Home » Clay Art Projects » Simple Clay Flower Pinch Pot Ceramic Lesson
ByErin NutterUpdated on
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This art lesson is the perfect first pinch pot project for younger elementary students. Children and their families will love creating this easy flower ceramic idea.
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Age
This art project for kids is great for kids of all ages but has especially been a hit with kindergarten and first-grade artists.
The best part of this easy ceramic art idea is that all kids end up with a flower cup (or plate). The process of learning through doing with clay is so important.
Kids will still love the outcome of their flower pinch pot even if they end up making more of a flower plate instead of a bowl.
Does a child have to have experience making a pinch pot?
No, if you break down each part step-by-step all young artists should be able to create this easy kid’s ceramic art project. Sometimes this is the first clay project we introduced to our students.
We love using pinch pots as the first building process children learn. Once they have completed this clay flower, you may want to consider building a pinch pot owl or pinch pot turtle with them.
Supplies
- Small container of water
- Skewer
- White Clay
- Placemat or surface to work on
How To Make Clay Flower
Before You Begin
Pre-cut white art clay. Each pinch pot will need clay to fit in the palm of the child’s hand. You can have students wedge the clay a little before starting to build.
Step 1: Roll A Sphere
Roll a ball of clay.
Step 2: Use Thumbs And Push
Have kids push two holes close together with their thumbs as far as they can go without going through.
Step 3: Add Two More Thumbprints
Turn the clay ball so that they put two more thumbprints. You can tell them it kind of looks like a four-leaf clover. This helps children pinch the wall whole.
Step 4: Pinch The Edge Of The Cup
Use your hands to pinch around the edge and make sure not to make walls too thin.
Step 5: Smooth Out Clay
Kids can use water to smooth out any rough areas. We always instruct them that a little goes a long way and to not make “mud pie”.
Step 6: Pinch Clay Flower Petals
Use your fingers to pinch in small petals around the edge of the bowl.
Step 7: Use The Wood Tool To Add Petals
Use a clay skewer to cut in the flower petals.
Step 8: Add Extra Textures
Use the end of the skewer to lightly poke holes for the seeds in the inner part of their flower. Make sure kids lightly stamp the seeds.
They do not want to poke all the way through. It isn’t the end of the world though if they do in some areas.
Step 9: Write Their Name
An adult should write the kid’s name on the bottom of the pinch pot with a sharp sewer or needle tool.
Step 10: Let Dry And Run In The Kiln
Let the flower pinch pot dry and run a bisque fire in your kiln.
Pinch Pot Making Tips
- Make sure the thumbs push enough down. You may need to “check” each child before they move on. You do not want a lot of extra clay in the bottom of their pinch pots.
- Don’t let kids over-touch the clay. It can start to dry out or get crumbly.
- Show children how to use one finger to smooth the pot. If they use too much water they will end up with “mudpie”.
- Play a game to get kids used to clay before starting this pinch pot project and during the project. Ask students to hold up their hands when they complete each game step. This will help them to stop playing with the clay when they are not actually building.
Adding Color To Clay Flowers
We love using ceramic glaze on these flowers. Most of the time this is the first “glaze experience” for young children. The amazement on their faces when they see the colors change is really fun.
Read more>>>9 tips for how to easily use clay glazes with your kids
We love using these glazes with young children. They are able to get rich color and they fire pretty easily in the kiln.
What if you don’t have clay glaze?
This simple pinch pot project can also be made with air dry clay or painted instead of glazed. We actually made one of these and painted it with acrylic and add an awesome gloss medium to clear coat it.
Tips For Using Glaze
- Encourage students to use only 3 colors of glazes. One for petals, one for the inside and one for the outside.
- Do not let them glaze the bottom. When firing large quantities of projects, we just find it is easier to keep the bottoms white or unglazed.
- Kids should use 3 coats or layers of glazes
- Make sure the brush is clean and dry when changing colors.
- Run your finished clay pots in the kiln.
If you don’t have glazes or built this simple ceramic project with air-dry clay, feel free to use acyclic paint to add color to your flower art project.
Tutorial FAQs
Can you make a pinch pot with air dry clay?
