Homemade Clay Pots
Making clay pots at home are simple projects that do not require many supplies. Clay pots are fairly quick to complete, and most projects take less than an hour. The two basic pots to create are push pots and coil pots, but once you get a feel for working with clay, try experimenting with other types of pots.
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Choosing Clay
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There are two primary types of clay used to make pots: fast-drying clay and firing clay. If you have access to a kiln, firing clay gives you a larger variety of finished products because you can glaze the clay after it is fired. However, fast-drying clay will also produce a high-quality finished product. When using fast-drying clay be sure to store it in a completely sealed bucket to prevent it from drying out while not in use.
Clay Techniques
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Knead the clay before you begin working. This works out any air bubbles that might be in the clay and also warms it up to make it more soft and pliable. Knead clay by pushing it into a ball shape using the heels of your hands while keeping your fingers on the front. If your clay is kneaded correctly it should have a small spiral on the ends of the clay.
Slipping and scoring is a technique used to attach pieces of clay together. To score clay, take a tool with a pointed end, like a fork or a needle, and lightly scratch the surface of the clay in a checkerboard pattern. Score both pieces of clay in the places where they will attach. Then, rub water over the scoring on both pieces. This is called slipping. After you slip and score, you can then push the two pieces of clay gently together.
Push Pots
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Push pots are simple, first projects. Make a push pot by using one thumb and pressing down into the center of a ball of clay. Push down until you are about 1/2 inch from the bottom. With thumb and fingers, pinch the clay up and out to make the pot larger. The more clay you begin with the larger your pot will be. To make taller pots, start at the bottom and pinch the clay upwards. For wider pots try flattening out the bottom and making the hole bigger before beginning to pinch the clay. Keep a bowl of water and a sponge on hand so you can sponge down the pot if it gets too dry and begins to crack.
Coil Pots
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Coil pots are made by rolling out long coils of clay. Roll out enough coils for your whole pot before you begin, and keep a consistent diameter from coil to coil. Thinner coils make thinner walls, and thicker coils make thicker walls. Begin by making a flat spiral of clay for the base of the pot. A larger spiral makes a larger pot. Once coils are rolled, start wrapping them around the base, overlapping in an upwards direction. Slip and score sides where the coils touch to prevent the pot from breaking after it is dry.
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