11 Easy Coil Pot Ideas Every Beginner Must Try
Discover the excitement of coil pottery without needing a wheel! You can easily create your masterpieces at home, no prior experience required. However, it’s natural to feel uncertain about where to start or what projects to tackle. Worry not, as we’ve curated 10 inspiring coil pottery ideas for you to try out and get creative.
Plates
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Learning the basics of pottery typically begins with creating plates, a fundamental skill that sets the stage for more complex pieces. The simplicity of plate-making belies its potential for creative expression. By mastering coil techniques, you can craft a plate that’s as straightforward or elaborate as you desire.
For a basic plate, start by forming a single, uniform coil and then rolling it upon itself. Consistency is key to achieving the desired shape. Alternatively, combine multiple coils in different directions to create intricate patterns that would be challenging to replicate with a pottery wheel. This approach allows for endless design possibilities.
To ensure your plate remains intact, make sure each coil is securely attached to its neighbors. A single misstep could result in your masterpiece falling apart the moment you pick it up.
Another innovative example of swirling coils and sphere-filled spaces showcases the versatility of this technique.
Flower pots
To create a straightforward and charming project, consider crafting flower pots using clay. Begin by forming a circular base with a rolling pin, serving as the foundation for your pot. Next, prepare multiple coils of uniform length and thickness, ensuring each is as long as the circumference of the base. The crucial step lies in stacking these coils atop one another without compromising the structural integrity of the pot. This technique can be applied to create pots in various shapes, offering a versatile and creative outlet.
Mugs and cups
As you’ve mastered the technique of stacking coils vertically, it’s time to challenge yourself by creating cups or mugs. Since these will be significantly smaller than flower pots, thinner coils are required, which can be more fragile and prone to damage. To avoid accidents, handle the thin coils with care.While simply stacking coils can result in a cup, you can take it to the next level by adding a handle to transform it into a functional mug. However, you’ll want to ensure that your creation doesn’t have any holes or gaps that could allow liquids to escape. To achieve this, use your finger to gently smooth out the coils and seal any potential openings.
Decorative vases
To take the humble flower pots to the next level, why not try transforming them into stunning decorative vases? Building upon the same patterns used in the plates, all it takes is some creative manipulation of the coils to turn a plain pot into a work of art. While this project may require a bit more finesse than its predecessors, I highly recommend mastering one of the earlier projects before attempting this one. Should your vase happen to collapse under its own weight, don’t worry! Simply repurpose an old, unused vase as a stabilizing scaffold and wrap those coils around it. With patience and practice, you’ll be crafting beautiful vases in no time.
Fruit bowl
Keeping your kitchen stocked with fresh produce is a delight, but what’s even more charming is having a handmade fruit bowl to display them in. One way to achieve this unique piece of pottery is by repurposing an existing large bowl as a mold. Start by covering the bowl with plastic wrap and begin adding clay coils and swirling patterns within. The shape of your finished fruit bowl will, of course, mimic that of the original bowl you used as a template – so choose wisely! Once you’ve completed your design and allowed the clay to dry, carefully remove the mold before firing the clay in a kiln.
Coiled pitcher
For those who have successfully crafted small cups and mugs, taking on a more ambitious project like creating an entire pitcher can be a fun and rewarding experience. While many of the techniques used will remain the same, one significant difference lies in the design of the pitcher’s lip. To add an extra layer of creativity, you could also incorporate decorative elements. For instance, as shown below, the pitcher is given a bright yellow hue to evoke a beehive theme, accompanied by two tiny porcelain bees that add a charming touch.
Wall hanging
While functionality is a great aspect of pottery projects, there’s no rule saying every piece has to serve a practical purpose. In fact, combining small coils with rope can result in some truly eye-catching wall hangings. The beauty of DIY art lies in its versatility, so feel free to get creative and incorporate other materials like beads or colored yarn into your design. Just keep in mind that ceramics are notoriously heavy, so it’s essential to maintain a sense of scale when creating larger pieces to avoid any accidental crashes.
Pencil holder snake
The snake pencil holder is another creative coil pottery project worth exploring. To create this piece, start by stacking a single large coil on top of itself to form the body. Add two small eyes using a bit of extra clay and then use a knife to carve out a smiling mouth. Leave the end of the coil at the bottom intact to resemble the snake’s tail. If you don’t have access to green glaze, you can always paint it with your preferred color after firing the clay.
Coaster
For a project that’s just as straightforward as a coiled plate, consider creating these coasters. Building on the same fundamental techniques used earlier, you can craft a set of coasters that not only look great but also serve a practical purpose.
By intentionally leaving ample space between coils or swirls, you can create air gaps that help regulate the temperature of whatever is placed upon them. This dual functionality adds a layer of versatility to your finished product.
Coil animals
For a comprehensive project that combines various techniques, consider creating one of these adorable coil creatures. The core structure is composed of stacked coils, while the head is crafted by hand. By manipulating the shape of the head and tail, you can transform the design into different animal forms.
While they may require some effort to create, the end result is well worth it – a super cute and unique coil animal that showcases your skills!
Woven coil pots
By combining the traditional techniques of weaving and pottery, you can create unique and fascinating pieces of art. One such innovative method is weaving clay coils, a process that allows for endless creative possibilities. This technique is particularly effective when applied to projects like flower pots, as demonstrated in the example below.
More pottery ideas!
If the preceding 10 coil pottery ideas didn’t quite hit the mark, don’t worry! There are countless other ways to get creative with clay. Consider exploring additional approaches like simple pottery techniques, slab pottery methods, handbuilding projects that require a bit more finesse, or even adorable pottery designs that showcase your artistic side. For those who prefer a splash of color, there’s also the option of pottery painting ideas waiting to be discovered.
