How to Attach a Coil Bottom on a Slab Pot

Adding a coil bottom to a slab pot is a simple task that requires a cutting tool, some slip and a little extra or leftover clay. The coil bottom, when placed correctly, will keep the pot from tipping over and add a bit of detail to your original creation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clay knife
• Slip

1. Roll out one clay coil that's large enough to form a ring on the bottom of your pot. To roll, gather the clay in your hands and squeeze it into a ball to remove any air bubbles. Place it on a flat surface. Press the coil down in the center of the palm of your hand and begin to rock the clay back and forth. The clay should begin to thin and look like a snake. You can make it any size you prefer.

2. Ensure that the form of the coil is consistent throughout the coil. Check the coil to make sure it didn't crack while you rolled it.

3. Turn the slab pot over so that the lip is facing down.

4. Place the coil on the bottom of the pot to form an even circle. Overlap the ends, then take a small knife to cut the ends so they fit perfectly together. Smooth out the clay to cover the seam. Maintain the evenness of the coil as you do so.

5. Score the underside of the coil and the bottom of the pot. Apply slip with a brush so that it fills the cracks. Re-place the coil on the bottom of the pot and press it down gently. The pot's coil bottom is now secure.

Tips & Warnings

• You can just use a clay extruder, if you have one available, and skip Step 1.