Coil Built Pottery

rolling out the clay squeezing the clay into a coil or rolling between your hands are two ways to make coils This technique can be difficult to make a smooth round coil because of the uneven pressure from hangs and fingers

roll out the coil When rolling coils, use a smooth surface and while spreading your hands apply even pressure Gently roll the clay back and forth

a good thickness Roll the coils so that they are a little thicker than a pencil Stack the coils on on top of the other

scrape inside For strength, force the clay together on the inside of the piece Use your finger and scrape the top coil onto the coil under it

smooth inside When smoothing the inside of the piece, hold your other hand on the outside so you do not damage what you have already completed

leveling the top If you want the top level, gently turn your piece over and lightly tap it on a smooth surface

dry slowly The grooves in the piece are weak spots and may be smoothed before drying process begins Cover piece loosely and uncover a little each day until bone dry