Clay Pitchers
Explore functional ceramic design through handbuilt pitchers created with textured slabs and sprig molds. In this lesson, students design and construct unique ceramic pitchers while experimenting with texture, form, and decorative surface techniques. From carved textures and patterned slabs to sculptural handles and feet, this project encourages creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving while introducing students to functional handbuilding methods.
Supplies List
- Your Choice of Clay:
- Your Choice of Glaze (make sure firing temperature matches your clay's firing temperature):
- Sprig Molds
- Texture Molds
- Wire Clay Cutter
- brent Slab Roller or Rolling Pin & Hardwood Thickness Strips
- Double-ended Clay Shapers
- Fettling Knife
- Scoring Tool
- Texture Tools
- AMACO Texture Rollers
- AMACO Fan Brushes
- Sketchbook
- Scissors
- Chamois
- Vinegar
- Rubber Rib
- Newspaper
- Stiff Cardboard
Design Your Pitcher
Design and sketch pitchers: 3 to 4 inches tall (including spout and feet) x 4 to 5 inches wide (including handle).
Cut templates from sketches on paper
Make Slabs
Roll slab, smooth and compress with plastic rib.
Add Texture
Press texture into slab using a texture roller, stamps, or press slab into texture molds.
Cut Out Pitcher
Use paper template to cut out parts of pitcher. There are four parts to a basic pitcher: two sides (squares), one base (oval), and one spout (rectangle).
Score Side Seams
Score sides at the ends to join, using a scratch tool, fork, etc. where the parts of the pitcher connect.
Join Pitcher Walls
Paint on small amount of vinegar (used instead of slip for the glue) on scored places and attach.
Add & Smooth Coils
Reinforce seams with coils of clay, press and smooth gently.
Attach Base
Score, paint on vinegar, and attach base to sides of pitcher. Press base to sides.
Seal Seams
Seal both inside and out to secure attached areas for a functional pitcher.
Plan Spout Placement
Size up the spout and decide exactly where to place. Mark outside where spout goes.
Cut Opening for Spout
Cut along mark.
Attach Spout
Score, paint on vinegar, and attach spout. Smooth interior of spout carefully to connect and enhance pouring capabilities.
Refine the Spout
If desired for design, cut corners off top of spout.
Smooth Spout
Smooth end of spout for pourability.
Make the Handle
Press the amount of clay needed into the handle sprig mold. Press and repress clay into mold.
Shape the Handle
Smooth to flatten, from the center out, with a rubber rib.
Remove Handle from Mold
Roll a small clay coil and then flatten one end. Wet flat end with a bit of water, attach to clay at one end.
Shape the Handle
Lift up and quickly remove small clay coil. Shape ‘handle’ into a “C” for attaching after feet are attached.
Make Decorative Feet
Make feet from sprig mold using same technique as handle.
Attach Feet
Attach feet with larger half of foot wrapped gently around and up the outside of the base. Point bottom of feet up and smooth connections using wood smoothing tool.
Attach Handle
Attach handle and if desired, more decorative sprigs.
Finish the Rim
Smooth rim and spout with chamois and fingers.
Bisque & Glaze Fire
Slow dry with plastic draped over pitcher for 24 hours. Remove drape of plastic and continue drying until bone dry. Bisque fire pitcher to Cone 04 and finish by applying final glaze decoration. Glaze fire. Pitchers can be made with low fire (Cone 04) clay or mid/high fire (Cone 5/6) clay. Match glaze to clay type, Cone 04 clay with Cone 04 glaze, etc. Decoration on wet and leather hard clay can be done with Velvet underglazes before the bisque fire.
