DIY POTTERY – Hand-Building

Make a Mortar and Pestle

Make a handmade mortar and pestle by pinching and rolling clay. You'll love the organic shape and character that comes with hand-building your own mortar and pestle set! Experiment with texture and glaze to create pieces as unique as you. No pottery wheel required!

GET IT FIRED 🔥

This project needs to be fired in a kiln to use. Find a firing studio.

Time

45 Minutes

Skill

Beginner+

Age

Ages 8+
GET READY

SUPPLIES + TOOLS

  • 2lbs of Clay (low, mid or high fire)
  • Workspace Cover: Non-stick surface
  • Glazes and Underglazes
  • Optional: Surface decoration tools, heat gun, underglaze transfers, stencils, stamps
  • Safety Gear: Heat-resistant gloves, protective eyewear

PREPARATION

Prepare Your Workspace

  • Set up a clean, non-stick surface.
  • Arrange all tools and supplies for easy access.

Prepare Your Clay

  • Cut and wedge the clay.
  • In humid environments, use a heat gun to firm up the clay, ensuring safety with heat-resistant gloves and eyewear.
MAKE IT

INSTRUCTIONS

➊ Prepare The Clay

  • From the 2 pounds of clay, separate into two pieces--one piece about 1.5 pounds and the other about half a pound. The larger piece will become the mortar, while the smaller will become the pestle.
  • Wedge each piece thoroughly to ensure no air bubbles remain inside of the clay.

➋ Pinch the Mortar

  • Roll the 1.5 pound chunk of clay into a ball between your hands.
  • To begin forming the mortar, place the ball of clay in your palm. Press your thumb gently into the center of the ball to create a small well.
  • Start pinching the edges of the hole with your fingers, working your way around the clay, gradually thinning the walls as you go. Keep the walls even in thickness (aim for about ¼ inch thick). Don't let your clay get too thin or stay too thick!
  • Continue to pinch and press your mortar until you have your desired shape. Resting your clay on a flat surface will help to make a smooth, flat bottom for your mortar.

➌ Smooth It Out

  • Using wet fingers or a damp sponge, gently smooth the inside, edges, and any rough patches of your mortar. You may need to allow your piece to dry slightly so that smoothing doesn't misshape your piece.

➍ Roll and Shape the Pestle

  • Using the 1/2 pound chunk of clay set aside from earlier, gently begin rolling into a cylinder, about 4-6" in length.
  • Create the top of the pestle by pinching and smoothing. You can also roll it against a tabletop to make a smooth, rounded surface.
  • Note on making thicker pieces of clay: allow your piece to dry out COMPLETELY to have the best chance of avoiding cracks. This will take longer the thicker your piece is.

➎ Add Decorations

  • Once you have your desired shapes, add decoration to make your pieces personal to you! Stamps, carvings, and texture will all help make your pieces unique.

➏ Glazing Options

  • Consider underglaze with a clear overglaze or layering different glazes for unique effects.
  • Apply glazes according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Safety and Best Practices

  • Keep your work surfaces and tools clean and wet to avoid dust. Wear a dust mask if working with dry materials.
  • Wear protective gear when using a heat gun.
  • Ensure a solid attachment of the slabs for durability.
  • Let the piece dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. If you need to pause while working, cover your pottery with a wet towel or plastic wrap to keep it moist.
  • Follow all kiln safety instructions for bisque and glaze firings.
LOVE IT

CLEANING AND CARING FOR HANDMADE POTTERY

Handmade pottery, with its unique charm and character, requires special care to maintain its beauty and functionality. Here are recommended guidelines to ensure your pottery stays in excellent condition for years to come.

Cleaning Handmade Pottery

General Cleaning:

  • Use warm, soapy water to gently wash your pottery. Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can dull the glaze or damage the surface.
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching.
  • For unglazed areas, a soft brush can help remove dirt without damaging the pottery.

Removing Stains:

  • Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply it to stained areas and gently rub with a soft cloth.
  • Rinse thoroughly after stain removal.

Dishwasher Use:

  • While some pottery is dishwasher safe, hand washing is always preferred to prevent chipping and preserve the finish.
  • If using a dishwasher, place pottery in a secure spot where it won't knock against other items.

Caring for Your Pottery

Avoiding Thermal Shock:

  • Do not subject pottery to sudden temperature changes (like taking a dish from the refrigerator and placing it in a hot oven).
  • Warm up pottery gradually if it needs to be exposed to high temperatures.

Microwave Use:

  • Ensure the pottery is marked as microwave safe.
  • Avoid microwaving pottery with metallic glazes or decorations.

Storing Pottery:

  • Stack items carefully to avoid chipping.
  • Place a soft cloth between items if stacking is necessary.

Repairing Damaged Pottery:

  • For chips or cracks, consult a professional for repair, especially for valuable or sentimental pieces.
  • DIY repair kits are available, but be aware that repaired pottery may not be food safe or hold liquids reliably.

Special Considerations

Food Safety:

  • Check your pottery for cracks, poorly sealed joints, deep texture in areas where food/drinks will touch. Cracks can leak and/or allow moisture into the body of the clay. In addition, cracks and deep texture can harbor bacteria which can make you sick.
  • Check for sharp edges, points or bubbles from glaze. Be careful when checking sharp areas to avoid cuts.
  • For mugs, ensure the handle and mug are fully attached and are not weakly joined. Handles that are not properly joined, are thin or weakly constructed can break under the force of a filled cup causing injury.

Displaying Pottery:

  • Keep pottery out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Avoid placing pottery in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

Longevity Tips:

  • Treat handmade pottery with care and respect; it’s not just a functional item but a piece of art.
  • Regularly inspect for any signs of wear or damage.

Remember, handmade pottery carries the touch and spirit of the artist. Proper care will ensure it remains a cherished part of your collection for years to come.
SHARE IT

We're sure you love your handmade mortar and pestle set! Share your project using the hashtag #smashedstudioproject and earn points to use toward your next purchase.

1. Measure Your Clay

Watch Video

2. Pinch the Mortar

Watch Video