New
Creative idea
How to use the pinch pottery technique with self-hardening clay
#v16103
Self-hardening clay is ideal for hand modelling using the pinch pottery technique. This technique can be used to make trays, bowls and vases with or without legs. Leave the finished items to dry for 24-48 hours prior to painting.
#v16103
How to do it
1 
Knead the clay thoroughly and soften it in your hands, rolling it into a ball.
Knead the clay thoroughly and soften it in your hands, rolling it into a ball.2 
Make a hole in the ball by pushing your thumb into the middle of the clay ball, keeping 2-3 fingers on the outside of the ball.
Make a hole in the ball by pushing your thumb into the middle of the clay ball, keeping 2-3 fingers on the outside of the ball. 3 
Pinch further to thin the walls evenly.
Pinch further to thin the walls evenly.4 
Smooth the clay with a bit of water on your fingers.
Smooth the clay with a bit of water on your fingers.5 
If you pinch the edge of the bowl higher, you will get a deeper bowl.
If you pinch the edge of the bowl higher, you will get a deeper bowl.6 
Shape the vase by pinching the edge higher and finish by pinching the edge slightly outwards.
Shape the vase by pinching the edge higher and finish by pinching the edge slightly outwards.7 
If you make a thick base, then you will be able to model small legs at the bottom using your thumb and your index finger to pinch the clay.
If you make a thick base, then you will be able to model small legs at the bottom using your thumb and your index finger to pinch the clay.8 
Leave the finished items dry for 24-48 hours. A tip: If cracks appear in the pottery once dry, you can repair these by mixing a small amount of clay with a bit of water to a creamy consistency. Fill the crack with the mixture, preferably with a brush. Leave to dry. The repaired area can be sanded smooth with a sanding sponge or with fine sandpaper.
Leave the finished items dry for 24-48 hours. A tip: If cracks appear in the pottery once dry, you can repair these by mixing a small amount of clay with a bit of water to a creamy consistency. Fill the crack with the mixture, preferably with a brush. Leave to dry. The repaired area can be sanded smooth with a sanding sponge or with fine sandpaper.9 
Once hardened, the surface may be sanded smooth and painted with craft paint.
Once hardened, the surface may be sanded smooth and painted with craft paint.Also go exploring in