Yes, you can flower similar steps to create an air-dry clay art project. Instead of clay glaze, you can use acrylic or watercolor paint to add color with an optional clear gloss for extra protection.
How thick should the pinch pot be?
For this project, it is best if the walls are around 1/4 inch thick.
How long does it take to make a pinch pot?
Children can honestly make a pinch pot in less than 5 minutes. If doing this is in a large class setting, 1 class period is enough time to experiment with the clay, build your pinch pot flower and clean-up.
Follow us on Pinterest for more free art and craft ideas!
Related Projects
- Clay Pinch Pot Monsters: a little more advanced build, but still great for elementary kids
- Easy Clay Slab Cat Art Lesson
- How To Add A Foot Ring To Bowls
See the joy on a child’s face when they see their completed clay flower art project!
Do you like this art project? Be sure to give us 5 stars below 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 and have fun being creative with your family.
Flower Pinch Pots
This easy pinch pot idea is perfect for beginners. Children will love creating their own clay flower pinch pot cup.
Print Tutorial
Prep:5 minutes mins
Creating:30 minutes mins
Total Time:35 minutes mins
Equipment
Wooden Skewer
Paintbrush
Small container of water
Placemat or work area
Supplies
- White Art Clay
- Glazes
Instructions
Roll ball of clay.
Have kids push two holes close together with their thumbs as far as they can go without going through.
Turn the clay ball so that they put two more thumbprints. You can tell them it kind of looks like a four-leaf clover.
Use hands to pinch around the edge and make sure not to make walls too thin.
Use fingers to pinch in small petals around the edge of the bowl.
Use a clay skewer to cut in the flower petals.
Use the end of the skewer to lightly poke holes for the seeds in the inner part of their flower.
Kids can use water to smooth out any rough areas. We always instruct them that a little goes a long way and to not make “mud pie”.
Notes
An adult should write the kid’s name on the bottom of the pinch pot with a sharp sewer or needle tool.
Author: Erin
Cost: Less than $5
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions. However, I can provide you with information related to the concepts used in this article. Let's go through each concept and provide relevant information:
Pinch Pot
A pinch pot is a simple hand-building technique used in ceramics to create small clay vessels. It involves pinching and shaping a ball of clay with your fingers and thumbs to form a bowl or cup shape. Pinch pots are often used as a beginner's project in ceramics because they are easy to make and require minimal tools and equipment.
Ceramic Art
Ceramic art refers to artwork made from clay and other ceramic materials, which are shaped and fired at high temperatures to create a permanent object. Ceramic art can take various forms, including sculptures, pottery, tiles, and decorative objects. It has a long history and is found in cultures around the world.
Clay
Clay is a natural material composed of fine particles of decomposed rock. It is commonly used in ceramics due to its plasticity and ability to be shaped when wet. Clay can be found in different types and colors, each with its own characteristics and firing temperatures. It is an essential material in pottery and sculpture.
Glaze
Glaze is a glass-like coating that is applied to ceramic objects before firing. It is made from a mixture of minerals and is used to add color, texture, and a protective layer to the surface of the clay. Glazes can be transparent or opaque and can create various effects, such as gloss, matte, or textured finishes. They are an important part of the ceramic art-making process.
Kiln
A kiln is a high-temperature oven used to fire clay objects. It is an essential tool in ceramics as it transforms raw clay into a hardened, durable ceramic material. During the firing process, the kiln heats the clay to specific temperatures, causing chemical changes that make the clay hard and permanent. Kilns can be electric, gas, or wood-fired, and they come in different sizes and designs.
Air Dry Clay
Air dry clay is a type of clay that dries and hardens without the need for firing in a kiln. It is a convenient option for those who don't have access to a kiln or prefer not to use one. Air dry clay is typically made from natural materials, such as clay, minerals, and water, and it hardens through air evaporation over time. It can be used for various projects, including pinch pots and sculptures.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-based paint that consists of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It is a popular choice for painting on various surfaces, including canvas, wood, and ceramics. Acrylic paint is known for its versatility, vibrant colors, and ability to adhere well to different materials. It can be used to add color and decorative elements to clay projects, including pinch pots.
I hope this information helps you understand the concepts used in the article. If you have any more specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
