Introduction Working with Clay Pinch Pots Slab Building Coil Building Throwing Glazing Safety in the Pottery

Things to remember – About Pinch Pots Always pinch out the bottom area of clay first. Leave the rim until last to stop cracks from forming. If cracks appear, smooth them down with your finger. If this isn’t sufficient, put in a little bit of soft clay. Rotate the clay ball evenly in your hand as you pinch rhythmically with the other. Try to keep the pressure even or the wall will be of varying thickness. To make a longer shape, start with a cone-shaped piece of clay. To make a ‘fatter’ shape, stroke the inside of the pot with your fingertips. Use a wooden spoon or similar paddle to beat the pot to alter its shape and smooth it down. To join two pinch pots together, make the rims the same circumference and score and slip the. Always remember to make a small hole in a completely close pinch pot so the air can escape during firing (the pot will explode in the kiln otherwise) To widen the pot, have your inside (thumb) lower than your outside (finger/s). To give the rim a ‘frilly’ edge, wet fingers and gently squeeze the clay between your thumb and finger/s while pulling out or up. Some suggestions for things to make: Ocarinas – animal shapes Animals Vases Fruit Salt and pepper Flower bombs ‘Piggy’ bank ‘Russian bowls’ Bells Wind chimes Bottles This list is not exhaustive but should give you a few ideas. Have a look in some pottery books or Ceramic Review. Trawl the Internet. Look around your kitchen and see what you could make for yourself or for a Christmas present for someone.