How To: Pinch Pots
Pinch pots are one of the simplest, and most fun ways to work with clay while having limited resources. They require little water, and just a few tools to help make your clay pot dreams come true. Their organic shape can be left as is, or serve as a blank canvas for texture, underglaze, and carving. They’re also incredibly kid friendly, as all they require is a bit of imagination.
First, you’ll start with a ball of clay. Size can range from small to large, based on the size of your final desired shape. We started with about a 3/4lb. ball of clay.
Use your thumb to push in to the center of the ball going about 3/4 of the way through. Wth your thumb on the inside and your index and middle fingers on the outside, slowly start to pinch the clay around the base up and in. Work in small movements, pinching a little at a time while rotating the cup until you work the clay up and outward, slowly thinning the walls.
As your form starts to take shape, gently compress the walls by squeezing in with both hands. If the base starts to get misshapen, you can gently tap it on the table. Continue to pinch the clay up while rotating, thinning the walls and adding shape to your cup.
If you want to accentuate the base of your pot, you can use your fingers to pinch around the base, adding a foot and thinning out the bulk at the bottom.
You may even want to remove some clay by cutting away the excess with your fettling knife. Adjusting the shape and creating a more narrow foot.
This may be as far as you want to go. Your pot is pinched, the base is flat, and you’ve added a nice foot to the base to elevate your piece. Sign the bottom and let it dry under some plastic and you’re good to go!
OR! You can add some coils.
Coils can be added to the base for a more elevated foot, or they can be added to the top of the pot for additional height.
Start by rolling out your coils. Take a lug of clay and roll it in between your hands until its about the length of a hot dog. Place the clay on your surface and use the full length of your fingers to roll the coil back and forth, starting with your hands at the center and slowly moving them outwards. The coil should get longer and thinner with each motion outward. If it starts to get bumpy, gently tap the coil on your work surface to smooth out the sharp edges.
Once your coil is the thickness you want, place it on the base of your pot and cut it to length.
Slip and score the ends of the coil together to complete the ring. Be sure to use enough pressure to ensure a good attachment so the ring doesn’t come apart while drying.
Slip and score the coil ring to the base of your cup. Apply enough pressure to make sure the attachment is secure then use a dry paintbrush to remove any excess slip that oozed out. The paint brush can also be used to compress the coil on to the base and smooth out any seems that might still be visible. We like to use a dry brush so we don’t add unnecessary moisture to the clay. If it gets gummed up, just wipe it on a damp sponge to remove any clay that is stuck to the bristles.
You can use your finger, a metal rib, or a smooth brush to smooth out the base and adjust the shape of your foot.
Gently tap your pot on the work surface to make sure it sits flat. You can use a damp sponge to smooth out any rough spots or carve texture and designs in to your pot with a carving tool. Once your pot is leatherhard, you may want to decorate with underglaze.
Don’t forget to sign the bottom and wrap your pots up in plastic to ensure a slow drying process.
Happy pinching!
