AN INTRODUCTION TO CERAMIC CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

PINCH & COIL VESSEL FORMS

Part IHow to make a ceramic vessel using the pinch pot method

Making the pinch pots

Putting them together

Using your thumbs, gently press into the center of a golf ball sized sphere of clay. Form 2 bowl shapes this way.

Next, attach the 2 bowls carefully so that the center remains hollow.

Be sure to scratch both bowl rims (scoring), so that they will stick together well.

The finished hollow formNow the artist can use the hollow form as a basis for

any clay vessel. Another pinch pot can be joined with this one or, other pieces can be attached to the surface to create decorative elements, handles, or limbs!

Part IIHow to make a ceramic vessel using the COIL method

-Pull off a golf ball size lump of clay. -Form it into a ball-Roll it to from side to side to make a rope -Make a base: form a small, circular clay disk.

Once the coil is pretty even, place the coil on the top edge of the disk. Start attaching it by pressing and smoothing the coil to the disc.

When the bowl shape is the size you want it to be, smooth the top edge and loosely cover the whole bowl with plastic so that it slowly dries to a leather hard consistency.

Finishing Touches

-The coil construction method can also be used to add details to your projects. -Coils make excellent bases or feet (as they are called in ceramics).

You can also use coils to form decorative elements. Just be sure to use the slip & score method so that your pieces stay firmly attached.

How many different ways can you use pinch and coil construction methods?

Ancient Peruvian bottle made with both pinch & coil methods.