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Start by creating opening in a medium sized ball of clay (the size of an orange). Hold the clay ball in one hand while putting the thumb of your other hand through the center of the clay. Stop about an inch from the bottom.
Use your thumb to widen the hole. Turn the clay each time you expand the hole to ensure that all the sides are of equal thickness.
Leave a one-inch wall so you can form the pot into the desired shape. -
Hold the ball of clay in one hand. Use your thumb and fingers of the opposite hand to form the clay into a shape. Pinch the sides as you slowly turn the clay.
You can create a variety of shapes when making a pinch pot. From traditional pots to vases or abstract shapes, you are only limited to your imagination.
Continue to form the clay until the shape you want emerges.
Do not make the sides of the pot too thin. The walls of the pot should be about one-half inch thick. Walls that are too thin or too thick may change shape when fired in a kiln or pit.
Inspect the pinch pot for air pockets in the clay. Go over these spots using your thumb and fingers. Flatten any bumps or large pieces of clay you may have missed.
Place the pinch pot on a flat surface covered with newspaper to create a flat bottom.
Burnish the pinch pot using the flat end of a spoon. Rub the spoon over the clay until it shines. You may have to go over the same spots a few times depending on the level of shine you want to create.
Allow pinch pot to dry naturally or fire it in a kiln or pit. -
Allow the pinch pot to dry out before firing. Find a place to fire your pinch pot. Ceramic stores, art studios and artist co-ops are places to contact if you don't already have access to a kiln or open firing pit.
Even though you don't have to fire your pinch pot, firing makes the pot stronger and allows you to use it for practical purposes as a planter or container.
Firing can take several hours or a day or longer depending on the size and type of firing techniques you are using.
Common firing techniques include kiln firing, Raku, pit firing, wood firing and electric firing.
Before firing, apply glaze to add shine and color. Glaze that contains pigment will appear clear when applied. The heat from the firing accentuates the colors.
Allow the pinch pot to cool for at least one day after firing to prevent injury or damage to the pot.
