The earliest teapots are known for their fine clay texture and thin walls. They were made from purple clay that had a natural color anywhere from light buff to deep maroon once fired. In the 1970s, novelty teapots were being made, with the vessels resembling animals and people. In these humorous designs, the tea was poured from the animals' noses or tails, or the peoples' mouths or noses. In the 1980s, teapots became more elegantly designed. Teapot designers used classic patterns borrowed from the early 1700 to 1800s. In this article, the author describes an art project wherein students establish a theme and carry it out in the making of clay teapots.