Swirlware is made by combining contrasting colors of clay when throwing. It has been produced in the Catawba River Valley of Western North Carolina from the early 19th century.

Barbara Reeley gave a wonderful workshop which included the history of swirlware , how to prepare colored clay, how to throw using colored clay to create swirls and striations, and lastly, how to carve through the clay to create even more interesting designs. She demonstrated three techniques for throwing Swirlware.