Methods of Hand-Building
1. Pinch Pots
Begin a pinch pot by forming a lump of clay into a smooth sphere that fits
the size of the hand. This method is similar to the way the Native Americans
shaped clay into useful pots. While holding the sphere of clay, press the thumb
into the center of the ball, half-way to the bottom. While revolving the ball
in one hand, press the walls out evenly with the thumb into the inside and the
fingers on the outside. Smooth the surface with a damp sponge.
2. Coil Method
Coils of clay can be used to build bowls, vases and other forms in various shapes
and sizes. Keeping the fingers flat, form the clay into sausage shapes, then
roll into ropes 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. Make a shallow dish with the pinch pot
method and turn up-side down to serve as a foot of base. Place a coil along the
edge of the foot. Dampen the fingers and join the next coil to it, with a
little pressure. Keep adding coils . Coils may be pressed with the fingers or a
tool on both the inside and outside to create interesting texture.
3. Slab Method
Place two strips of wood on canvas a little further apart than the width of
the finished slabs. Working on a textured fabric will leave imprints on the
clay slab. Place clay on the cloth between the strips of wood and roll out. Use
a pointed tool to trim the slab of clay to desired size. You may make paper
patterns to follow if a form that has a number of sides is desired. Rub a wet
finger over the edges to be joined and score with a tool. Roll out a thin coil
of sticky clay and place it along one edge. Press the two edges together. Slabs
of clay may be placed over rocks, bowls, plastic forms etc. to create
interesting shapes. As the clay dries, it shrinks away from the form but
retains the shape of the form.