Air Dry Clay 1.13 kg WhiteStudents will be able to:
- create a small pinch pot;
- use slip and score technique to join decorative clay elements;
- explain their process;
- express opinions about the works.
HOW TO MAKE A CLAY PINCH POT – Form, Texture
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Steps
Step One
- Roll a small ball of clay about the size of a clementine orange.
Step Two
- Hold the ball in one hand.
- Slowly push your thumb into the centre of the clay.
Step Three
- Gently pinch the clay between your thumb on the inside, and your fingers on the outside while slowly turning the ball of clay in your hand.
Step Four
- Apply even pressure as you turn the clay.
- Check to see that the clay is the same thickness on the walls and rim of the pot.
Step Five
- Gently tap the pot on the table to make a flat base.
Step Six
DECORATE THE POT
- Make some SLIP by mixing some clay with water until it is like a creamy milkshake.
Step Seven
- Place a small piece of clay into a garlic press and squeeze it out.
- Use the clay strings to decorate your pinch pot.
Step Eight
- Use a toothbrush to make some scratch marks where you want to add clay.
- This is called SCORING the clay.
- Use the toothbrush or your fingers to add some slip to the score marks.
Step Nine
- Place the clay string on top of the scored clay.
- Gently press it into the clay.
- Be sure it is securely fastened.
- Continue in this way until you are satisfied with your design.
Step Ten
- Allow the pinch pot to dry for about 5 days.
- Your pot is ready to be painted.
Learning Goals
Extensions
Have students:
- create a coil pot using the Coil Pot lesson plan available on this website;
- compare the two methods of making handbuilt pots;
- write a brochure explaining both methods and what they consider to be the pros and cons of each.
Prepare
- Prepare enough slip for each group of students.
- mix a small amount of clay with water until it is the consistency of a thick, creamy milkshake - Gather enough plastic mats so each student has one.
- Make sure you have a place to store the completed pots while they dry.
Introduction
- Demonstrate how to make a pinch pot emphasizing how slowly you push the thumb into the clay while gently pinching it between your fingers.
- Explain that they are going to make their own clay pot using this simple handbuilding technique.
- they will be pinching the clay between their fingers and thumb, which is why this pot is called a pinch pot - Introduce the challenge.
Activities
The Challenge
- Create a clay pinch pot.
- Use score and slip technique to add clay decorations to the pot.
- Demonstrate technical accomplishment.
The Process
- Make sure everyone understands the challenge.
- Establish success criteria with your students, for example,
I know I am successful when I have:
- created a clay pinch pot
- used score and slip joining technique correctly
- added clay decorations to the pinch pot that stay on after the pot has dried
- created a pinch pot that is sturdy and in good condition - Guide students through the steps outlined in this lesson plan.
- Remind students to slowly turn the clay ball in their hand as they continue to pinch the clay.
- Encourage students to always join clay using the score and slip technique.
- Observe students as they work.
- Provide individual assistance and encouragement.
Sharing
- Place students into partners or groups of 3.
- Ask them to take turns discussing the completed pots. Ask them to find 3 things that interest them about how the work was made.
- What did your partner find challenging about making the pot?
- What did your partner find easy about making their pot?
- How did your partner feel about making their pot? Why? - Once everyone has had a chance to share, ask students to report back to the whole class.
- Students tell what they learned about their partner’s work/process.
Assessment
- Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting
- Observe students as they share and discuss their pinch pots – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience.
- Use a checklist to track progress. (Downloads - PinchPot_tracking.pdf)
- Have students reflect on their own artworks in their sketchbooks. Ask students:
- What worked well in your pinch pot?
- What do you see that makes you say that?
- What would you change or do differently next time?
