Techniques

The first thing I learned to make was pinch pots. Pinch pots can be left open-form to make mugs, bowls, cups and pots. You can attach multiple pinch pots to create closed-form pieces such as my bud vase. 

Slip and score is a very important technique. It is when you score an area of clay with any sharp tool and wet it with slip (watered down clay) before joining the area. It is used every time two pieces are attached so that they do not fall apart when the clay dries.

I learned how to build out of coils. It is important to slip and score when using coils so that they do not unravel. Coil built pots are very durable. You can leave coils exposed or smooth them out depending on the desired aesthetic. 

Slabs are made using a slab roller. You can adjust the thickness in inches and the result is a perfectly even sheet of clay. I used this technique in the making of my mug.

If you decide to glaze a piece, the glaze application is important to consider. Glaze is not paint and should be applied evenly on the entire surface not dragged like a paint stroke. Pieces can also be dipped in glaze. It is important to clean up the part of the piece that will make contact with the kiln, and remove any glaze from the area. Not all glazes need the same amount of layers so instructions are a useful guide.