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Hi there! Want to learn
how to handbuild?
Or want to become better in handbuilding?
In this course you will learn the basic techniques
of handbuilding.
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What you can expect in this Handbuilding course
In this handbuilding course, you’ll learn the basic techniques of handbuilding! We start with the pinch pot technique, which is beginner-friendly and easy to follow. Then we move on to the coiling technique, a bit more advanced but perfect for creating larger and more interesting forms. I’ll teach you everything you need to know to make mugs, bowls, and vases using these methods. Plus, I’ll show you how to make bowls with fun textures using plaster press molds. Follow this course step-by-step, and you’ll soon be making your own handmade ceramics!
Before you get started
Before you get started with ceramics, I think it’s helpful to understand how the ceramic process works. The clay goes through different stages as it dries, and it needs to be fired in a kiln twice. In this video, I’ll walk you through each stage and explain what you can do at every step.
1. Essential and optional tools for handbuilding
In this first handbuilding lesson, I’ll introduce all the tools I’ll use in this course. Some are essential for making ceramics, while others simply make the process easier. Take a look and decide which tools work best for you!
2. How to wedge the clay
Before you get started you might like to wedge your clay. Wedging means thoroughly kneading the clay to remove air bubbles, soften it, and create a consistent texture. I mainly recommend doing this when you throw something on a potter’s wheel, but with handbuilding you also don’t want any air bubbles in the clay!
3. Pinch pot basics
In this handbuilding lesson, I’ll demonstrate how to make a pinch pot. As the name suggests, a pinch pot is created by pinching the clay. It’s important to keep turning the piece as you work to ensure it becomes nice and even. I’ll guide you through the basics of this essential handbuilding technique.
4. How to make a mug with the pinch pot technique
Now that you know how to make a basic pinch pot I will show you how you can use this technique to make a mug. I’ll show you how to create taller shapes and keep your mug from becoming too wide.
5. Adding the finishing touches to your mug
After letting your mug dry for a day, it’s time to refine the bottom and attach a handle. I’ll show you how to do this step-by-step with simple techniques like scratching the clay and using vinegar.
6. How to make a bowl using the pinch pot technique
Making a bowl with the pinch pot technique is simple and fun. The clay naturally widens as you pinch, making it perfect for creating bowl shapes.
7. How to finish the bottom of a bowl
When the bowl is leather hard, you can finish the bottom and add a foot ring. I do this by trimming away some clay from the center with a trimming tool. Once I’m happy with the shape, I smooth everything out with a sponge for a polished finish.
8. How to make a vase using the pinch pot technique
In this handbuilding video, I’ll show you how to make a vase using the pinch pot technique. It’s one of the more challenging forms to create because a vase often narrows at the top. I’ll guide you through shaping a pinch pot into an adorable vase design.
9. Adding a Foot Ring
After the vase has dried for a day, you can add a foot ring if you’d like. You could simply trim some clay from the bottom, as I showed with the mug and bowl, or you could attach a ring of clay to elevate the piece. This method also makes the foot ring visible from the side, adding a unique touch to your vase design!
10. Quick tip for making flawless coils
Let’s dive into the coiling technique! Before we get started, I want to share a pottery hack that makes it super easy to create perfect, circular, and even coils (long strings of clay). You can try this method to make the coiling process tidier and more efficient, but it’s completely optional, you can also roll the coils by hand if you prefer.
11. How to do the coiling technique
In this handbuilding lesson, I’ll explain the coiling technique, a fun and versatile handbuilding method that allows you to create more complex shapes and larger forms than with the pinch pot technique. You start with long strings of clay, layering and attaching them to build pottery in any shape you like.
12. How to finish the bottom of a pot
Just like with the pinch pot technique, you can finish the bottom of a piece made with the coiling technique. First, let it dry until it’s leather-hard. Then, trim away any excess clay from the sides, create a foot ring, and smooth everything out for a clean, polished look.
13. How to make a vase using the coiling technique
Once you’ve practiced the coiling technique and learned how to attach the coils, you can try creating more complex shapes, like a vase. In this video, I’ll show you how to open up the shape by placing a coil slightly outside the previous one, and how to close it by placing the next coil slightly inside. These techniques give you endless possibilities for unique and creative designs!
14. How to work with press molds
When hand building, you can use plaster press molds to support the form you’re creating as you work. I’m a big fan of these circular molds, they’re perfect for making bowls and tealight holders. In this video, I’ll show you how to use them and explore some fun ways to create unique textures on the outside of a bowl. 🙂
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