How to Craft a Braided Top Vase: Step-by-Step Inspiration and DIY Guide

As an artist, inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places. For this vase project, my creative spark came during a visit to the thrift store. I was initially browsing for clothes, but I also love checking out their collection of old vases, exploring the different forms and shapes. That’s when I spotted a beautiful green vase with a braided top and a rounded body. The intricate detail of the braid really stood out to me, and I immediately knew I had to create my own version of it.

Bringing My Vision to Life

To execute this project, I began by throwing the vase on the wheel to create its base form. After about a week, once the piece reached the leather-hard stage, I started handbuilding the braid that would wrap around the top. This was a new technique for me, and I quickly learned that braiding clay, while conceptually simple, is trickier than it looks! Keeping the thickness of the braid consistent was a challenge, and although I tried to make it even, the ends ended up being a bit too thin. This led to some minor cracking.

I was able to manage the cracking during the bone-dry stage, but after firing, I noticed the crack had worsened. I hoped that by applying extra glaze, I might be able to hide it. Glazing always holds an element of surprise, and I love that about the process.

Choosing the Right Glaze

For the glaze, I wanted something rustic and earthy to complement the style of the vase. I chose a blend of brown and sandy yellow, avoiding too many vibrant colours to maintain a simple, grounded feel. The glazing process felt like a step into the unknown because, as every potter knows, the kiln has the final say. Firing can dramatically alter colours and textures, making it both an exciting and nerve-wracking part of pottery.

The Final Results: Reflections and Lessons Learned

After the final firing, the results were not what I was expecting. The crack I had tried to fix had grown bigger, and the glaze didn’t turn out exactly as I had envisioned. While the vase was not a total loss, it wasn’t what I had hoped for either. But as with any creative project, it’s all part of the learning process.

I now know what adjustments to make to prevent similar cracks from occurring in the future. This experience reminded me that pottery is just as much about the journey as the final product. Even with its imperfections, the vase is a reflection of my creative growth, and I’m already excited to apply these lessons to my next piece.

This project, though imperfect, served as a valuable learning experience that has fuelled my desire to keep refining my technique. The braided top, while tricky, opened my eyes to new hand-building possibilities, and the glazing process, though unpredictable, reaffirmed my love for the art of surprise in ceramics.

Stay tuned for future projects at the Happy Hands Pottery & Art Studio where I’ll continue experimenting with form, function, and glaze!