Clay Coil Pots

Supplies Needed

• Air-dry clay (or salt dough if preferred)

• Small bowls of water

• Toothpicks or clay tools (optional for smoothing/textures)

• Rolling pins (or plastic bottles as substitutes)

• Aprons or old shirts (to protect clothing)

• Plastic mats or baking paper (to protect tables)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare Your Clay

1. Give each child a ball of clay about the size of a fist.

2. Place a sheet of baking paper or mat in front of them to work on.

Step 2 – Make the Base

1. Roll out a small piece of clay into a flat disc (like a pancake).

2. This will be the bottom of the pot – about the size of a cookie.

Step 3 – Roll the Coils

1. Take another piece of clay and roll it between your hands or on the table to make a long “snake.”

   • Aim for coils about the thickness of a pencil.

2. Make several coils – these will be stacked up to form the walls.

Step 4 – Start Building the Walls

1. Place the first coil around the outside edge of the base.

2. Use fingers to gently press the coil into the base so it sticks.

3. Continue adding coils on top of each other, spiralling upwards to build height.

Step 5 – Join and Smooth (Optional)

1. If you want smooth walls: use a little water on your finger to blend the coils together, smoothing up the sides.

2. If you want a textured look: leave the coils visible as decoration.

Step 6 – Decoration

• Use toothpicks, shells, or buttons to press patterns into the clay.

• Add small decorative shapes (like little balls or dots) using the “score and slip” method (scratch surface + dab water + press on).

Step 7 – Drying

1. Leave pots in a safe place to dry (air-dry clay usually takes 24–48 hours depending on thickness).

2. Once fully dry, children can paint their creations with acrylic paints or markers.

Safety / Other Notes

• Remind children not to make the walls too tall or thin, or the pot may collapse while drying.

• Keep water use minimal – just damp fingers, not soggy clay.

• Expect cracks if walls are very thick; slow drying helps (cover lightly with a damp cloth for the first few hours).