Pinch Pot Octopus

Handbuilding

1. Using about ½ lb of clay, create a baseball-sized pinch pot. Smooth out any cracks that form and place open side down to create the body.
2. Roll out 8 coils of varying lengths about ¾” thick tapering at the end.
3. Flatten the thicker end of the coil to attach to the body.
4. Press backside of the coil into stamp pad to create “suction cup” texture.
5. Attach flattened end to octopus body by slipping and scoring.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 to attach all the coils. Gently weave the coils around each other while attaching being careful not to break any off.
7. Using thumbs, push into the body to create indentations for the eyes above where tentacles are attached.
8. Roll two small balls for the eyes and attach by slipping and scoring.
9. Using the eraser side of a pencil, dip pencil in water and press into center of eye to create the pupil.
10. Let dry completely
11. Bisque fire to Cone 04

Glaze 

1. Inlay Char-ming into texture on tentacles by painting one thick layer of the glaze onto the textured surface, wait for the glaze to dry and wipe away with damp sponge.
2. Using Green Thumb, paint one layer of glaze around the outer edge of the textured areas.
3. Paint 2 coats of Slime Time all over the entire octopus avoiding the eyes.
4. Add an extra 3rd coat of Slime Time to any area that does not have another glaze underneath.
5. Using a small detail liner brush, paint Blue Grass into the pupils of the eyes.
6. Paint 2 coats of Ivory Tower onto the whites of the eyeballs.
7. Cut a circle large enough to cover eyes and part of the head.
8. When the glaze is dry, wet paper circle with a sponge and place it over eyes and part of the head as a masking tool.
9. Using a toothbrush, splatter Blue Grass on uncovered parts of octopus.
10. Remove paper before the glaze is completely dry.
11. Let dry completely
12. Fire stilted piece to Cone 06

Variations/Adaptations

• Instead of using a stamp pad to create the sucker texture, the eraser side of a pencil will also work.
• Use balled up newspaper or other items to help hold the arms in place as you build. Remember to remove before the piece starts to dry out too much.