Pottery Methods

The following pages are a description of the methods of creating ceramics

Handbuilding

Pinching

A surprising variety of pots can be made. A good introduction to the feel and behaviour of clay. Also useful method for building. Quick results. Pinching has a calming effect on stressed out people.

Coiling

Slow and relaxing method of making. Learn about shape. Mostly for making bowls, vases and sculptural shapes.

Slabbing

A bit of maths and measuring and elbow grease for rolling out. Precision method. For angular pots, cylinders.

Press Moulding

Using hollow or solid plaster forms to press clay into or on to. Quick, neat result which provides good opportunities for decoration.

Slip casting & Throwing

Slipcasting

Quite unlike other methods. A factory method. A lot of plasterwork making models and moulds using liquid clay - slip - to cast up in. A precision method. Several different stages. Designing, planning and calculating when making models and moulds. The purpose is to make lots of pots the same. Different types of decoration possible.

Throwing

A challenging technique - takes time, co-ordination and practise to learn. Messy. A real sense of achievement when a result is obtained. Good for functional domestic items.

Decorating

Many different methods at different stages of making. Lots of opportunity for creativity and invention. Inlay, sprigging, paper resist, wax resist, sgraffito, painting with coloured slips, underglazes, burnishing, texturing and more.

Glazing

Covering pots with a layer of powdered minerals mixed with water and firing to give them a glassy outer layer which can enhance patterns underneath or be beautiful in their own right and make pots waterproof and smooth