HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT (2024)

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HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT (1)

A Pinch Pot is one of my absolute ‘bestist’ things to do with children – especially younger ones!

Why?

They are able to create a pot, ALL BY THEMSELVES!! A 3-year-old is able to do this – with instruction and a little help of course, but at no point do you have to take over because it gets too difficult!

You can make a pinch pot out of a few things – Salt Dough – here is the recipe, clay, or air dry clay – this is the one we always use…

Salt dough, whilst cheap and easy to use does not last, not unless you seal it perfectly. When we make something special – or something sea we going to gift, we use air-dry clay instead. It is cheap and mouldable and needs no oven firing like regular clay!

3-dimensional art – like this pinch pot idea gives children the opportunity to look at art as more than a flat picture which they are so often exposed to. Looking at all sides of an object encourages creativity and children get to explorethe medium with their hands, not just the end of a paintbrush!

Pinch pots make the best gifts! Handmade and precious!!

So let’s get started!!

HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT (2)

A good size pinch pot is made from a ball of clay / dough about the size of a tennis ball.

  1. Roll your clay into a ball
  2. Stick your finger into the middle of the ball – as pictured above. This is the part where children love to hold up their super big thumbs in the air!
  3. With your thumb and forefinger pinch around the sides until the hole in the middle gets bigger and the pot sides get thinner. Do this with a few pinches rather than one big squash!
HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT (3)

When your pot looks more like a pot and less like a ball, use your fingers to push the bottom flatter and mould into the shape you want!

Once your pot is made, you have a few options to decorate it…

You can add beads and any other decorations you would like to push into the clay.

If you would like to paint it, wait for it to dry and then paint with acrylic paints – use a sealer to finish it off and protect it!

We decorated this clay pot with impressions – using pasta… and left it otherwise natural…

HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT (5)

You can now use your pinch pot – or give it away as a gift!

We have used ours as a vase and a tiny holder to keep jewelry and hair clips in!

HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT (6)

Here are some other fabulous child made gift ideas!! They are always the most special:

HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT (7)
HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT (2024)

FAQs

HOW TO MAKE A PINCH POT? ›

A pinch pot is a simple form of hand-made pottery produced from ancient times to the present. The pinching method is to create pottery that can be ornamental or functional, and has been widely employed across culture. The method used is to simply have a lob of clay, then pinch it to the shape desired.

How is a pinch pot created? ›

A pinch pot is a simple form of hand-made pottery produced from ancient times to the present. The pinching method is to create pottery that can be ornamental or functional, and has been widely employed across culture. The method used is to simply have a lob of clay, then pinch it to the shape desired.

What is the best thickness for a pinch pot? ›

The piece can now be shaped into your desired outcome, continually being pinched out to make the form of a pot around a quarter of an inch thick. You can also smooth out the base of your piece at this step so that it sits nice and flat onto a surface.

What size lump of clay should be used to start a pinch pot? ›

A good size pinch pot is made from a ball of clay / dough about the size of a tennis ball. Stick your finger into the middle of the ball – as pictured above.

What is the key to success when making a pinch pot? ›

Note It Making a pinch pot is not just a beginner's method. Some of the world's most beautiful pottery has been created. by pinching. The key to success lies in controlling the turning rhythm while keeping the amount of pressure even for each pinch.

What is the main material required to make a pinch pot? ›

Materials used can be either wedge clay or self-hardening clay. project teaches you the basic making techniques, with lots of tips for success and development. A small amount of clay will pinch out a long way, and this technique generally is not suitable for very large amounts.

What kind of clay is used for pinch pots? ›

You can use porcelain clay to make pinch pots. If you are a beginner though, you may find something with a bit of grog more forgiving and less prone to cracking, Brand is less important than what cone you will be firing to. Before you buy any clay, figure out how you will get your work fired.

Why are we still making pinch pots? ›

A pinch pot is a small vessel you can create with just your hands; the act of making one can help you understand the consistency of clay and how to control it.

What are five things you could make with the pinch pot technique? ›

Pinch pots are very versatile. You can use them as planters, jewelry containers, cups to drink from, bowls to eat from and to keep small amounts of herbs, spices and other dry ingredients like tea leaves, coffee grounds, salt or sugar.

How to make a foot of a pinch pot? ›

If forming a foot, pinch down into the ½ inch of clay left at the bottom at the beginning of the process (6). Start the foot by slowly pinching out from the center (7). Pinch down about ¼ inch, forming the foot to the desired silhouette (8).

Why is my pinch pot cracking? ›

Cracking is mainly caused by uneven drying of the piece, meaning that some parts of the pottery shrink more than others. The key to avoiding these pitfalls is to create a consistent environment for drying the piece and undertaking the necessary preparation to ensure that the entire piece dries at a similar rate.

How to make pinch pots for beginners? ›

To begin, choose a clay to use. There are different clay types that have different firing requirements and can be used in different ways. Next, form the pinch pot by rolling the clay into a ball and thinning out the walls with your fingers. Let the pot dry completely before firing it or baking it.

Can you make pinch pots with air dry clay? ›

Simply make your shape, let it dry completely, paint, and ta-da: that's how easy it is. We're going to make easy pinch pots with air-dry clay where our final pieces aren't just pieces of art but are actually usable bowls.

How do you add texture to a pinch pot? ›

Pinch Pot Techniques

One of the easiest ways to add a bit of texture to your pot is to add coils. It's essentially the same process as rolling a clay worm or snake before. Once you've rolled out the clay into a sausage-like shape, you can press the coil onto the rim, or maybe use it to form a handle for your pot.

Can you make pinch pots without a kiln? ›

Yes, you can FORM clay into pottery without a kiln. But to have pottery to keep and use, it must be fired at a very hot temperature.

How to make a clay pot easy? ›

Place the ball of clay in your left hand. Insert your right thumb into the center of the sphere, stopping about ½” from the bottom. Widen the thumb hole gradually by continuously turning the sphere while you simultaneously pinch the sides. Periodically smooth the walls and reshape the pot as you go.

References

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