Coil Building Project with Extruded Coils

Last week we showed off the handy Bailey Standard Extruder in a video here on the Bailey blog. In case you missed it, the video demonstrated how to operate the Standard Extruder. By using different shaped dies, the Standard Extruder produces long clay extrusions in uniform shapes. With a few swift pulls of the extruder arm, we created dozens of uniform coils perfect for building with. That brings us to this week's post where we are going to show you how to make a bowl using extruded coils.  

Here you can see the coils that came out of the extruder. They are a little imperfect due to our handling of them, but totally workable for this project. In fact, coil building with clay is a forgiving process and one that you don't need to fuss over.
To form the base of the bowl we draped a slab of clay over one of the small GR Pottery forms and cut around the edge. Or, you can simply take a piece of clay, form a flat disc and then pinch up the edges. 
Now that you have your base, you are ready to start building with coils. Place your piece on a bat, on top of a banding wheel. Using a banding wheel allows you to rotate the piece that you are working on and access all sides.
Score the rim of your base with a scoring tool. Then score your first coil. Use a damp sponge to add a little water to the rim of the base. Set the coil in place on the rim and pinch the coil down and onto the rim to connect the two in the scored areas. Continue adding coils by pinching down as you move around the diameter of the bowl.
As your bowl begins to grow in size you may need to stop working and let the form "set up" or dry slightly before continuing to add more coils. If you start to notice gravity taking effect on the walls of your bowl, simply cover your coils and the rim of your bowl with a piece of plastic and allow the body of the bowl dry a little. When the walls are firm enough, continue to develop the form with coils.coil built bowl ready for the bisque kiln

bowl glazed with Amaco White Satin Matte SM-11

The slow pace of coil building invites reflection on the architecture of the pot as you build it. The process of building, inch by inch, allows you to consider the effect each coil has on the form. Coil building is an excellent process for beginners working in clay. It is also a rewarding way to develop new forms. Having extruded coils on hand and ready to work with makes coil building a true pleasure!