Looking for a fun beginner clay project?
This pottery project is ideal for students who have mastered pinch pots and are wondering what else they can create!
This project combines a few basic skills: scoring (known as scratch + attach), and pinch pots.
You'll need:
- ceramic clay (if this will be for food use) or alternative clay (polymer, air dry, oven bake) if using for decor
- pin tool (or very sharp pencil)
- paint brush or cotton swab
- cloth canvas or cut pieces of denim to work on
- small glass of water
1. Start out by creating two pinch pots. You'll want a small pot, and a large pot. Remember that clay shrinks so make them larger than your desired size. If you need a refresher on pinch pots, check out our
DIY Pinch Pot blog.
2. Create an indentation along the rim of your larger bowl by gently dragging your pointer finger along the rim. You're aiming for a shape similar to a wide spout, this is where your smaller bowl will rest.
3. You can use a tiny drop of water to keep the lip from cracking. Remember, less is more! Make sure to alternate the direction you're moving in to keep the clay from sagging in one direction.
4. Score the "spout" on your large bowl. Score the bottom of your smaller bowl as shown above.
5. Attach your smaller bowl to the rim of your larger bowl. Use your fingers to push the clay down in one direction, and then up towards the smaller bowl. Gently smooth the clay in multiple directions to ensure secure attachment.
6. Using a paintbrush (or cotton swab) smooth the attachment point on the inside wall of the bowl.
7. You're done! If you want to keep this project, fire and glaze the clay. Otherwise scrap it and practice your skills with another clay project. This can be scaled up or down depending on your desired use.
Makes an excellent ice cream bowl, or chip and dip bowl!
Looking for video tutorials? Watch our entire Clay Time series
here.
Ready to try your hand at clay but want some gentle guidance?
Sign up for one of our in-person
workshops hosted at our storefront in Portland, Oregon. They're an easy and fun way to learn about clay and connect with your local community.
And remember, it's about the process, not the product!
