Art 1-17g—Pinch Pot Instructions
How to Make a Simple Pinch Pot
Materials: Clay, your hands, damp sponge, bowl of water, modeling tools and a bit of
patience.
Pinch Pots are created by poking, pinching and pulling a lump of clay into shape. In this
way, bowls, shallow dishes and even sculpture with very appealing organic qualities
can be created.
Pinching is one of the simplest, most direct ways of shaping clay; all you really need are
your hands. Often underestimated by beginners, this hand-building technique allows
you to get a feel for the way clay behaves between your hands in a way that is direct,
tactile and dynamic.
As you work on a piece and thin it out, the pace of drying accelerates (yes, you can
actually feel the clay dry out) and it stiffens up and may start cracking. This can be
intimidating when you’re just starting out, but can be controlled with a damp sponge
and a bit of practice.
The keys to making a good pinch pot are patience and steady, even pressure.
Follow these steps to make a simple pot or bowl:
1) Take some wedged clay, about as much as can comfortably fit into one hand. Roll
into a nice, round ball.
2) Hold this clay ball in one hand. With the thumb of your other hand, push down into
the centre of the ball until your thumb is 5mm to 10mm (¼ in to ½ in) from pushing
through to the other side. You have created a well.
3) Keeping your thumb in the bottom of this well, start pinching between your index
finger and thumb. Rotate the ball of clay so that the walls of your pot develop evenly
as you continue to pinch steadily in a spiral from the base of the pot upwards to the rim.
Repeat this process as the pot gradually takes its final shape and size.
4) Support the pot as you work and try not to make the sides too thin too quickly.
5) Mend cracks, especially in the rim, with a damp sponge and a pinch. If the rim is
beyond rescue, cut off the damaged rim with a pin tool.
6) Flatten the bottom of your finished piece by holding it in both hands and gently
tapping the base a few times on a smooth, flat surface.
7) Once the pot has stiffened a little, use a damp sponge and metal rib to smoothen
the surface. Or use a pin tool, stamps or patterned fabric/netting to add texture. Add
sculpted decorations. Or leave as is.
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