How To Make Easy Pinch Pots?

Introduction

A pinch pot is a basic type of pottery made by hand without the use of a potter’s wheel. It gets its name from the pinching method used to shape the clay. Pinch pots have been made since ancient times, as they are one of the most simple and primitive forms of pottery. To create a basic pinch pot, all you need is some modeling clay or potter’s clay, your fingers, and a few simple steps.

The general process is to start with a ball of clay and pinch the sides to form a hollow bowl shape. The clay is thinned using fingers and thumbs to stretch the material. The bottom is then sealed by gently pressing. Pinch pots can be left plain and simple or decorated. They can also be glazed and fired in a kiln. This provides an easy introduction to making pottery even for beginners and kids. The basic steps include shaping the clay, hollowing out the interior, smoothing the surface, optional decorating, and drying or firing.

Needed Supplies

Making easy pinch pots requires just a few basic supplies:

• Air dry clay – This is an essential supply for pinch pots. Air dry clay is easy to shape by hand and dries naturally at room temperature.

• Rolling pin (optional) – A rolling pin can help roll the clay into an even, rounded ball before starting to pinch and shape it. This isn’t required, but can be helpful.

• Decorating tools (optional) – Tools like clay sculpting tools, toothpicks, popsicle sticks etc. can be used to add decorative details and textures once the basic pinch pot form is created. These are optional.

With just air dry clay, you’ll have the one essential supply needed to create basic pinch pots. The rolling pin and decorating tools allow for more shaping options, but aren’t mandatory.

Shaping the Clay

After the clay has been conditioned through kneading, form it into a smooth ball. Hold the clay ball in one hand and using your thumb on the opposite hand, gently press into the center of the ball to create an indent. Slowly pinch the clay between your thumbs and fingers, rotating the ball to evenly thin the walls. Take care not to pinch too hard or make the walls too thin. The opening should be about an inch or two wide for a basic pinch pot.

As you pinch and shape the clay, support it from the inside as well. Use your fingers to press against the walls from the inside to help thin and even them. If any walls are too thick, go back and pinch them thinner for a more uniform shape.

Continue thinning and smoothing the clay until you form a hollow bowl or vase shape. The pinching motion allows you to gradually shape the soft clay into the desired form.

Hollowing Out

After you have shaped the basic form of your pinch pot, it’s time to hollow out the interior. This step creates the bowl shape and leaves the walls at an even thickness. Follow these tips when hollowing out your pinch pot:

Push the clay outwards from the pinched center to open up the interior space. Use your thumbs or fingers to press into the center while smoothing the clay out towards the sides. Take care not to puncture the bottom as you hollow out the pot.

Aim for walls of uniform thickness. Avoid any overly thick or thin spots by regularly checking thickness while hollowing. The walls should be approximately 1/4″ thick, with slightly more clay left at the base.

Leave the base slightly thicker than the walls, approximately 1/2″ thick. This gives stability to the pinch pot when it is complete. Don’t hollow out too close to the bottom.

Work slowly and carefully while hollowing to maintain the overall shape. Pinch pots with thin, even walls have the best results. Keep walls from bulging out by smoothing with your fingers as you hollow.

Smoothing

Once you have hollowed out your pinch pot and shaped it into the desired form, it’s time to smooth out any irregularities or fingerprints.

Start by wetting your fingers and running them over the inside and outside of the pot. The water will help smooth the clay. Press gently yet firmly to blend the clay and create clean lines. Work slowly and methodically around the entire pot, inside and out.

Pay close attention to the rim, as you’ll want a nice smooth edge. Consider using a craft stick or spoon if needed to further refine edges and hard to reach spots.

Take your time with this step to achieve the smoothest surface possible. Well-smoothed clay will lead to a more professional looking finished piece.

Drying

After shaping, hollowing, and smoothing your pinch pot, it’s important to allow adequate drying time before moving on to decorating, firing, and displaying. Here are some tips for proper drying:

– Allow the pot to air dry completely. Lay it out on a flat, even surface in a warm, dry area out of direct sunlight.

