Wild Clay Pinch Pots
Photos: Meg Handler / The Human Nature Center
Creating your own pinch pot from local clay connects you directly to the land underfoot. Clay is simply soil - mainly finely ground stones - with fine particles and a bit of stickiness, it’s everywhere once you know how to look.
If you have access to a stream bed, garden, or patch of bare ground, try this project to discover and shape the natural clay in your own neighborhood.
What you’ll need:
A couple of small buckets
A trowel or spoon
fine mesh bag or floursack
A flat surface for drying
A bowl of water
Optional: natural pigments or leaves for decoration
How to make:
Collect clay-rich soil. Look for sticky, smooth soil near creek beds or hillsides. To test it, mix with water, roll a ribbon and press the ribbon flat—if it holds without cracking, it’s good clay. Always ask permission before gathering.
Mix it. Combine the soil with water in a bucket and stir until smooth.
Strain it. Pour the mixture through a cloth or fine mesh to remove large particles.
Let it settle. Leave overnight for the clay to sink, then pour off the extra water.
Dry it out. Let it thicken to a doughy texture, then knead gently.
Form your pot. Roll into a ball, press your thumb in the center, and pinch the sides into a bowl shape.
Decorate. Add stones, leaves, or brush on colored slip from natural pigment.
Air dry. Keep in a cool, shaded place for a few days. Once dry, use to hold seeds, dried flowers, or small treasures.
