Pinch Your Pottery: The Art & Craft of Making Pinch Pots - 35 Beautiful Projects to Hand-form from Clay

by Jacqui Atkin

Overview

Learn how to master one of the most ancient yet simple and appealing ceramics techniques. Taught with a modern approach by a master potter, this amazing collection of pinched projects is the perfect place to start your new ceramics hobby or to explore new ways to shape clay as a more experienced crafter.

Pinching is a wonderfully direct method of interacting with clay that allows for making a range of forms and styles. Projects are simple and small and require only a few tools and your own hands. Begin a new adventure with fabulous pinched ceramics and learn everything from choosing clay and a style of decoration, to firing and beyond:

• Ranging from functional wares to purely decorative sculptural forms, each project is explained with step-by-step sequences and plenty of options for surface decoration.
• Fully cross-referenced throughout, there is a wealth of choice and styles to mix and match to make each project truly unique. 
• A gallery of makers provides added inspiration and shows the potential of this underrated making method.

This book proves that pinching is a way of working equal to all other methods and that it can produce items of refinement and sophistication. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589239746
Publisher:	Quarry Books
Publication date:	06/29/2021
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	598,868
Product dimensions:	7.60(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Jacqui Atkin is a professional studio ceramicist, author, and gallery owner living in rural Shropshire, England. She is currently working as editorial consultant and project editor for ClayCraft magazine. Her previous books include 250 Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets for Potters, Handbuilt Pottery Techniques Revealed, Pottery Basics, Troubleshooting for Potters, and most recently Pottery You Can Use.

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Chapter 1 The Basics 6

Clays 6

Tools and equipment 8

Health and safety 9

Core making techniques 10

Chapter 2 Projects 20

Cereal bowl 22

Fruit bowl 26

Berry bowl with drip tray 30

Footed dessert bowl 34

Pouring bowl 38

Lidded sugar bowl 42

Nesting plates 46

Sectional dish for dips 50

Olive dish 54

Teapot 58

Breakfast cup and saucer 62

Decorating using glaze sponging 66

Large mug 68

Small espresso cup 72

Creamer 76

Pitcher 80

Salt and pepper shakers 84

Condiment bottle 88

Chicken egg cup 92

Guinea fowl egg cup 96

Spoon 100

Decorating the spoon 104

Utensil handles 106

Painting with glaze 110

Cylinder vase 112

Decorating using underglaze pencils 116

Sectional vase 118

Flower vase 122

Porcelain tea light 126

Decorating the tea light 130

Sculptural form with pears 132

Decorating using underglaze 136

Pine cone 138

Artichoke form 142

Piggy bank 146

Decorating using paper resist and slip 150

Blackbird 152

Chapter 3 Decorating Techniques 156

Slip: making and coloring 156

Slip: methods of application 159

Glaze and application 163

Underglaze and other techniques 169

Firing: electric kilns 170

Index 176

Editorial Reviews

"An excellent guide to pinch pottery, with appealing projects."—Library Journal

“Beautifully and profusely illustrated...an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended DIY instructional guide.”—Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

06/01/2021

Professional ceramicist Atkin presents a clear instructional guide to pinch pottery techniques. Pinch pottery is a basic style of pottery making that does not require the use of a wheel. It is an ancient technique that's still in use today. Atkins covers everything from materials, to glazing and firing, and gives instructions for over 30 beginner and advanced projects. Each project, including functional pieces and decorative forms, is explained with step-by-step instructions and illustrated with photographs showing the techniques; there are also decorating and glazing suggestions and examples of completed projects. Atkin explains the different types of clay, tools, clay slips, and glazes. Potters of all levels will find this book helpful, especially pottery instructors. While the projects are easy to follow, some experience working with clay and kiln firing would be helpful for readers who wish to use the book. VERDICT An excellent guide to pinch pottery, with appealing projects.—Sandra Knowles, formerly South Carolina State Lib., Columbia

Library Journal