6 Mini Pottery Ideas for Your Next Throwing Session

Once you go small, you might never go back. Mini pottery wheels have taken the ceramics world by storm, making it easier than ever to throw tiny masterpieces right from your kitchen table. Whether you’re a seasoned potter looking for a new challenge or a beginner curious about what you can create on a mini wheel, there’s something undeniably fun about working on such a small scale.

Personally, I like to imagine myself on a miniature version of The Great Pottery Throw Down, attempting a tiny pot marathon—throwing one little vessel after another until I simply can’t anymore. It’s addicting, it’s meditative, and best of all, it doesn’t take up much space.

So, if you’ve got a mini wheel and you’re wondering: What can I actually make this small? or Where do I even start?—you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up my favorite mini pottery ideas, blending functional and decorative pieces to showcase what a tiny wheel can wheely do. Let’s dive in!

Pottery Beginners Mini Pottery Ideas 

Multi-Purpose Bubble Cups

When I set out to sell pottery at a market this year, I knew one thing: I only had a tiny wheel at home, so my pieces had to be small. That’s how Pocket Pottery was born—my collection of tiny, hand-thrown ceramics designed to be as functional as they are adorable. My goal? Crank out 75 mini pots with my Small Ceramics Wheel, each featuring a fun bubble shape created with a small ceramics bubble rib.

At the market, I got plenty of “What do you use these for?” questions, and honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. But now, after seeing them in action, I’ve got answers! One friend uses theirs as a toothpick holder, another found the perfect-sized pillar candle to fit inside, and a few have turned them into individual condiment cups and salt pinch bowls. The best part? Their use is totally up to your imagination. Functional, decorative, and undeniably cute—these little bubble cups prove that great things come in small packages.

Tiny Vase 

Flowers make everything better—so why not shrink the joy down to a bite-sized version? A tiny vase is the perfect challenge for practicing shaping, collaring, and precision on a mini wheel. Plus, the end result is ridiculously cute. These small-scale vases are perfect for holding a single dandelion, a tiny air succulent, or even a dried lavender sprig.

They also make for an adorable “thinking of you” gift. Want to take it up a notch? I’ve seen people glue magnets to the back of their mini vases, turning them into fridge-friendly floral displays. I’ll definitely be trying that next!

Mini Sauce Bowls  

A lot of my pottery projects start with a simple question: What dishware am I currently missing in my kitchen? One day, after far too many sushi nights with inadequate soy sauce accommodations, I knew exactly what I needed—mini sauce bowls.

I threw a set of four nearly identical angular bowls, perfect for dipping sushi, holding a bit of dressing, or serving a side of salsa. They’ve since become my go-to for any elevated dining experience (because a proper sauce dish just makes things feel fancier, right?). Whether you’re plating up for guests or just want to avoid soy sauce puddles on your plate, these tiny bowls are a must-have in any kitchen.

Tealight Candle 

Looking for a multi-step craft project and an excuse to make your space extra cozy? A mini tealight holder is the way to go. Start by throwing a small bowl or cup on your mini wheel, decorate it to your heart’s desire, and fire it—then, take it a step further and DIY your own candle.

My mom and I love melting wax, adding custom scents, and pouring our homemade candles into my tiny ceramic vessels. It’s the perfect blend of pottery and candle-making, and honestly, if you ever find yourself unsure about what to do with a mini ceramic piece—just turn it into a candle holder. Instant ambiance, guaranteed.

Spoon Rest  

Owning a spoon rest has officially made me feel like a real baker/chef. It’s one of those small but mighty kitchen tools that keeps your counters clean and makes you look like you have your life together. And the best part? Making one on a mini pottery wheel is surprisingly easy.

A spoon rest is essentially a tiny plate, so you’ll need enough surface area on your wheel to get a nice, flat shape—something like a Vevor mini wheel with multiple wheelhead sizes would be ideal for this project. Once you throw your tiny plate, simply flatten out one side slightly to create a designated spot for your spoon handle, and voilà! Another piece of functional kitchenware, courtesy of your tiny wheel.

Espresso Cup 

It’s that you espresso! If you’re the kind of person who takes their morning coffee ritual seriously—whether it’s a mocha pot, AeroPress, or full-on barista setup—why not make your own custom mini espresso cup?

These little cups are a perfect challenge for your mini wheel, requiring careful shaping and proportion. A standard espresso cup measures about 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches, but you can customize it however you like. Just don’t forget to account for shrinkage in firing (because no one wants an espresso shot fit for an ant).

What better way to start your morning than with a latte and a cup you made yourself? That’s peak pottery-fueled self-care.

Ready to Throw Small? Pick One of our Mini Pottery Ideas

Mini pottery might just be the most satisfying (and addicting) way to experiment with clay. Whether you’re crafting tiny espresso cups, functional kitchenware, or just cute decorative pieces, a mini pottery wheel opens up endless creative possibilities. Plus, working small means you can fire more pieces at once, experiment without a huge time commitment, and challenge your precision and technique.

So, what are your mini pottery ideas? Will you make a tiny vase for a single flower, a set of dipping bowls for your next sushi night, or a custom candle holder for cozy vibes? Whatever you choose, the magic is in the details—and the joy of seeing just how much creativity can fit in the palm of your hand.

Now, go forth and throw tiny!