Pinch Pots with Air Dry Clay
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
”
The torrential rain has been relentless all February, but these showers have been soothing my scattered mind. Once in awhile, sun rays will pierce through the thick grey clouds, sending a soft glow through the living room windows on the gloomiest days. Mornings feel still, and there is silence in the streets. These are the days when the slumbering artists awaken in our household to create.
One of the first pieces of furniture I found when we moved into our new home was a solid wood dining table (in photos) with six chairs from a woman who had it for nearly 30 years. A French country-style antique full of memories with her children who sat at it. Permanent ink, paint, and even words carved with (most likely) a fork into the wood in its humble past. I intended to refurbish it to its full potential and restore it with a lighter stain, but the kids use it like a butcher’s block for every craft and art project, so I’m in no rush to restore it. We’ve only had this table since November, and it’s already grown to be a sentimental piece. It sits in front of the large windows that wrap around the corner of our living room, capturing daily scenes of our family from outside looking in. This table seats the finest artists of the future— neighbors have yet to find out!
What are pinch pots?
Pinch pots of various shapes and sizes are molded with clay in hand and pinched with fingers, producing a beautiful organic look rather than the smooth surface of a vessel thrown on a wheel. It is one of the most pleasant indoor crafts to do with my girls because they sit and sculpt for hours, getting lost in their little worlds. Our table usually becomes reserved for a week of clay projects, practicing techniques and molding our creations until we are satisfied with the product.
Pottery, like any craft, is a form of expression and design. In my experience, I’ve learned more about myself and our Divine Creator through creating things of my own. When I observe the children and how they form their ideas into their sculptures, it is fascinating, almost like being in their minds and seeing the world through their eyes. Evie is very detailed, Ema creates interesting obscure shapes, Sandra likes to make gifts for other people, and Leia likes to roll out her clay and cut it into cookies. My other two budding artists, Jules and Brave, had their first pinch-pot class (with their mama assisting) with me. They used rubber stamps and rolled the clay into little pearls like their cousin Evie did, adorning the edge of her pinch-pot.
I’ve hoped that someday we could own a throwing wheel, and have access to a kiln, so we can sculpt larger pots and create an entire pottery collection of our own!
x jena
FAQ
Can air-dry clay hold liquids?
Air-dry clay is used for display purposes only; I would not recommend putting food or liquid into them.
How long can the clay be used for?
Air-dry clay can stay pliable overnight if kept in ziplock bags with a damp paper towel inside. Only a little water is needed to keep the clay moist when working with it. Once a project is completed, it dries in 1-2 days, depending on the thickness.
Can it be painted?
Yes! Wait until completely dried, then it can be painted or glazed for a glossy look.
MATERIALS
Pottery & Clay Sculpting Tools
Air Dry Clay (white)
Farm Rubber Stamps
bowl of water or damp paper towels (to keep clay moist when working)