Introduction:
Today we will learn the basic clay techniques of pinch pots and coil pots. Understanding this type of handbuilding is important for any work in clay and is usually a great beginning lesson. Spring is a natural time for making flower pots.

Materials:

• Marblex air dry clay (1lb. per pot)
• Water in either a spray bottle or water cans
• Wooden rollers or something to roll clay flat (markers work)

Directions:
For a pinch pot: Take the clay and roll it into a ball. Be sure to work out the air bubbles by rolling it for at least 5 minutes. Now stick your thumb into the middle of the ball and begin to pinch out the sides, making sure that the walls and bottom of your pot do not get too thin. When the pot is done, be sure to poke a hole through the bottom so that water will drain out when you have your plant growing. If you donÁt intend to plant anything in the pot the hole is not necessary. Roll out a slab and cut out a circular dish for the pot to sit on. Make sure that you dry the pot and the plate separately and completely before you plant anything.

For a coil pot: Take a small lump of clay and roll it out into a long snake. Make sure that the roll is the same thickness all the way along. It should be about as thick around as your thumb. Now begin to coil the snake around itself. Start at the base of the pot and work out then begin to coil the walls of the pot up. You donÁt have to use one long snake for your pot. You can make many smaller snakes and attach them together as you need them by slipping and scoring the clay. You can make a dish for the pot with coils as well.

Other ideas: Paint the pot when it is dry with bright spring colors, plant paper with embedded seeds in your pot and watch it sprout, you can apply the pinch and coil methods to a number of handbuilding and sculpting projects.

Art Terms:
Handbuilding – a convenient term for the forming of ceramics without a Wheel.
Slab – a flat piece of clay made by rolling it out on a table. Slab shapes can be built/put together by scoring and applying slip.
Score – to roughen the surface of clay (i.e. with a fork or toothpick), usually at a joint.
Slip – any clay mixed with water to form a smooth, creamy consistency. It is used as the glue between joints.

Resources:
Cosentino, Peter. The Encyclopedia of Pottery Techniques. Running Press, Philadelphia, 1990.

Fournier, Robert. Illustrated Dictionary of Practical Pottery; Third Edition. Chilton Book Company, Pennsylvania, 1992.

Topal, Cathy Weisman. Children, Clay, and Sculpture. Davis Publications, Massachusetts, 1983.

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