Start with a ball of clay that can fit inside a child’s hand.

Spilt a little bit off the hunk of clay. The bigger chunk of clay can be rolled into a ball.

Have kids push one hole with their thumbs as far as they can go without going through. 

Use hands to pinch around the edge and make sure not to make walls too thin. The walls should probably be around 1/8” thick to support the shell when flipped over.

Flip clay pinch pot over.

Create a head by sculpting with clay and using a skewer to cut the mouth of the turtle.

Attach to pinch pot turtle shell by scoring the end of the head and where you are attaching to the shell. Use one finger dipped in water to add “slip” and attach. Use a finger to help blend the seam where the head is attached.

Create turtle eyes with small balls of clay and a skewer. Attach by scoring and using water. 

Make sea turtle legs by sculpting clay. Make sure not to make them too thick (1/2” of less). 

Attach legs to shell by scoring and adding water.

Kids can use water to smooth out any rough areas. We always instruct them that a little goes a long way and to not make “mud pie”.

Use a skewer or other clay tools to add turtle shell texture. Draw a circle around the edge and add lines. Add hexagons to the top of the shell in a brick pattern (see image).

An adult should write the kid’s name on the bottom of the pinch pot with a sharp sewer or needle tool.

Run a bisque fire in your kiln once projects have completely dried.

Glaze or paint finished turtles.