Clay pots have been used for thousands of years to cook with. Once fired, the clay will stand up well to the heat of cooking as well as provide storage for the food once prepared. There are countless styles, designs and sizes of cooking pots to make, so don't limit your creativity. Having a seasoned potter help you is a good way to get started and learn technique.
Instructions
Making a Pot
1. Place clay on the throwing wheel. Wheels can be purchased for home use, or you can find a local potter who will let you use her wheel for a fee.
2. Turn on the wheel at a medium speed and begin to shape the clay. The clay used should be of a variety with no harmful ingredients that might transfer to the food later during cooking; terracotta works well.
3. Shape the clay by applying pressure to the mound of spinning clay until you have a crater shape. Pull the sides of the clay up between your hands so you are supporting the inside and outside edge of the crater. As you pull the rim upward, a pot will begin to form. This take practice to do well. Lessons are often available from a local potter or art schools.
4. Use the water to moisten the clay as you shape it. Water will make the clay more flexible and easier to mold. Too much water will make the clay collapse.
5. Finish by making a rim around the top of the pot. Then make a lid from clay in a similar manner. The size of the pot you make is entirely up to you. If you want to make larger meals, make a larger pot. Smaller pots can be made to cook desserts or individual soups.
6. Cut the finished pot from the wheel with the wire cutter. When cutting the lid off the wheel leave some excess clay to form a handle or knob for the lid. Allow the parts to dry on a shelf for several days, then fire in a kiln according to the kiln instructions. Use as desired for cooking.
