POTTERY 101 - SESSION 3 - ROPES

In 5th grade we rolled out clay into ropes to wind into bowls. In this class we used an extruder which oozed out the clay into long ropes. Much easier and uniform.

Once Amy gave us some ideas off we went. By this class each of us had a bit more confidence in what we could do.

Using a mold ropes were then placed over the top.

Slowly building.

An example of what can be done.

When you attach clay to another piece of clay you use what is called "scratch to attach." The following is an example.

This ruffs up the surface so that the pieces attach easier. You can also use a mud made of clay and water that acts like a mortar. 

If you start your bowl inside a mold it can be left there to dry. Drying clay shrinks. Since the bowl is inside the mold it will simply get slightly smaller and be fine. Projects done on the outside of a mold have to be removed right after completion to dry.

I decided to venture out a bit and worked on a bowl made of rolled ropes. It was fun but a bit tricky. I had to scratch to attach each of those rolls to each other.

This picture is from before I put on a bottom. I hope it stays together and dries well.