How to Make the Base for a Clay Coil Construction

Make a firm foundation for a coil construction clay pot.

While the base of a clay pot is not the most obvious feature, it is the foundation on which the pot stands. Clay pots made using the coil construction method always start with the base, since the coils are placed on top of this and built up. Whether or not the pot stands up straight or leans to one side depends on getting the base level.

Things You'll Need

• Rolling pin

Instructions

Flat Rolled Base

1. Knead the clay to make it soft and pliable. Form a ball with the clay, then flatten it slightly with your hands, pressing it down on a flat surface.

2. Roll the clay with a rolling pin, or similar object, first in one direction; turn the clay and roll in the other direction. If you don't turn the clay, you will end up with a long flat piece, rather than a wide, circular piece of clay.

3. Continue rolling and turning the clay until it is the thickness you want for the base.

4. Cut the clay to the size and shape for your pot.

Coiled Base

1. Condition the clay by working it between your fingers until it is soft.

2. Roll the clay into a long "snake" shape. Roll it back and forth on a firm surface, moving your hands along the length of the snake as you roll, to keep the same diameter along the length.

3. Continue to roll out the snake until it is the diameter you want for the depth of your base.

4. Curl the snake around itself to form a flat spiral. Smooth the surface of the coils to remove the ridges between them and merge them together on the surface. Turn the base over and smooth the other side in the same way.

5. Trim the clay base to whatever size you want for your pot.

Tips & Warnings

• When rolling out the clay for a flat base, use two wooden dowels -- one on either side of the clay -- then roll the rolling pin on top of the dowels. This helps to keep the surface level.

References

• Arts Work: Three Basic Pottery Techniques