Handbuilding is a ceramic technique that allows you to create any form using clay and your hands, no potter’s wheel needed. It is the simplest way to get started in the world of ceramics. Handbuilding allows you to create complex asymmetrical pieces. Before ceramists invented the potter’s wheel the only way to create functional and artistic ceramic pieces was handbuilding. It is the easiest way to dive into the world of ceramics; all you need are your hands, a few tools, and some clay. IN it’s simplest form handbuilding is using your hands to manipulate the clay to form an object. There are three main techniques to form your clay into a masterpiece. Once you have mastered the pinching, coiling and slab building techniques you can create just about any piece imaginable.
Pinch Pots
The first most simple project to make is a pinch pot. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with clay and it’s properties you can make many different types of bowls and cups.
The next method is called coiling. Coil pots are made by rolling out long smooth rope like pieces of clay. Make coils and attach them by slipping and scoring to build up your form. Once you’ve gotten familiar with making even coils you can make many different forms and sizes that range from small to large. To make a larger piece like a vase try making a pinch pot, let it sit and stiffen up, and add coils to it.
Slab building
Slab building is my favorite technique. You can make many different types of functional pottery. You can make cups, mugs, bowls and even plates. Roll out a slab of clay, let it sit to stiffen up a little bit, and place it on a found object like a bowl or plate and rib it smooth. Use your needle tool to cut around your form. Let it stiffen up so that when you pick it up it won’t distort.
Once you have mastered these 3 techniques I suggest you try your hand at Wheel Throwing.