Coiling Creativity: Making Pots from Clay

💭 Think About...

1. What do you think a "coil" in pottery means?
2. How do you think this technique will be similar to the pinch pot we made before? How will it be different?
3. What are some challenges you think we might face when making coil pots, and how can we solve them?
4. Imagine you're giving your finished coil pot to someone as a gift. Who would you give it to and why? What would you want them to use it for?
5. Archaeologists have found ancient coil pots made by people thousands of years ago. Why do you think this technique has been used for so long? What are the advantages of coil building?

🔨 Your Project

  1. Gather your materials: air-dry clay, water cup, placemat, paper towels, sponge. Put on your apron to protect your clothes.
  2. Knead your clay until it's soft and pliable. If it feels dry, dip your fingers in the water and work it into the clay.
  3. Pinch off a small handful of clay and roll it between your hands to create a long, thin rope, about 1/4 inch thick. Keep your hands moving in opposite directions to make the rope even.
  4. Coil the rope into a spiral to form the base of your pot. Use your finger to gently press the coils together. If the clay feels dry, dip your finger in slip (watery clay) and smooth it over the coils to help them stick.
  5. To add the next coil, score (scratch) the top edge of the base coil and the bottom of the new coil to roughen the surface. Dip your finger in slip and spread it where the coils will join. Gently press the new coil on top, merging it with the base.
  6. Continue adding coils to build up the walls of your pot, scoring and slipping each new coil. Gently pinch the coils together as you go, keeping the walls even.
  7. As you build, use your fingers or a damp sponge to smooth the inside and outside of the pot, blending the coils together. Be careful not to press too hard or you may squish your pot.
  8. When your pot is the desired height, even out the top edge by gently pinching and smoothing it. You can also use a popsicle stick to level it.
  9. Add any final details or textures to your pot, like pressing with a fork or making patterns with a toothpick. Remember to keep the bottom flat so your pot can stand up.
  10. Set your finished pot aside to dry completely.
  11. If you have any questions or need help at any point, raise your hand and ask your teacher. Take your time and have fun creating your unique coil pot!