DIY POTTERY – Hand-Building

Make an Avocado Starter

Make a handmade seed started for an avocado pit using slabs of clay. You'll love the organic shape and character that comes with hand-building your own pottery. Experiment with texture and glaze to create a piece 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

30 Minutes

Skill

Beginner

Age

Ages 8+
GET READY

SUPPLIES + TOOLS

  • Half pound of Clay (low, mid, or high fire)
  • Workspace Cover: Non-stick surface
  • Needle Tool or Small Circle Cookie Cutter
  • Rolling Pin
  • Glazes and Underglazes
  • Optional: Rolling pin guides, scoring tool, 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 Roll and Texture the Clay

  • Roll the clay to about 1/4"-1/2" thickness using a rolling pin. Roll in different directions and flip the slab in between.
  • When working with slabs, be careful not to stretch the slab or cut out pieces. Handle the slabs as little as possible, using a light touch when shaping and smoothing.
  • Apply underglaze transfers or use stencils rolled into the clay. If using stencils, consider painting underglaze on the stencil for added color.

➋ Cut Your Base Shape

  • Trace and cut out the base for your seed starter.
  • Using a needle tool or a small circular cookie cutter, cut out a hole. You want the hole to be slightly smaller than the average size of avocado seed, but remember that clay shrinks! You'll want to check the shrinkage rate of the clay body you're using.
  • Using a sponge or wet finger, gently smooth the edges where the clay was cut.

➌ Shape Your Seed Starter

  • Gently begin to pinch and fold the corners of your base upward. The points of these corners will hold the seed in place, so position them accordingly!
  • As you're manipulating the edges, be careful not to misshape the middle of the seed starter.
  • If your clay is really moist or of you live in a humid area, you may need to allow your clay dry a little bit before shaping. If the clay cannot stand on it's edge when you form a cone, it may be too wet still.

➍ Smooth the Edges

  • Using a wet finger or damp sponge, gently smooth out the folded corners. After your piece has had some time to dry, you can flip it over to smooth the bottom and back of the seed starter.
  • If you try to flip the piece too early, it could cause the middle of your seed starter to sag slightly, or it could cause the corners to become squished.

➎ Add Decoration

  • To make your piece truly unique to you, consider adding decorations to your piece. This can be done with various stamps or hand-drawn.
  • You can hand-draw and carve designs into your seed starter once your clay has dried out slightly.
  • Be careful not to let your clay get too dry! This can make the clay brittle and hard to carve.

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.
  • 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 piece! Share your project using the hashtag #smashedstudioproject and earn points to use toward your next purchase.

1. Roll a Slab

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2. Add Texture

Watch Video