve had so much fun with it.

First things first—the wheel itself is adjustable and surprisingly sturdy for a tabletop kit. It’s not professional-grade (don’t expect to throw giant bowls or vases), but for small projects like little trinket dishes, mini planters, or decorative keepsakes, it works beautifully. The speed settings are easy to control, and it doesn’t wobble around like some of the cheaper kids’ pottery wheels I’ve seen.

The kit comes with tools, carving sticks, and shaping accessories that actually make a difference when you’re trying to smooth or decorate your clay. I loved that it included air-dry clay—no kiln needed—which makes it truly beginner-friendly. The clay is soft and easy to work with, though I’d recommend having extra on hand if you plan on making more than a couple of pieces.

One thing I really appreciate is how accessible it is. My daughter was able to use it right away without frustration, and I found it oddly therapeutic to sit and spin out little bowls while listening to a podcast. It’s a fantastic way to dip your toes into pottery without a big financial commitment.

Pros:

  • Adjustable speed wheel that feels stable

  • Comes with tools, brushes, and clay—ready to use right out of the box

  • Perfect for beginners, kids, and casual crafters

  • Great for stress relief and creativity

Cons:

  • Not strong enough for larger or heavier clay projects

  • You’ll want extra clay (the included amount is good for starters but goes quickly)

The ThaLan Pottery Kit is a fun, beginner-friendly set that makes pottery feel approachable. It’s not going to replace a studio setup, but it’s absolutely perfect for kids, families, or anyone who wants to explore pottery at home. Think of it as a gateway into the world of clay crafting—it sparks creativity without overwhelming you with technical skill.

If you’ve got crafty kids or you’re looking for a mindful hobby for yourself, I’d recommend giving this kit a try.

 

Have you read?

Sensory Fun and Learning with Ice Cream Inspired Activities

When it’s hot outside it’s fun to do any kinds of activities that involve ice, water or anything cold. Check out my water and ice activities here, and read on for sensory and science experiments using and inspired by ice cream, and maybe grab a sweet treat after you’re finished. 

In the Playroom has a bunch of ice cream inspired STEM challenges that would be great for older kids. These include things like designing an ice cream cone holder that will hold cones upright, making the highest stack of “scoops” (using cotton balls) and making a cover that can keep ice cream from melting so quickly. The challenges and printable pages kids can use as they work on their experiments individually or in teams are included in a free download. 

This ice cream water table from Happy Toddler Playtime doesn’t use real ice cream, but you could try chilling the shaving cream for the fake ice cream base (though cans of shaving cream should not be frozen). Or just throw some ice cubes in there while you play. 

You could also make fluffy ice cream slime (not edible) with this recipe from STEAMsational Family and use that in a sensory tray or table if you like. 

Happy Toddler Playtime also has an ice cream cone volcano idea, which is the classic baking soda and vinegar project with an ice cream twist. 

Turn building an ice cream cone into a lesson about sharing with this idea from Extremely Good Parenting. Read the book Should I Share My Ice Cream? and then make paper into an ice cream ball you can share with someone else (or just make for fun). 

Learn about states of matter and sequencing with a melting Popsicle experiment (you could also do with ice cream) from Mrs. Jones’ Creation Station. This is a good one if you have a sunny spot on the playground or in the yard where kids can observe and time the melting of a frozen treat, ideally while eating their own. There’s also a free printable for kids to record their observations if they didn’t get too sticky.