Coiled for success.

In this project, elementary students combined both the coil and slab methods to create clay pots that were both functional and decorative. We used stoneware clay so we could use firing temperatures of 2100-2300 [degrees] Fahrenheit. After passing out the clay I showed the students how to check for air bubbles in the clay. By cutting into the lumps of clay with a piece of fishline, the students could immediately see if any air bubbles were present. If air bubbles were present the students wedged the clay to eliminate the small pockets of air.

Forming the Base of the Pot

To form a base for their pots, the students rolled out a slab of clay about 1/4" thick with a rolling pin. We rolled the slabs on burlap to avoid having the clay stick to the table or working surface. They cut the base into the desired shape of the pot with a plastic knife. Some students made round bases, others square, and we even had some heart and hexagon shaped pots.

They placed the slab base of the pot on a work surface. Students formed coils to join to the base, one coil at time. These coils can be rolled on the tabletop, or rolled between the hands. The first coil to be joined to the base of the pot is laid on top of the base on the outside edge and is smoothed inside and out. Each additional coil joined, one on top of the other, is smoothed inside only, therefore leaving the outside coils to form a decorative look.

Creative Coils

We also broke the monotony of the plain coils by adding braided coils, rolled up coils, or stamped designs half way up the pot or at the very top of the pot. The students got very creative and exchanged ideas with each other.

When the spots were finished, we air dried them for a couple of days, and then fired them in a kiln at about 2150 [degrees] Fahrenheit. The next morning, the brick-hard pots were removed from the kiln and we were ready to glaze our pots. Because of the time factor involved in mixing glazes, I use pre-mixed liquid glazes. I also order exclusively lead-free glazes for school children.

The students brushed two coats of glaze on the inside and outside of their pots. We carefully avoided the bottom of the pot so it wouldn't stick to the kiln shelf when fired. These pots were fired for the second time at 1996 [degrees] Fahrenheit. The cone or temperature to fire each glaze is specified on the glaze jar.

Bursting with Color

The day the pots were removed from the kiln, there was so much excitement in the room. Some of the glazes had vibrant bursts of color, others had a metallic look. Coiling can be used for pot making with young and old alike. You can also try this technique with self-hardening clay and simply paint the pots if you don't own a kiln.

Clay types and glaze types plus firing information can be found in most ordering catalogs.

Objectives Students will:

1. be able to explain why air bubbles must be removed from clay.

2. be able to properly wedge a lump of clay.

3. be able to make a beautifully designed clay pot with an understanding of the relationship of texture and form to the design.

4. become acquainted with the tools, equipment, and techniques involved in working with glazes and clay.

5. create an original work of art.

6. become acquainted with clay terms.