Art Lessons For Kids - Clay Pinch Pots

Clay Pinch Pots

This is a very easy and super-fun project that all children can succeed at. They are quick to make and take about a week to dry, depending on where you're located. Since they are not kiln-dried, they can be brittle and will probably shatter into a billion pieces if dropped...but they're fun to make anyhow. And, great for keeping paperclips, or other tiny things organized.

What You Will Need:

• Newspaper
• Clothing that you can get messy in
• Tiny bowl of water
• Clay, pounded out and given to students in a chunk a bit larger than an adult fist
• Popsicle sticks, spoons (anything that they can use to dig out clay and make designs on the pots)
• A drying area

Easy To Make Clay Pots for Kids

How To Make Clay Pinch Pots

1. Cover the table with newspaper and put on art shirt or smock that can get messy!
2. Have the students pound out the clay to make it a bit softer.
3. Roll the clay into a ball using both hands, or hands and a hard table (The ball should be smooth without cracks)
4. Push your thumb right into the middle of the clay creating the "bowl" part.
5. Try to keep at least 1/2 inch of clay for all the walls.
6. Smooth the surface of the clay pot as you mold it, deciding if you want the top edges flat as well - you may need to dip your fingers in water to help smooth out the surfaces.
7. Use the tools to draw in any designs you like (I usually show picture references of ancient pottery to give students an idea of how they can design their pots).
8. Allow to Dry.
9. When dried, you can apply acrylic paint

Tip - make sure if you have to use water to help smooth out your pot - only use a tiny amount or your clay will turn back into mud.