Straight clay coils can be used on sculptures of all shapes and may be applied both vertically and horizontally. Roll a bit of clay until it is thin and snake-shaped. Form two or several straight clay coils of variable sizes and place them on the sculpted piece. Use the straight coils to obtain more interesting effects: twine or twist two clay coils or take several coils to create a grid.
Spirals are expressive shapes that can be added to any type of sculpture, regardless of its size or shape. Create a simple clay coil and roll it in to obtain a spiral. The spiral may have variable sizes, depending on what you intend to do with your project, and you can create several spiraled coils to apply on your sculpture. You may also create angular spirals by modifying the rolled spiral a bit.
The clay coils can be placed around the entire sculpture or only around certain parts of your art piece. Create a longer clay coil. Start with the top of your art piece and apply one end of the clay coil, then roll it around the sculpture. Create several coils and make your way to the bottom of your sculpture or stop at any point that you choose. Cover the entire sculpture or only one side or area.
Flat coils may also be used to decorate your sculptures. Form a thicker coil and then, using your fingers or a rolling pin, flatten the coil. Combine flat coils with regular coils for more interesting results. Carving various motifs on the flat coils may also add to the value of the sculpture; choose some abstract motifs, write a few lines from your favorite poem or simply carve lines and dots.
Clay coils may be used to form more complex shapes such as stylized animals, plants, symbols or even human figures if you practice and gain experience in clay coil building.