Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this book for a review.

This book is full of adorable and simple DIY projects for air dry and modeling clay. The projects are approachable, clearly detailed, and the step-by-step instructions are very simple to follow. With that being said there is a great deal of repetition to the theme of the projects. Many duplications on a theme of roll out some clay, cut a shape, imprint it with a texture or decoupage with a colorful napkin or temporary tattoo and voilà! home decor. It’s certainly a book that I’m happy to have read, but I don’t think I would purchase it and refer back to it regularly.

Thank you to the author, Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My apologies for the delay in posting, I have had continuing familial health challenges to contend with in the past months.

This book is a great introduction for people wanting to get into working with clay, and only familiar with ceramic clay. After explaining the differences between modelling and air-hardening clay, tools for working with both are covered and then a nice range of possible projects are shown. Some of these are repetitive, as the same basic techniques underly many of the projects, but I appreciated the breadth of the possibilities shown. Perfect for someone interested in this type of craft, working with clay but not able to dive into working with ceramic clay.

I've only slightly dabbled in clay projects up until now, and have shied away from them ever since because of the process of using ovens/kilns to finalize the pieces (which is arduous and out of my budget, to be honest).

I was thrilled to receive a copy of Making Pottery without a Kiln because it seemed like the exact instruction manual I needed to bring this corner of whimsy back into my life! Not only do I finally understand the difference between air dry and modeling clay, but I also have a new appreciation for how much magic decoupage can create!

This is a wonderful, easy to use guide for pottery making with so many cute craft ideas. Highly recommend for any readers who are interested in enjoying hands-on hobbies.

This was an easy five star!

A great book with fun ideas for getting creative with clay! Accessible for many, as you do not need a Kiln in order to create useable art! Would recommend!

Daniela Schmidt-Kohl’s "Making Pottery Without a Kiln" is a charming, practical guide for anyone drawn to pottery but intimidated by the cost and complexity of traditional kiln-fired techniques. The book focuses on air-dry and modeling clay, offering a range of seasonal projects. Beginners can dive in without prior experience, while more seasoned crafters may appreciate the return to hands-on, uncomplicated techniques. The instructions are clear and supported by beautiful, step-by-step photographs. Projects like herb markers, decorative trays, and holiday ornaments are not only achievable but also useful. The projects are organized by season, from springtime floral motifs to winter-themed pendants.

That said, some readers might find the projects somewhat repetitive, as many involve similar techniques—rolling, texturing, and painting flat clay pieces. Those hoping for more advanced methods, like slab-building or sculptural work, may feel limited. Additionally, while the book excels in visual appeal, a few more in-depth tips on troubleshooting or adapting designs could have enhanced its instructional value.

Despite these minor drawbacks, "Making Pottery Without a Kiln" succeeds as an inviting introduction to clay work. It’s ideal for hobbyists, parents crafting with kids, or anyone seeking a meditative, low-cost creative outlet.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This had cute, simple ideas to make items with air dry clay. I liked that it was organized by season but it repeated projects.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! I’ve been doing pottery at a studio for about 6 months and was super intrigued by this concept to continue at home if the studio is no longer an option.

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.

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.