Decorate a clay pot using basic sculpting techniques.
When you make a handmade clay pot using terra cotta or ceramic clay, the pot can appear plain and drab unless you add decorative accents. One way to add accents onto your clay piece is to stamp into the clay before the clay pot is dried or fired. When you stamp into clay, you can create different patterns, shapes and even lettering by pressing different materials into the clay. This allows the clay pot to look decorative without the need for expensive glazes.
Instructions
1. Fill a small bowl with water, and insert a sponge into the bowl of water.
2. Squeeze the excess water out of the sponge, and pat the damp sponge over the surface of the clay pot. This will keep the surface of the pot moist as you stamp into the clay.
3. Insert your hand into the pot, and press lightly against the inside of the pot as you stamp. This will prevent the walls of the pot from collapsing as you work.
4. Press a small, smooth rock into the surface of the clay pot to create rounded impressions in the clay. Repeat to add as many rounded stampings as you prefer.
5. Press a toothpick flat against the side of the clay pot to add lines. Adjust the toothpick to make a pattern with the toothpick lines, such as zigzags, spirals or chevrons. Repeat to add as many line stampings as you prefer.
6. Press metal lettering stamps into the sides of the clay pot to add wording onto the clay. Repeat to add on phrases, names or your signature.
7. Allow the stamped clay pot to air dry for 12 hours before firing it in a kiln.
