Coil and Spiral Clay Bowls
From : Amanda Galbraith/ Oak and Ellendale Elementary
(Special thanks to Erin Britain for sharing this lesson
with me.)
4 1.3 Use tools and materials in a safe and responsible manner.
4 1.4 Demonstrate levels of craftsmanship.
Note: days are based on 45-minute class periods
Day One:
Materials: Plastic or Styrofoam bowls (have kids bring in, or buy a pack of Styrofoam or
plastic ice cream bowls), clay, clay tools, paper bags, large Ziploc bags, paper towels
(brown ones) , tape, sharpies
1. Give the “clay talk” info, rules, procedures, steps (wet, dry, bisque, glaze)
2. Distribute Ziploc bag, paper bag (used as a placemat) tape and sharpie for name
labeling.
3. Distribute bowls, paper towel, and clay
4. VERY IMPORTANT- Place an unfolded paper towel in the bowl, If you don’t the clay
sticks to the bowl as it dries and is very difficult to remove.
5. Roll a long coil for the bottom of the bowl.
6. Spiral the coil around the bottom of the bowl-on top of the paper towel-working from
the middle out. (Do not smooth)
7. Start making coils and spirals for the walls of the bowl (just place these to the side for
later) Spirals should have about the same diameter of a quarter, and the balls should be
about the same size as a marble.
8. Place coils and balls loosely inside bowl. Place extra clay next to bowl and seal the
bowl and extra clay in the bag. It helps to place a wet brown paper towel in the bag to
help keep the clay moist.
Days Two and Three (if needed)
Materials: materials from previous week, slip, brushes, stylus
Procedure:
1. Demonstrate attaching clay together using the score and slip technique.
2. As a class, add first row of spirals and balls using score and slip. Pack the spirals and
balls together tightly, but do not smooth them together.
3. Continue adding rows of spirals and balls, packing tightly, until the top of the bowl is
reached.
4. Smooth the bottom and the sides gently so the inside is smooth; the spiral and ball
design will remain intact on the plastic side of the clay bowl.
5. Use a stylus to write the student’s name on the inside of the bowl.
6. Place the bowls inside the bags, leaving the bags open for clay to slowly dry.
7. When clay is dry (about a week or two depending on the humidity in your room),
carefully remove clay bowls from the plastic mold and bisque (04) fire.
8. Glaze and fire again. Enjoy!