Pinch Pot Questions

[PotteryLodge]

I'm fairly new to hand building and I'm trying to master pinch pots. I have two problems that keep annoying me.

First problem - the rounded ball shape falls flat. I no this is due to the clay being too moist and therefore falling flat, but if the clay is any dryer my next problem occurs...dry edges and cracking.

Second problem - If I let the clay sit out for a few minutes then the edges crack as well as the side walls of the pot.

Does anyone know of any good books or online tutorials for hand building/pinch pots?

Also I have a super hard time making two items that are the same. I know I wont get an identical match with two pinch pots, but I'd like them to look similar.

For instance I don't just make thick planters using the pinch pot method, I also try to make thinner bowl shapes and taller tube like bowls. I really need a good online program that I can watch. I tried looking through youtube and it all looks so easy, their clay works differently than mine.

I use longhorn white/red earthenware.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for some help?!? Thank you : )

[barbaradonovan]

Hi Casi,

Ceramic Arts Daily might be helpful in finding some resources you need. They have blog posts and video archives of how to's, books, videos for sale etc. Not sure if you have to subscribe to either Ceramics Monthly or Pottery Making Illustrated to get full use but subscribing to Pottery Making Illustrated might be helpful to you as well. Lark Books also puts out some really nice "how to" books - I know tthey have at least one handbuilding book. They can be found on Amazon for sure or perhaps at your local clay supplier

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/

Wish I could be more helpful, but I'm more of a thrower. I know some of my handbuilding friends press clay coils or slabs into plaster or other type molds to handbuild larger lighter pieces consistent in size. Maybe that could be something to try.

Good luck!

[PotteryLodge]

Thank you Barbara. I will start reading up and hopefully get my hands on one of those books you recommend.

I'm getting a little better at the pinch pots, I think I just need to practice, practice, practice. : )

Thanks again
-casi

[KilnMasterPottery]

youtube also has some helpful videos, though once again mostly as a thrower I was not looking at handbuilding videos.

[claydogstudio]

I mostly throw too, but when teaching I have students make a template to guide them. This is more for symmetry, but could work for making pieces uniform as well. A simple cut piece of cardboard can work as a template, or using molds or bowls to press into can also give a more consistant shape. Good luck and let us know what you learn!

[ClayduSoleil]

I'm a thrower and sculpture but have done pinch pots. You can use drier clay but keep spraying the edges with a water bottle as it drys. Since the edges are thinner, they will dry faster and crack, by keeping them moist, the pot will dry more uniformly. Another method is to use clear wrap around the edge for a period of time until the body of the clay dries. You have to experiment with this based on the type of clay and thickness as to when to remove the wrap.

[PotteryLodge]

Thank you all for your help. I am gradually learning and experimenting with pinch pots..which I LOVE!!

Thank again
-Casi