How to Make a Handmade Pitcher From Clay

Decorate your homemade pitcher to match the decor in your home.

Impress your friends and family the next time you pour them a glass of lemonade or ice tea from a clay pitcher you made yourself. Designing your own pitcher is both a rewarding and creative experience. In a world full of electronic devices, working with clay helps to keep us connected to nature. Learning to make pottery takes practice, but perfecting the art can take a lifetime.

Things You'll Need

• 5 pounds of clay
• Pottery wheel
• Kiln
• Wax-resist emulsion
• Pottery glaze
• Bucket of water
• Wareboard
• Wooden rib
• Rubber rib
• Needle tool
• Sponge on a long stick
• Undercutting stick
• Newspaper
• Cut-off wire
• Looped trimming tool
• Sponge
• Small foam brush

Instructions

1. Weigh out 2 pounds of clay and kneed it thoroughly to remove any air bubbles. Place the ball of clay on the wheel head. Set the wheel speed to fast and begin to open the clay to create the bottom of the pitcher. Create the bottom of the pitcher by first moving your fingertips downward and then moving them outward. Use the needle tool to measure the bottom of the pitcher; make it at least 1/2 inch thick.

2. Pull the wall of the clay to shape the structure of the pitcher. Pull the clay inward and upward, creating a tight corner at the inside base where the wall and the bottom meet. This will ensure you don't leave any clay at the bottom of the pitcher.

3. Move your thumb and index finger to the top of the structure to create a thick rim. Add water to the structure and then move your hands along the inside walls to continue developing the structure of the pitcher. Work carefully not to damage the thickness of the rim.

4. Remove the excess water inside the pitcher with a sponge attached to a stick. Use a wooden rib to lightly press the outside walls to finish the body of the pitcher.

5. Create a small wedge on the top edge of the pitcher. Use your thumb just under the rim and lightly roll the clay over your thumb. Slow down the wheel speed as you smooth out the rim.

6. Remove the pitcher from the wheel head using the cut-off wire and place it on a wareboard.

7. Slide a wet index finger and thumb on the rim to form a spout. Stretch the sides of the rim and then gently pull outward. Repeat this step until the spout is fully formed.

8. Set the pitcher aside to dry completely. Once it is completely dry, it is ready for trimming. Use a clay pad or foam rubber pad so you don't damage the rim of the pitcher. Cut a piece out of the pad where the rim will rest while you trim the bottom of the pitcher.

9. Place the pitcher upside down with the rim resting the part of the pad that has been cut out. Trim the extra clay from the base and bevel the edge of the base with a looped trimming tool. Remove the pitcher and place back on the wareboard.

10. Roll and shape a 1-pound ball of clay into a fat, carrot-shaped coil. Holding the fat, wide end of the coil, dip it into water and begin to pull and stretch the clay downward. When the handle is about 7 inches long, pinch off the uneven end of the coil. Then pinch off a 5-inch piece of clay and set it aside on a dry, clean surface.

11. Wet the end of the handle and then quickly dry it off. This will create a sticky surface to attach the handle to the pitcher. Place the handle directly across from the spout. Place the pitcher in a place where it can dry completely.

12. Heat the kiln to 1750 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the dry pitcher in the kiln and leave it for 10 to 12 hours. Once the kiln has cooled, remove the pitcher.

13. Wax the base of the pitcher with a wax-resistant emulsion. Apply the wax with a foam brush as the pitcher turns slowly on a banding wheel.

14. Decorate or paint the pitcher to your desired taste. Once you are done painting the pitcher, add an even and thorough coat of glaze to the inside and outside of the pitcher. When the glaze is dry, clean the base of any excess glaze.

15. Place the pitcher in the kiln for its glazing fire. The kiln should fire to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 hours. Let the kiln cool for 36 hours before removing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't own a pottery wheel and kiln, you can rent one from most pottery stores for a fee.

References

• The Craft and Art of Clay; Susan Peterson
• Creativity Portal: Beginner's Wheel, Thrown Pottery