A small ball of clay is gently pressed inwards to create a trough, or bowl shape. The bottom is flattened and the sides are stretched and smoothed to an even thickness and then flattened slightly to allow the addition of coils. Coils are tubes of clay that have been rolled on a surface to an even thickness and length. Several are placed evenly on the top smoothed edge of the pinch pot bowl. The coils are smoothed together and blended to form a seamless finish. The pot is now ready for adding handles or decoration.
Coil Pot by Sue
Coil Pot by Den
Acorn Pot by Margaret
Coil Pot by Jane
Coil Shell by Jenny
Cup by Lizzie
Lizard Vase by Ian
Hare Vase by helen
Line Vase by Claire
Chicken Colander by Claire
Jug by Sarah
Plaque Work
Plaques made from flattened clay can be created in many sizes and styles, from a small wall tile to a large house sign. Plaques and tile work involves the process of slab rolling, which is explained in more detail below in the slab building section.
Tiles by Vicki
Mermaid Plaque by Helen
Plaque by Rachel
Paint Palette by Angie
Bird Tile by Lisa
Leaf Disks by Vidyah
Mermaid Name Plaque by Jo
Landscape Tiles by Katie
Tractor Baby Plaque by Lucy
Slab Work
A lump of clay is placed upon a piece of material on a table. Two flat guide sticks can be used to create an even thickness of between 7 - 12 cm and are placed either side of the clay. Using a wooden rolling pin the clay is rolled out to an even finish. The flat panel is now ready to cut into sections. To join the clay together the edges must be lightly scored and then glued using slip. Slip is made with clay and a small amount of water mixed to form a paste. All rough edges must be smoothed and then the piece is ready to decorate.
Flower Box by Sarah
Letter Rack by Sharon
Barn by Kim
Bird Box by Clare
Bottles by Julia
Frog Box by Annabel
Daisy Box By Sue
Japanese Lantern by Vidyah
Figures on Bowl by Lisa
Pirate Chest by Eric
Patterned Box by Clare
Fish Tray by Emma
Modelling
Modeling and sculpturing techniques can be applied to both coil and slab work. The main thing to remember is not to allow areas to get to thick. In the initial building stages the whole body of the piece can be pin pricked to allow any trapped air to escape during firing, the holes can be smoothed over during the modelling stage. It is also very important not to allow any air to be trapped inside the work, so adequate ventilation holes must be created through each chamber and especially on the base.