Tools and materials for hand building
Absolute beginner here, curious about doing a bit of pottery. I have a studio near me (not bonsai specific) that I did a hand building workshop at and would like to learn more, but I'm not sure the clay they have there is good for outdoor pots. I've signed up for a wheel course there as I want a wider variety of experience and to see what it's like, but I think I'm much more interested in hand building.
I'm looking at getting some basic tools so that I can build at home, then bring it over and rent kiln space to fire them. Can anyone walk through a basic list of tools needed to start with handbuilding bonsai pots? I assume cheap kits on Amazon won't be good quality, feel free to suggest stores or brands (but I'm in canada so that may effect things) that are of good quality.
As for types of clay - I read online that the main thing is the moisture absorption rating, is there anything else I should specifically look for?
And final question, not as related more curiosity. Ive seen videos online of Japanese potters using moulds, they lay a sheet over push it in then carve out the excess. Would these be custom made by the potters? What do they tend to be made out of?