Roll a Clay Coiled Pot

What can we use if we don't have air-dry clay, a wooden skewer, or wax paper?

Use oven-bake polymer clay and follow package baking instructions instead of air-dry clay, substitute a toothpick or the blunt end of a paintbrush for the wooden skewer to score and carve, and replace wax paper with parchment paper or a plastic placemat under your board.

My coils keep falling off or the pot collapses — how do I fix that?

Be sure to score the top edge of the base with the wooden skewer and add slip (dip a fingertip in water) before pressing each coil, smooth the seam with a damp finger or sponge, keep coils an even thumb-thickness, and let lower coils firm slightly before adding more height.

How can I adapt the activity for different ages?

For toddlers, use soft play-dough on the board and have an adult do the scoring and attachment, for elementary kids let them roll thumb-thick coils and practice smoothing seams with a damp sponge, and for older kids challenge them to make thinner walls, carve detailed patterns with the skewer or plastic knife, and paint with acrylics after drying.

How can we personalize or extend the pot beyond the basic steps?

Attach handles or small clay pieces before drying, press natural items or stamps into the surface for texture, carve patterns with the skewer or plastic knife as in the instructions, then paint with acrylics and optionally seal with varnish before sharing the photo on DIY.org.