This document provides instructions for making ceramic vessels using pinch pot and coil techniques. The pinch pot method involves shaping two bowl shapes by pressing into balls of clay and attaching them to form a hollow center. The coil method involves rolling balls of clay into ropes and coiling them to form the shape, attaching each new coil to the previous by pressing and smoothing. Both methods can be combined or have additional pieces added to create decorative elements. Coils are also useful for making bases or attaching details.

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

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

3. Making the pinch pots
Putting them together
Using your thumbs, gently press
into the center of a golf ball sized
sphere of clay. Form 2 bowl
shapes this way.
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. 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. How many different ways can you use pinch and coil construction methods?
Ancient Peruvian
bottle made with
both pinch & coil
methods.