3 different ways to make lids for hand built pots

I was asked for a video to show how to make a gallery lid for a hand built pot so here's a demo, with the added bonus of instructions for 2 other styles of lids you can use!
This demonstration is one cylinder shaped pots but the techniques will work on any shape vessel. This is the basics of how to make the lids which you can then expand on and alter to create many more extravagant designs 😊
For the full hand building basics that you can learn at your own pace check out my beginners course at parmstrongceramics.co.uk/prod...
For more inspiration and support check out my online membership! www.parmstrongceramics.co.uk/...
Along with all my regular videos you get a fabulous, friendly clay chat community and monthly extended videos as well as supportive resources and useful links 😊
The clay I use is in my videos is Potterycrafts raku modelling clay www.potterycrafts.co.uk/Produ...
It’s a fantastic beginners hand building clay!
The brands of brush on glazes that I use at the studio include Amaco, Mayco, Terracolor, Spectrum, Potterycrafts, Scarva, Vitraglaze (hot clay) and Duncan.
I’m based in the UK and suppliers I use regularly for glazes, tools, slips, etc. are:
• www.potterycrafts.co.uk
• www.potclays.co.uk
• www.scarva.com
• www.bathpotters.co.uk
• www.corbykilns.co.uk

[@madelinemcginn8145]

I love all these techniques! Especially #3❤

[@PaulaArmstrongCeramics]

Thanks 😊

[@bustedkeaton]

These are all beautiful. I'm so inspired. #3 would make a great tea caddy, if there were a rubber gasket to make it more airtight

[@PaulaArmstrongCeramics]

Glad it's helpful 😊

[@micheledickey4066]

I can not believe I’ve never seen anyone make the second lid like that!! I kept thinking why are you attaching it that well!! Blown away.

[@bustedkeaton]

Why add the first strip of clay she added on that one, though? Just to make the top heavier?

[@patriciakoenig3966]

Where have you been all my life❤😅 love your techniques love #3

[@PaulaArmstrongCeramics]

Thank you ☺️

[@mainacht3509]

I put a small piece of wax between the lid and the pot when trying to fit them so they won’t stick together, especially when the clay is moist. Even the gentlest pressure when separating them in the process can warp the lid or the pot.

[@jackieopperman6568]

Thank you, this was a very helpful video.

[@PaulaArmstrongCeramics]

Glad it was useful 😊

[@user-wf2ic4zh9b]

Thank you a really helpful video

[@PaulaArmstrongCeramics]

Glad it was useful 😊

[@elianelora4761]

Obrigada 🙏 ❤

[@PaulaArmstrongCeramics]

😊

[@amynahfarid4007]

Always look forward to your videos, inspiring. Am new to pottery, would you suggest types of clay, underglazes & glazes for making a bird feeder & jewelry dish. Also, would be hand building, what thickness would you advice for rolling?

[@PaulaArmstrongCeramics]

Aww, thank you! 😊 For a bird feeder I'd suggest a stoneware clay with a light/fine grog as it's helpful to fire over 1200C for things that are going outdoors and the grog will help make it easier to hand build with. The colour depends on what you prefer but a white will show up underglaze and glaze colours closer to the examples shown on the sales sites. For underglazes you just need to make sure that they will fire well up at the higher stoneware temp as some are just for earthenware. I like the speedball underglazes but we also use amaco velvet. Glazes for the bird feeder I'd suggest a gloss for ease of cleaning and make sure the firing temp matches whatever clay you choose. If you're using underglazes you'll need a transparent to go over them but otherwise just choose something you like. I use many of the brush on brands and find they're all good although they do each have a personality of their own so if you're unsure you can always make a few test tiles to try them before putting them on your work.
For thickness I generally say around 5mm thick is a good compromise between strength and ease of building and the look of the final piece not being too chunky.
Hope that helps 😊 have fun!

[@herculade]

Thank you so much for sharing these techniques, they are amazing! Apologies if you have already answered this, but are you working on leatherhard clay on this video? Or is it softer? You make it seem so easy, I love your work!

[@PaulaArmstrongCeramics]

Thank you 😊 The clay is not quite leather hard so it's strong enough to hold form but still flexible enough that it doesn't break when manipulated.

[@herculade]

@@PaulaArmstrongCeramics thank you for taking the time to respond! Much appreciated! I will continue to experiment at home 😊 I am looking forward to building these lids!