Making a coil bonsai pot

This informative video explains how to make a coiled bonsai pot in clear and concise detail by one of Europe's leading Bonsai Pot Artists. Here, Dan shows us his preferred technique when making his highly sought after bonsai pots.
Useful for anyone interested in making coiled ceramic pots in general.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I've heard of you and have seen pictures of your pots so many times, it's great to actually see you in the video!!!

[@danbarton1019]

OMG! I hope you don't have nightmares now

[@nurhasantalukdar6937]

you made good pot too.

[@apriloasanuma9575]

Mr Nigel Saunders far be it from me to be indiscreet but very pleased to see you on Mr Dan Barton's youtube channel Mr Nigel Saunders, I believe you are the only famous bonsai artist who visits other youtube channels

[@simongore29]

You could be an audio book narrator. You have the best voice!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

That's a very kind comment - thanks

[@JASHIKO_]

Really cool video. Dunno how I ended up here but I enjoyed it!

[@pegeen6634]

My goodness! If I had teachers like you growing up, I’d be an expert in all things! You definitely gave me insight into some fine details of working. Thank you! I don’t have a clay studio, yet! I only use air dried clay. I wish I had spent more time in my clay class back then! Thanks again & you’re fabulous ❣️

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

You're very kind with your comments and very much appreciated - thank you

[@guysolis5843]

Nice tutorial. You make pot making look easy but I'm sure it takes tons of practice to reach your level of expertise. I would like to try pot making. I love there is no kiln involved..Thanks for sharing, very inspirational..

[@temujinkhan6326]

I am actually very impressed also with all the handmade tools

[@kupritbonsai]

Mantab pot bonsainya, kepengin punya untuk bonsai saya. Bagus modelnya

[@jasongannon7676]

I need to set up a studio at my nursery. Love your work

[@danbarton1019]

Many thanks - much appreciated.

[@cuernavacadave]

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing. Quiet enjoyed watching!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jugado219]

Amazing channel. Please make more pottery. I can even imagine all the tricks and tips you can teach us all. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge!!!!!!

[@danbarton1019]

Thanks for your kind comments - I will be making more educational vids relating to various aspects of my pot making soon

[@quars3528]

Great lesson !

[@mariafernandaribadeneira3874]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and dexterity and for doing it at such a perfect pace.

[@TeBiDoWil]

The David Attenborough of pottery 😊

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Haha - nice one - I wish!!!

[@treegoblin5479]

Thanks for sharing Dan

[@julieparry5148]

You are a joy,So very interesting many many thanks

[@banjiegirl2001]

Very well made video, you ee such a good teacher, i learned a lot❤

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your kind comment.

[@AmaSharapova]

This is an amazing video! Thank you for the details!

[@ladyw6773]

Fantastic tutorial with amazing information! Thank you for sharing your knowledge 💜

[@danielcarter8390]

Thank you Dan , Really enjoyed the video, took me back to school when i done pottery with Mr Pitt just wished i listened more

[@danbarton1019]

Many thanks - much appreciated.

[@mikegrayleeds]

Lovely video Dansai. Good content, pace, and narrative. Lovely pot too!

[@danbarton1019]

Thanks

[@Jeddersfield]

Great video thank you!

[@danbarton1019]

Many thanks - much appreciated.

[@BecauseHeLovedMe1st]

Thank you 💗 I didn't have to rewind and it's appreciated 🙂

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you too and I'm glad you didn't have to rewind.

[@clayeasy]

Lovely and enjoyable video! Thank you Dan!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your kind comments.

[@nom_b]

Wonderful video, Thank-you. Ive recently set up my pottery area so I can start making my own bonsai pots. After watching your video I want to go out and start right now. Shame it is night time and the pottery area is outside under my veranda with no lights yet ;-)

[@danbarton1019]

Thanks for your kind comments

[@aternald]

Excellent! please make more videos like this!

[@danbarton1019]

Thanks - I hope to make some more soon.

[@LTeppler]

Brilliant tutorial. Thanks! :D

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you - much appreciated

[@melvinsogue3657]

so nice !

[@ernestcashion4462]

Very nice! I need an engineering friend .

[@turvalisus]

Thank you for you video!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you too.

[@carmenscementcreations8217]

I love your work. And your studio is fantastic, I'll love to have a studio like yours.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thanks for your kind comments and yes, I'm lucky to have this studio

[@chriss3948]

Your videos are fantastic.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your kind comment

[@jeffhurst4744]

What a wonderful instructional video on making bonsai pots. Simple and easy step-by-step explanations. You showed everything one needs to know and learn. You are truly a master teacher. I really like the texture you let on the exterior sides. It definitely gives it a uniqueness. I would love to see it after firing it. Did you pick a finish or glaze for it? I’d be a happy person if it was available. 😊

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your very kind comments - the pot was glazed and sold some time ago.

[@dragaumchineis5070]

What a class!👏👏👏👏

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

You're very kind - thanks

[@rsa420]

Really stunning work indeed

[@danbarton1019]

Thank you - that's very kind - much appreciated

[@Sun-soilproductions]

Please make more videos! Good quality vids and easy to follow! Maybe a tutorial on how you made your pottery tools?

