1. PINCH & COIL VESSEL FORMS
AN INTRODUCTION TO CERAMIC CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

2. How to make a ceramic vessel using the pinch pot method
Part I
How to make a ceramic vessel using the pinch pot method

3. Making the pinch pots
Using your thumbs, gently press into the center of a golf ball sized sphere of clay. Form 2 bowl shapes this way.
Putting them together
Next, attach the 2 bowls carefully so that the center remains hollow.
Be sure to scratch both bowl rims (scoring), so that they will stick together well.

4. The finished hollow form
Now the artist can use the hollow form as a basis for any clay vessel. Another pinch pot can be joined with this one or, other pieces can be attached to the surface to create decorative elements, handles, or limbs!

5. How to make a ceramic vessel using the COIL method
Part II
How to make a ceramic vessel using the COIL method

6. -Pull off a golf ball size lump of clay.
-Form it into a ball
-Roll it to from side to side to make a rope
-Make a base: form a small, circular clay disk.
Once the coil is pretty even, place the coil on the top edge of the disk. Start attaching it by pressing and smoothing the coil to the disc.
When the bowl shape is the size you want it to be, smooth the top edge and loosely cover the whole bowl with plastic so that it slowly dries to a leather hard consistency.

7. Finishing Touches
-The coil construction method can also be used to add details to your projects. -Coils make excellent bases or feet (as they are called in ceramics).
You can also use coils to form decorative elements. Just be sure to use the slip & score method so that your pieces stay firmly attached.

8. Ancient Peruvian bottle made with both pinch & coil methods.
How many different ways can you use pinch and coil construction methods?