July 26, 2002, Newsletter Issue #100: Variations on Pinch Pots

Tip of the Week

When you are happy with the form, and before the leather dry stage, gently bang the base on a wooden or cloth surface (so it doesn`t stick) to get a flat base. This is the method used to square off a piece or to gently, but firmly, tap the sides of the piece with a wooden spoon or piece of wood. Once you have the base flat, roll a coil and, using the same, joining technique, crosshatch the top of the form and the coil. Then apply slurry or water with a toothbrush and coil a neck smoothing the coils inside and out. (Remember: you need to cut a hole later, so it is advisable not to go too high!)

Variations on Pinch Pots 2 shells

Once you have the sphere (joined and smoothed), gently pull the ends out into points by rubbing and compressing the clay with your fingers. Do this on both ends. Flatten the base by gently banging it on a wooden or cloth surface. Take a ruler and press it into the clay on the fattest end to form a spiral. Go around the spiral with your fingers pinching the clay to form the conical end of the shell. Leave the form to become leather hard. Then, with a sharp bladed knife, slice the length of the shell from the base of the conical decoration to the very end, approx. 2cm from base. Gently fold the base in on itself to form the bottom of the shell and pull the top flap out. Curve it and press it to form the top of the shell. Finally, sponge it and smooth it and it`s ready for bisquing!

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