[@danbarton1019]

Kind words - yes we hope to make some more vids and maybe I'll do a short one on some of my homemade tools.

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Nice video, I have been growing Japanese Black and Red Pines for 7 years and finally started doing pots, you get tired of the Chyna pots and the same ol colors, hopefully do my first firing in a couple weeks.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

All the best and good luck with your firing

[@indianheritage7839]

Beautiful work Master

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you kindly

[@GrowWithKit]

Brilliant thank you

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you too

[@Krlosmor]

un trabajo admirable. gracias por compartir.👏👏👏

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Gracias

[@pavlentos]

cool ! thx!

[@sanjeevkohli7336]

Great sir,you are a great master crafter crafter.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thanks Sanjeev

[@bobbymalta73]

Thank You.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your kind comments.

[@ahmadansari472]

Hi Mr Very very nice

[@karlstrom8684]

very nice man he is

[@jaquelinerochadacunha4580]

Parabéns muito lindo seu trabalho 😍 perfeito amei 😍💖

[@danbarton1019]

Thank for your kind comments

[@elizabethseminario3579]

🤗Buen día Maestro,mi pregunta es:lse lleva al horno o se deja secar solo y si es así por cuántos días?, gracias por su respuesta y por el vídeo, bendiciones.Saludos desde Lima 🇵🇪 Perú.

[@nevedavisitors9981]

Me ha gustado mucho su lección, mi primera pasión son las plantas y me gusta hacerles yo misma cada vasija según lo q me comunican, su trabajo es muy hermoso y útil pues ama tanto la arcilla como a las plantas. Muchas gracias maestro y saludos cordiales desde Ecuador 🇪🇨

[@danbarton1019]

Thank you for your kind comments

[@joelhiggins6156]

Mr. Barton do you have plans to discuss different clays and firing methods? For instance how to ensure a pot is “frost -proof” and what temperature to fire it ?

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

I haven't thought about this yet but maybe when we start some Podcasts i may do it then.

[@andrewogawa1029]

Dan. Interested in what you use to smooth the outside and inside

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Hi Andrew - new video coming soon will cover this :)

[@dougtrythalleqoasharpy3101]

Just the video I was looking for!! I'm a wheel thrower and was looking for a good tutorial on coil building. This was excellent!! Thank you very much. I'm curious if there are still some small voids inside the surface? I will be making blanks to carve and could see the voids being a little problematic. Will just have to squish the coils down a little more before blending I believe. Will start some testers. Cheers!

[@danbarton1019]

Hi Doug, Thanks for your kind comments - I've been using this coil making technique for over 40 years and have never had any problems with any trapped air so I don't think you need have any worries. Good luck with your potting.

[@dougtrythalleqoasharpy3101]

@@danbarton1019 Thank you. Will be starting experimenting next week. Looking forward to learning a new technique, for me.

[@holdingnaturebonsai702]

This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing this video. Can you tell me what kind of clay you use for making a coil pot and does it have to be fired or do you just let it dry?

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

I use Potclays "Craft Crank 1114" clay and yes it must be fired to at least 1200degrees Centigrade

[@holdingnaturebonsai702]

@@danbartonslifewithbonsai745 thank you!

[@chinamistbonsaipottery5578]

Thank you Dan for giving an insight to your working technique. Would you be able to confirm the thickness of the coils you used for this pot please? Just trying to get an idea of the ratio of pot wall thickness to its final height.

[@danbarton1019]

Hi, the thickness for this particular pot size was approximately 1cm in diameter but I vary the thickness of the coils according to the size and height of each particular pot and you'll have to judge for yourself what best suits your pots. I also vary the thickness of the slab base of each pot according to pot size and function.

[@chinamistbonsaipottery5578]

@@danbarton1019 thank you for the reply.

[@stonemonkey1968]

Nice one Dan 🙏

[@danbarton1019]

Thanks Andy - kindred spirits.

[@candelariaatalaya5709]

Beautiful video, what clay do you use

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

I use Pottery Craft's: "Craft Crank 1114"

[@candelariaatalaya5709]

@danbartonslifewithbonsai745 we don't have the brand here in USA could you please tell me what the characteristics of the clay you use, I would really appreciate it

[@linkayo810]

👍👍👍

[@kyleboldy9573]

What is that tool you use to make the rim level

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Hi Kyle - it's a bespoke device than an engineer friend adapted for me.

[@robertdumoulin3661]

hi Dan can i make square coil to make my bols.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

You can certainly try - I can't see why it shouldn't work - good luck

[@williamsoroka2527]

bravo usa ohio

[@TycoonMK]

that clay is baked or only drying????

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

The pot will be dried first then fired in my kiln

[@TycoonMK]

@@danbartonslifewithbonsai745 i love your work, much love from Macedonia

[@guilhermeschenadeoliveira5647]

🇧🇷🌱🍃🍃🍃😘

[@cubidupapgarden]

🙂👍👍🙏

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thanks for watching

[@mattbrennan647]

FOIST

[@danbarton1019]

Well someone has to be!!!

[@antoniomedinarobles6064]

Los pasa por horno o que

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Yes, fired in an electric kiln to 1260C

[@antoniomedinarobles6064]

Gracias

[@serbaserbianekakabar1538]

Ribet eram