How to Throw a Piggy Bank
Instructions on altering a wheel thrown bottle to make a Piggy Bank
Now I'm happily rolling in mud, here are instructions on how to make another Piggy Bank. But this one is for potters comfortable with throwing and altering bottles.
Now I’m happily rolling in mud, here are instructions on how to make another Piggy Bank. But this one is for potters comfortable with throwing and altering bottles.
Like the piggy bank made using the pinching method, (besides the wheel) you’ll need clay, slip, a pin tool, a sharp Exacto knife, plastic sheeting and a sponge. Optional items include an old toothbrush for scoring clay, an old spring for a tail, and some super glue.
Throwing method:
1) Throw a round, fat, stubby bottle with a short narrow neck. Exaggerate the spout if you like. Trim. Alter the shape if you like, then cut off the wheelhead and place on a bat to dry.
2) Carefully take a look and plan where you’d like legs, eyes (optional), ears, snout, tail (optional) and coin slot to go. Set aside.
3) Throw 4 little cylinders, funnels or bottle spouts for legs. Trim and set aside.
4) Sculpt ears. Alternately throw another cylinder and cut the ears from it. Sculpt eyes (optional). Sculpt a tail. Or think of using a spring. Cover with plastic sheeting as each is completed.
5) When the bottle has firmed up a little, turn it on its side so the spout becomes the piggy’s snout. Assemble the pig by determining where you would like the legs to go on the body, mark the spots gently with a pin tool. Score and slurry both the rims of the pots and the marked spots. Attach legs with firm but gentle pressure. Wipe off any excess slip.
6) Similarly, attach the snout, ears, eyes and tail (if you’ve made these last two. Otherwise, carve the eyes). In between each step, set the piggy on its back on a support so you don’t crush the legs.
7) Once the pig is assembled, let it dry on a support until it is leatherhard.
8) Use an Exacto knife to cut a coin slot in the back of the pig. Remember to make it slightly bigger than you need as it will shrink in drying and firing.
9) If the legs are sealed, use your pin tool to make a hole in each of the legs in a discreet spot. This allows the legs to dry properly and stops pressure from building up during firing.
10) If the legs are not sealed, leave as is.
11) If you’d like to attach a spring for a tail, now’s the time to make a hole in the piggy in preparation for it.
12) Add other decoration and details. Carefully perform one final cleanup with the sponge and pin tool.
13) Let the piggy bank dry thoroughly before bisque firing.
14) After the piggy has been glaze fired, glue the spring in place.
If you prefer handbuilding, visit Make A Pinch Pot Piggy Bank for instructions.
Curious for more? Please visit the article archives and e-mail me with your questions.
