August 24, 2001, Newsletter Issue #52: Pinch Pots

Tip of the Week

Take 2 pieces of clay, approx 3" square.

Roll in your hands to form balls.

Place one ball in the palm of your left hand (for right-handers, opposite for left-handers), push thumb of opposite hand into the centre of the ball, to approx 1/2" from the base.

Gently, but firmly, rotate your thumb to make a cup shape approx 1/2" thick all over.

Repeat with second ball of clay.

With a fork, cross hatch both openings.

With a toothbrush, wet the openings with water, be sure to make the edges course as this aids joining.

Gently, but firmly, press openings together.

With a paddle pop stick drag the clay over the join, going one way (up or down) then doing the same in the other direction.

Roll a small coil and place over join and redrag the clay in both directions.

Smooth your ball with a flat-blade knife, and leave to stand approx 1/2hr or until firm.

Roll a small coil and join to ball (incorporating the cross hatching we did earlier), to form foot and neck.

When neck is firm, you can cut out the hole inside the neck.

Smooth.

Your piece is now ready for firing!

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