1. Pinch Pots
Using this handbuilding technique, you will create a pinch pot monster or creature

2. Pinch Pot
Pinch pots are small handbuilt vessels usually smaller than 5-6 inches
Simple clay vessels such as bowls and cups of various sizes can be formed and shaped by hand using a methodical pinching process in which the clay walls are thinned by pinching them with thumb and forefinger.

3. Double Pinch Pot
For this project, you will be using 2 pinch pots that are joined together to create a hollow form

4. Concept
After creating the hollow form, you can create a creature or monster out of this by adding features, feet, arms, textures etc.
Think of the overall expression to add some individuality to your work

5. Examples

15. Things to consider Facial expression – Will your monster be happy
surprised
angry
scared
Or… ???

16. Will you add arms, legs or feet?

17. Think about exaggeration to make your character more interesting or unique

18. What features will you add. Think about less or more than expected
What features will you add? Think about less or more than expected. Also unexpected proportion
3 legs?
1 eye?

19. Textures – like scales or other patterns – can also be added for detail. Add detail to the features or add-ons as well.

20. Student Examples

21. Student Examples

22. Student Examples

23. Process:
1 – Sketch your ideas! Come up with 3 different ideas for your pinch pot monster. Do not copy existing characters YES! >>>>>>> NO! >>>>

24. 2 – Wedge your clay and portion into 2 same sized pieces of clay
2 – Wedge your clay and portion into 2 same sized pieces of clay. 3 – Roll into a ball so you can begin making your pots

25. 4 – See Demo for making Pinch Pots – make sure the rims of each of the pots are the same size so that they can be attached to create hollow form.

26. 5 – When the bowls are stiff enough to join, score and slip them together.
6 – After joining, roll a thin coil and push into seam to reinforce the joint.

27. 7 – Begin smoothing your form and shaping it to get the desired result.
8 – When the form is ready, add your features, details, and textures. You should have complexity and character in your work. Have fun with this!

28. Keep in mind the thickness of your piece – it should not be thicker than your thumb (clay thickness) anywhere.
If you have hollow forms, you will need to poke a hole somewhere to allow air to escape in the firing process. This includes features or arms and legs.
Score and slip all additive parts!

29. Glazing and Finishing Options
OPTION 1 – put in 2nd firing without glaze on it and apply acrylic paint after fired. You will be able to get bright, brilliant colors that you can blend.
* this should not be your choice if you want something water tight or glossy in appearance
DO NOT use the glaze palettes for acrylic paint. You must clean brushes after painting

30. Think about adding elements on – feathers, buttons, wire, shells etc.

31. Glazing and Finishing Options
OPTION 2 – use the bucket glazes for single color or possibly 2-3 color application. Don’t overlap glazes too much because they can start to run/drip.
Accent colors can be added with the small bottles of Wonderglazes (the ones you used on tiles).
Entire piece cannot be covered with these glazes in the small bottles!

33. Glazing and Finishing Options
OPTION 3 – use the stains on the bisque – then cover with a thin coat of clear glaze from the buckets.
Accent colors can be added with the small bottles of Wonderglazes (the ones you used on tiles). EX: eyes, teeth or horns
Entire piece cannot be covered with these glazes in the small bottles!
Please see me for help with stain application!