Intro to Hand Building - Pinching
with Pranati

Pinching is an essential hand building technique to learn when you first begin to work with clay. It involves positioning the clay between the thumb and fingers and applying pressure while rotating the piece to thin it out and ultimately raise the height of the vessel., It is the best way to get familiar with clay. Pinching also tends to deliver a more organic look. 

You will use various tools to add texture and depth to your pieces:

- Wire Cutter - Used to cut off smaller pieces of clay from a larger piece. 

- Pin Tool - A sharp instrument used to cut, pierce and incise designs on the surface of the clay, adding a unique texture.

- Score tool - In order to join pieces of clay together, you need to first score the pieces of clay so that the slip penetrates the clay and bonds the two pieces.

- Banding Wheel - A base that rotates your clay and makes it easier to work on your piece. 

- Rubber Rib - Essential tool used to smooth out the surface of the clay. 

- Sponge - When damp, it moistens the surface of the clay and keeps the surface smooth