P is for Pottery: Pinch Pots (Lunar New Year Theme)

 

 As part of our Asia studies for Lunar New Year, we completed the novel about a Korean potter, A Single Shard and tried out creating our own pinch pots with snow dough.

 

Clay work is a favourite sensory activity around here. If you have texture-loving little ones-snow dough is a super treat. Especially when its still warm from the stove. Simply mix...

~1 cup baking soda

~1/2 cup cornstarch and 

~3/4 cups 

Heat over medium until it forms soft dough. Add essential oils if desired.

Form with cookie cutters, create sculptures or vessels and bake at 175degrees until dry. Cool and paint.

 

The main character of the story is named Tree Ear, who is an orphan living with a homeless man. He is caught lurking near a potters home and is punished by having to be the potters aid, learning how to collect wood for the kiln and prepare clay. The potter has lost his own son and is a quiet, bitter man, but his wife is happy to have the child near and enjoys caring for him.