One of the most basic and simple methods of hand constructing in clay is the coiling process. Just roll out thick or thin “snakes” of clay and start building a pot or a coiled figure. You can either smoosh (technical term here!) your coils together to form a smooth surface, or you can leave your coils in all their snaky, well-defined glory to create any kind of coiled design. For smaller coiled projects you won’t need an armature or form to build over, but for larger pieces you will need some kind of support.
STEP ONE: Make a pinch pot base.
STEP TWO: Form a coil and score the bottom of it and also where it will be placed on the base. Brush a little water onto the cored parts and press them together.
STEP THREE: Keep adding coils to the base as desired to form a small pot. Smooth the inside of the pot.
STEP FOUR: Insert rusty nails or other embellishments on the rim of the pot while the clay is still moist.
STEP FIVE: Once the clay has dried, paint the inside and the outside of the pot as desired.