How I Make a Lidded Jar

Hi. Here’s how I make a lidded jar.

First, it is thrown on the wheel, dried, flipped, dried some more, trimmed. This is the result. To me it sort of looks like a tulip glass, but it wasn’t chosen for any reason other than I just happen to find that shape to be beautiful.

I begin to mark a repeating elevation on four evenly space places around the pot, usually at the widest part, using a compass with the pencil removed. This gives me reasonably consistent results.

I open the compass wider and make another set of four evenly spaced marks exactly halfway between the first set, and an inch or two higher up on the pot.

I sponge the lip and foot with a very wet sponge to help prevent the clay from chipping apart at those places like it wants to.

After letting the new moisture settle into the clay, I flip it over and get ready to cut it.

I cut a series of “u” shapes using the small pin holes as a rough guide. I rarely manage to hit the marks exactly, but the help at least keep things sort of consistent.

I remove the whole bottom section.

I remove the top section from the banding wheel and put the bottom half there, right side up.

I cut the bottom section in half vertically at the bottom of the V on two opposite sides.

The edges are carefully rounded with a sponge.

The joining faces are carefully scored with my trusty scraper.

And then slip is applied.

Then they are stuck back together.

I set that part aside while the slip sets up. On to the top section. It is quartered. I used the bottom of each ‘U’ shape as the dividing point, resulting in a nice staggered joint pattern. It works structurally the same way a common bond brick pattern does. The staggered seams will help hold the piece together during glazing and firing.

For the undulating, flower-like lip-line, I whittle away a bit from the middle of the lip and then sponge that smooth.

I am careful to keep the order of the parts preserved to save myself from some puzzle solving later on. These parts are scored and set aside as I finish the bottom section.

Now, the bottom section is split again on the other ‘V’ shapes. They are cleaned up and scored.

From my stash of finished floor discs, I take the one that fits perfectly, and insert it into the groove. I put the two halves together and make sure everything fit nicely. If it is a bit tight, I adjust the diameter with a sponge until it is perfect.

I slip and reassemble those parts, careful not to let any slip touch the disc. It must be free-floating in the groove to allow for expansion and contraction. If you know anything about cabinet making, this will make perfect sense.

Next, I begin to Reassemble the top half, in place, one piece at a time, like this.

Now the body is finished. The lid is put together in a very similar fashion.

Viola!

This pattern is called “Arches” when applied to vertical forms, and “Tortoise” when applied to bowls.

They can be found on serving bowls, cereal bowls, and mugs in my Etsy Store. I know you want one!

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