Bird: Step-by-Step Pottery Guide

A charming bird with textured patterned body, sculpted beak, and detailed eyes, created using a plaster mold. This digital guide walks you through every step with clear photos, from preparing your plaster mold to assembling the decorative elements and finishing your unique bird sculpture.

What's included:

• Step-by-step photo instructions (PDF)
• Material list
• Tips on pattern creation, assembly, and facial feature sculpting

What materials you will need:

• Grogged (chamotte) clay, slip
• Plaster mold, felt-tip pen with "patterns"
• Feathers (for optional after-firing decoration)
• Spatula, wooden skewer
• Paddle, bristle brush, scoring tool

Before you start:

This guide requires a plaster mold of your choice to shape the bird. Make sure you have the right mold ready before starting, and review the material list to gather everything you need.

Also helpful (optional, free):

New to clay, or want a quick refresher on the basics? These guides are handy to have on hand:

• Clay & Pottery Basics
• Glazing & Decorating
• Firing