– Drying can take anywhere from a few days to a over a week depending on factors like climate, thickness of clay walls, and size of the piece.

– Check for dryness by feeling the surface of the clay. It should feel cool, firm, and solid when totally dry.

– Avoid drying too quickly, as this can cause cracks. If needed, you can cover with plastic wrap or damp cloths to slow moisture loss.

– Make sure it is completely dry before firing or decorating, as any moisture left can cause cracking or even explosions in the kiln.

– Be patient during the drying process to help ensure your finished pinch pot comes out flawless.

Decorating (Optional)

Once your pinch pots have dried, you can decorate them in various ways to add more visual interest before firing. Here are some decorating ideas to try:

• Incise designs into the clay using tools like wooden skewers, chopsticks, or dull butter knives. Press gently and drag tools through the clay to create lines, shapes, patterns, etc. This can be done before or after painting.

• Attach decorative elements like handles, feet, or textural pieces using slip. Let any attachments dry fully before firing.

• Paint designs on your pinch pots using acrylic paints made for clay. Avoid dripping paint inside the pot’s cavity. Allow paint to dry fully before firing.

Get creative with decorations like impressed textures, stamps, stencils, mosaic tiles, beads, etc. Just ensure any additions are dry before firing your pinch pots.

Bisque Firing (Optional)

Bisque firing is an optional step in making pinch pots that helps harden and strengthen the clay. Though not required, many potters choose to bisque fire their work before applying glaze and doing a final glaze firing.

When bisque firing pinch pots, it’s important to follow the instructions for the specific kiln being used. Kilns heat at varying rates, so check the manual and firing schedule. In general, ramp up the temperature slowly, no more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit per hour. Rapid temperature changes can cause cracks or explosions.

Bring the kiln up to the desired bisque temperature, usually around 1600-2100°F. Hold it at that peak temperature for the recommended soak time to allow heat to fully penetrate the clay. Then, turn off the kiln and allow it to cool down slowly with the door closed.

After bisque firing, the pinch pots will be ready for decorating and glazing if desired. The bisque ware will have a harder, ceramic feel that makes the piece less fragile for the glazing process.

Glazing and Glaze Firing (Optional)

Glazing pinch pots before firing can add color and make them food-safe. Here are some tips for glazing:

• Choose food-safe glazes made specifically for ceramics. Look for glazes labeled non-toxic, dinnerware safe, or food safe.
• Apply glazes evenly using a brush, sponge, or dipping method. Allow glazes to dry completely before firing.
• Follow the firing instructions provided with the glaze. Glazes require high temperatures, usually around cone 06-04. Firing too low can prevent glazes from melting properly.
• Fire on a kiln shelf or stilt to prevent glazes from sticking. Be sure to place kiln posts or firing cones on the shelf to monitor firing progress.
• Allow kiln to cool completely before removing glazed pieces. Glazes will be glassy and shiny when fired properly.

Glazing adds beauty and makes pinch pots food-safe for holding snacks, dips, and other edibles. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Displaying

Pinch pots make charming additions to any space when displayed thoughtfully. Here are some ideas for showing off your homemade pinch pots:

Place small objects like pens, flowers, beads, or other trinkets inside the pots. The items will be visible through the clay’s walls and make your pots feel more alive and decorative.

Group several pinch pots together on a shelf, mantel, or table. Varying the heights and sizes creates visual interest. You can also paint them different colors or leave some natural.

Display one or two pinch pots on their own as minimalist sculptures. Place on an empty shelf or stack several pots on top of each other.

Arrange little flowers or succulents in your pinch pots. Let the greenery cascade over the sides. Use them as mini planters to bring nature indoors.

Set a tealight or small candle inside to create charming accents for an evening dinner or party. The glow will shine through the pottery’s walls.

Your homemade pinch pots make fantastic gifts. Consider displaying them in a gift basket surrounded by tissue paper or giving them out as party favors filled with candy or other small items.