How to Make a Ceramic Pot

Ceramic pottery is one of the oldest forms of art. Building a ceramic pot is easy, and you don't even need expensive equipment, such as a pottery wheel. You can make a pinch pot by using only some clay and your hands. Here's how you can build a ceramic pinch pot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 pound ball of clay
• water
• kiln
• glaze

1. Start with a ball of clay, and insert your thumb into the middle of the ball. If your ceramic ball feels dry, try putting a little bit of water on your thumb before you begin.

2. Pinch the side of your clay, and turn the clay until you've pinched all of the sides. To pinch your pot, gently press the clay between your thumb and forefinger by placing your thumb inside the pot and your forefinger on the outside.

3. Continue turning your clay, and keep pinching it gently. You'll want to make all of the sides the same shape and thickness. Your pot should be about one-fourth of an inch thick on all sides.

4. Shape your pot by bending the sides gently. Use your fingers to smooth out the inside and outside of your pot.

5. Let your pot dry, and then fire your pot in the kiln. It may take as long as a week for your pot to air dry. But, make sure it is dry before placing it in the kiln.

6. Paint the pot, and fire it a second time. After you fire your pot a first time, it is ready to get glazed. Glaze is a special kind of paint for ceramics.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are choosing a glaze for your ceramic pinch pot, make sure you pick one that is safe for food if you plan on eating off of your pot.