Today, we’ll explore a creative variation on crafting a bottle vase by hand. Follow these steps to create a unique piece of pottery.
For more on preparing your clay, tools required and other helpfully hints check out our previous blog post “How to make a pottery tumbler part 1-2“.
Step 1: Begin by bevelling the edges of the clay pieces you’ve cut out for the body of the vase. This step will help ensure a smooth and seamless assembly later on.
Step 2: Score the edges of the clay pieces and apply slip to create a strong bond when bringing them together.
Step 3: Start bringing the sides of your vase together, carefully aligning the scored edges. To reinforce these joins, use two rolled coils of clay placed along the inside seams.
Step 4: With the vase body assembled, use your fingers to pinch the seams on the exterior of the vase.
Step 5: Place two more rolled coils of clay inside the vase to provide structural support. Then, use a wooden tool to compress and secure all joins, ensuring the vase’s stability.
Step 6: To achieve a polished look, use a rubber kidney and a damp sponge to finish off all seams, both inside and outside of the vase.
Step 7: Repeat the process of scoring and applying slip to the shoulder piece that has a hole cut out. Carefully attach the shoulder piece to the body of the vase.
Step 8: Use a wooden tool, rubber kidney, and a damp sponge to further refine and secure the join between the shoulder and the vase body.
Step 9: Take a strip of clay and shape it into the desired neck form for your vase. Score the surface where the neck will attach to the shoulder, apply slip, and connect the neck securely.
Step 10: Add the Final Details Once again, repeat the process of scoring and applying slip to a strip of clay with a centralised hole. Attach this strip to the neck, compress, and smooth to complete the vase.
Allow your creation to dry thoroughly before bisque firing, and then glaze and glaze fire.
Happy Potting! 🤗
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