How to Make Coil Clay
A few different techniques exist for hand building ceramic sculptures. One method, clay coiling, involves building a ceramic object from the base upward with uniform rolls of clay. This technique is especially useful for creating bowls, urns, jugs and other tall ceramic objects which have a non-cylindrical shape. The process of creating clay coils is relatively simple and requires minimal preparation but the process does involve an investment of both time and patience.
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Instructions
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Clay Coils
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1
Remove the amount of clay you want to work with from the container or bag containing your clay.
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2
Remove any trapped air bubbled from within the clay's matrix by throwing the clay onto a table covered in canvas. Repeat this until you have pounded the clay until it has become a flat slab on both of its sides.
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3
Use a knife to cut a strip of clay approximately 1-inch thick from the length of the prepared clay slab.
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4
Lay the palms of your hands with your fingers extended over the clay strip and begin to roll the clay back and forth beneath your hands.
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5
Continue to roll the clay back and forth with your hands until you create a long roll of clay with a uniform thickness. Create additional coils by following the same steps and stopping when each coil is approximately the same thickness and length as the one(s) made before.
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6
Mist the clay with water from your spray bottle occasionally to keep the clay moist while you are working with it. If you allow the clay to dry out it will become brittle and may crumble and no longer stick to itself.
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7
Move the clay coils onto your board or flat surface if there will be time before you begin to work with the coils. Cover the board and the coils with the plastic bag to store them until you are ready to create your piece of art.
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Tips & Warnings
Your coils should not exceed 3/4-inch in diameter or they will be too thick for the ceramic object you plan to make.
References
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