Ceramics Tutorial: How to Create a Simple Clay Vase

Learn how to build a clay vase with this easy, fun technique demonstrated by Sandra Apperloo

Creating your own pottery is an appealing idea, but it often requires an off-putting amount of equipment (from a wheel to a kiln).

This easy clay vase technique allows you to dispense with the potter’s wheel and is taught by Sandra Apperloo (@thepotteryparade). This Dutch potter created The Pottery Parade and is the woman behind a series of techniques designed to make pottery more accessible.

All you need is:

• Clay
• A brush that’s wider at the base than the bristles
• Newspaper
• A rolling pin
• A scraper
• A toothbrush

Learn more in the video:

Create a simple clay vase in 3 easy steps

1. Preparation

Roll a piece of newspaper around your paintbrush. Then knead your clay and roll it out with the rolling pin, leaving it as smooth as possible.

Use a sharp tool to mark the shape of the vase on the rolled clay.

2. Modeling

Dip your toothbrush and scraper in water, and use these damp tools to create lines on one of the ends of the shape you’ve created with the sharp tool. This is very important: it increases stickability when you roll your vase.

Now slowly roll the clay around on itself, using your newspaper-wrapped paintbrush as the central axis and your support. Use the toothbrush to create more lines and therefore better adhesion.

Slide the vase forwards and backwards, pressing gently to close it nicely together.

3. The finish

Smooth the ends of your vase together using a sponge or scraper. Then gently twist the brush inside the vase to make it easier to get it out. Use the spatula to trim the ends off the top and bottom of your vase and make them straight. Use a sponge to ensure your vase is completely smooth and has no rough bits.

4. The base

Knead and roll out a little more clay, to make a smooth, fine disc. Rest the vase on this disc and use a sharp tool to draw a circle around the base of your vase. Use your wet toothbrush or scraper to create lines across the entire circumference of your little disc, which is going to become the base of your vase. Stick the base to the body of the vase.

Like this tutorial? Remember Sandra Apperloo teaches you how to create playful pottery using original techniques in her online course: Creating Ceramics with Character.

You may also be interested in:

- Creating Your First Ceramic Vessel, a course by Lilly Maetzig.
- Unique Ceramic Plant Pot Creation, a course by La Pomona.
- Ceramic Plant Pot Design, a course by Xènia Bas.