Making a big pot,i can't find one big enough ?

Question

I need to make a big container somehow.

Answer 1

how big is big?

Answer 2

I've made pots a couple of ways - firstly using clay,  which can either be thrown on a wheel (requires some skill) or coiling, where you lay the clay down in rolls, layer by layer - the pot needs to be fired afterwards, and preferably glazed and fired again for extra durability.   The second option is to form a container with ingredients that harden,  and can resemble a natural rocky type material, known as Tufa.

To make the clay structures you would need a supply of potter's clay,  and a way of firing your pot.  You may be able to get a part time class in a local college to do this.  Coil pots can be formed upto around 6 feet or so,  and do not have to be just a standard round structure, as you can shape it to your taste.  You can make urns with handles, for example.  You can also use flat rolled clay pieces to form what are known as Slab pots,  which can be box shaped etc.

There is also an old Japanese method for firing pots known as Raku - this can be done in a large fire, for example in the garden, and would reduce your need for a kiln.  In part your choices are governed by whether you want to glaze your pots.

The other major option, which I started when I was at school, after reading an article somewhere, forms hardened structures that can be formed within home made molds, that you form to taste.  Tufa structures use ingredients like cement, sand, peat, vermiculite and sometimes some other additives, such as fibre glass that can help form a denser, supported structure.  

Essentially you mix the ingredients together dry, and then add some water until you get a thick mud like consistency. It's typically made at around 1 part cement, 1 part sand and 1.5 to 2 parts peat - although you can vary this, according to taste. Rougher or finer sand can be used too, for varied appearance. You then place this into a molded structure at, say, 1 inch thick or so.  I started with an old ceramic sink,  which mean that I had a sink like structure afterwards, good for low growing plants.

I'd recommend starting with something like an ice cream container, which would produce a small pot, and allow you to view and vary your style according to taste.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck!  Rob

Answer 3

how big does it have to be,there are garden centres with pots big enough for adults to get inside.!!!