Campfire Pottery.

Earth, air, fire, water, and imagination are the ingredients. Simply shape a clay mix, let it dry, and paint it as is or “fire” it to red heat in an outdoor fire to transform raw clay into more durable pottery. Adult supervision recommended for firing.

Earth: Clay is finely ground earth. A mixture of clay and filler such as sand and or sawdust/straw etc. will dry and fire more easily than pure clay. To make a "pinch pot" start with a ball of clay you can comfortably hold in your hand. Push the thumb of the other hand gently into the centre of the ball and gently squeeze the clay between thumb on the inside and the fingers on the outside. Turn the pot slowly pinching the walls evenly. Coil pots are fun too and only require clay snakes to be coiled and joined together. If you do this inside a cup lined with paper it will take the shape of the cup. Slab pots are made by joining flat pieces of clay together. A few tips: Avoid leaving air pockets in the clay. Join the coils and slabs with wet clay glue An old toothbrush works well. "Rule of thumb": if a piece is thicker than your thumb, hollow it out more or thin it down.

Air: When completed let your pot air dry completely. Hot dry air is best if you are “firing”. If clay is too dry just add a little more water (try a few drops at first).

Fire: Method 1) Dig a small hole and line with straw and pile in the dry pots, open ends down. Build up fuel around the pots in a tipi shape and ignite. Dry fuel can be cow dung, sticks, grass, shavings, briquettes, pine cones, etc. Method 2) Place the preheated dry pots on a bed of coals. When the pots are glowing red hot, the fire has done its job. Let the fire burn down in both methods before removing the pots with tongs or sticks. Of course observe fire safety precautions at all times.

Water:
You've already used a little water to mix and shape your clay and you've kept a good supply close by during firing for safety. You've probably used more to clean up after shaping your pots and you may want a drink in your new pots.

Imagination, can be found in every lump of clay you touch.

Compliments of Stephen at www.heaveninearthpottery.com