Clay Techniques for Pinch Pots

Handbuilding

• Creating a pinch pot is a basic skill taught in many novice level art classes because it allows you to practice the basic skill of manipulating clay with your hands. To make a pinch pot, you begin with a round ball of any size or type of clay. Push your thumb down into the middle of the clay. Begin to flatten the edge evenly as your rotate the pot. You can shape the pot to create a pot as narrow or wide as you desire. Create a flat bottom for the clay pot to stand on by pressing the bottom gently against a flat surface.

Finishing

• Many finishing techniques are best attempted once the clay has been allowed to dry to a leatherhard stage. Then, you can use your sponge to smooth any unwanted lines or smooth the rim. Pinch pots tend to have a more rugged form that a pot that has been turned on a wheel, so they are typically characterized by an imperfect shape .

Reparing cracks

• Another technique that a novice can practice when they are working with a pinch pot is to repair cracks and smooth edges. As you are building the pinch pot, use a damp sponge or a little water on your fingers to smooth the lines. If the clay tears or cracks, use additional clay and a little water to weld the new clay into the existing form and repair the cracks.

Tips

• There are several things you can do to ensure a successful pinch pot. First, make sure your nails are trimmed. Long nails get in the way and leave unwanted indentations in your clay. Be sure you are working in a circular motion, from the bottom of the pot to the rim. Never allow your edges to become thinner than a half inch. This will increase the likelihood of the pot surviving the firing process.