How to Decorate Rounded Pottery Forms

Rounded pottery is an ideal blank canvas for decoration.

The basic, rounded pot is one of the first forms you are likely to learn as a potter. Although simple, the rounded pot is the basis for a variety of more complex shapes and techniques. As you learn to throw rounded form pottery on your pottery wheel, let your creativity shine through. Even without significant pottery experience, you can modify the rounded form to create hundreds of versatile, unique containers which express your personality and style.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-sized plastic sheet or smooth piece of wood
• Pottery knife
• Carving tool

Instructions

1. Flatten the sides of the pot with a paddle. While the pot is rotating on the wheel, press a medium-sided sheet of plastic or smooth wood against the side. This technique creates a higher, oblong-shaped pot with a rounded edge.

2. Bend the lip of the pot outward to create a flared opening. This technique is particularly appropriate for mugs, pitchers and other liquid-use pottery. While the pottery wheel is spinning, gently pinch the rim of the pot, drawing it outwards. You can hold a pottery knife against the outside edge of the pot at the base of your fingers to create a crisper, more defined edge.

3. Create texture, by pressing objects against the side of the pot as it spins. Use your imagination. Coins or other rounded objects create a beveled look. Toothbrush bristles add a rough texture, which can mimic natural materials. Try drawing a cutting tool up the side of the pot as it spins, creating an intricate spiral. Add additional spirals to create a latticework design.

4. Shape the bottom of the pot. Once the pot has been formed and dried until stable, place it back on the wheel, with the rim facing down. Use a carving tool to remove bulk from the base of the pot, creating a delicate, fluted shape. Take care not to over-thin the clay.

5. Add a handle or handles to the pot. Roll out a flat, rectangular section of clay 1/2 inch thick, and cut it down to your desired handle size using a clay knife. Score the side of the pot thoroughly and wet the clay. Hold your thumb against the side of the pot and wrap the clay rectangle up and over it to create the appropriate shape. Press the ends of the handle firmly onto the scored areas of the pot to secure it in place.

References

• Ceramic Arts Daily; Round is Overrated: How to Transform Wheel Thrown Forms into Different Shapes Using a Paddle; Robin Hopper; October 2010
• Ceramic Arts Daily; Wheel Throwing Video: It's all in the Details - Design Considerations for Wheel Thrown Mugs, Cups, and Saucers; Robin Hopper; May 2010