Intro to Hand Building - Coiling
with Spandana

Coiling involves rolling out long individual rope-like strands of clay and joining them together in order to build up the walls of the vessel or structure. You continue to build up your piece and keep adding coils until you are satisfied with the form and size. Depending on the desired surface effect, you can either completely smooth out the coils using tools or leave it in its natural ribbed texture.

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