The clay pot has been around for a long time.The water-resistant naturally occurring clays in the soil were ideal for carrying water and storing food.Even though we can buy our vessels at the store, clay pots are still beautiful and are functional works of art and craft.
Step 1: The clay should be kneaded.
Start with 1/2 pound of clay.You can work out the air bubbles by kneading it.This will make the clay more flexible and easier to work with.If you take care to avoid folding, poking, or other actions that could add air pockets and bubbles to your clay, your pottery could explode in the oven.
Step 2: Check for bubbles or gaps by slicing your clay in half with a stiff wire.
Step 3: If you want to make your own pot, try one of the methods below.
You can read the article How to Knead Clay.
Step 4: Take a fist-sized clump of clay and roll it into a coil.
The thickness of your pot's walls is determined by the diameter of the coil.Roll your coils out until they are a little thicker than a pencil, about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) long, and of uniform thickness.As you roll your coil out, there may be thin or weak spots.If it becomes a problem, just break the coil at the weak spot, set one part aside, and finish the other.
Step 5: The bottom needs to be created.
Wrap the coil in a spiral from one end to the other.The base of the pot might be 3 inches in diameter.You can make the bottom by rolling out some clay to the same thickness as your coil, and then cutting the excess with a knife.
Step 6: Start working on the clay.
Score the outer inch of the bottom, and then apply a thin mix of clay and water to it.As you work, do the same with the bottom of the coil.This will make your pot stronger.Wrap the first coil around the base to build the wall.
Step 7: Your pot needs to be strengthened.
The clay bond can be strengthened by smoothing the inside of the pot, forcing the clay from the upper coil into the joint below it.As you smooth the inside of your pot, support the outside of it.If you want, you can smooth both inside and outside.
Step 8: As you make your pot, shape it.
You can create your own shape by adjusting the placement of the coils and shaping the clay during the smoothing and strengthening process.
Step 9: You need to finish your pot.
Depending on the type of clay you are using, you can air-dry your pot, bake it, or fire it in a kiln.The correct method should be followed by following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 10: It's time to make a ball.
Make sure the clay is moist by rolling it into a ball.
Step 11: A hole can be made.
Put your thumb in the middle of the clay ball.
Step 12: Take care of the sides.
Press upwards if you pinch the clay with your thumb and forefinger.Work all around the inside, pinching from the bottom and moving up until you get the shape you want.
Step 13: The bottom should be flatten.
Press against the table you're working on to make the bottom smooth and flat.
Step 14: The inside and outside of the pot should be smooth.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing and finishing your pot.
Step 15: You can see how to make a pinch pot.
Step 16: Hit your clay.
Throw it firmly from hand to hand.
Step 17: It's time to dry your wheel.
The ball of clay will adhere to the wheel once it starts spinning.You don't want a ball of clay flying across the room.
Step 18: Have some water.
You can easily reach the bucket of water if you put your hands in it.
Step 19: The clay should be thrown.
Throw down the ball of clay as close to the center of the wheel as you can, then press it down into a conical shape.
Step 20: You should start spinning.
With one hand on the side of the clay lump and the other on top of it, ease the clump towards the middle as you build up speed.The clay can fly out of control if you don't use the upper hand.You can tell the clay is centered by the way it sits in the center of the spinning wheel.Don't stop spinning.
Step 21: Wet your hands.
Then press the clay down into a thick disk.You should repeat this step a few times.The wheel wedging helps to condition the clay.As you work, make sure you keep the clay centered.
Step 22: Push a thumb into the middle of the spinning mass, until it's about 1.5 cm from the bottom.
Step 23: Push 4 fingers into the hole, and work them around until it's as big as you want.
Use a hand on the outside of the clay to shape your pot after working the hole.
Step 24: Slowly work.
Pull the clay up until it's the right height.
Step 25: The top should be spread.
Pull back with your fingers if you want it to be a bit wider at the neck.Don't do it too hard.
Step 26: The pot should be removed from the wheel.
Pull the wheel from the back of the pot using a stiff wire or fishing line and hold it with both hands.
Step 27: Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's website.