How to Use Slabs for Hand Built Pottery

Not everyone can get the hang of the pottery wheel right away. Luckily, beautiful and unique pottery can be crafted with little more than a pair of hands. There are several techniques for hand building, one of the most common being the use of clay slabs. Here is how to use slabs for hand built pottery.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clay
• Small or medium-sized bucket of water
• Set of simple pottery tools (can be purchased at most craft and hobby stores)
• Cloth for the work surface
• Rolling pin
• Two yard sticks

1. Construct the desired piece in your mind before starting. This will give you an idea of how many slabs you will need to create, as well as their possible measurements.

2. Get your work space ready by laying a protective cloth over a table or other flat surface.

3. Prepare the clay by wedging it thoroughly. Knead it almost like you would bread dough. This clears out air bubbles, and ensures that the water is evenly mixed throughout the clay.

4. Start flattening out the clay by patting it with the palm of your hand. Place a hand on the top and bottom of the clay and flip it over.

5. Place a yard stick on each side of the clay. Roll the clay out with the rolling pin until it is as thick as the yard sticks.

6. Cut perfect slabs by using a straight edge (preferably a ruler so you can measure your slab sides at the same time) and a clay slicing tool. Cut out all of your slabs, and carefully set them aside.

7. Allow the slabs to sit undisturbed for about an hour. The slabs will be ready for construction when they are what is known as "leather hard".

8. Use a scoring tool (the long, needle-like pottery tool) to make deep scratches on all edges where the clay will be joined together. The bottom slab will need scratches on the borders of the surface. A criss-cross pattern is quite effective.

9. Mix some slip to be used as the cement to join the slabs together. Stir up a little extra clay with water until the mixture has a smooth, paste-like consistency. Spread the mixture on all areas of the clay that have been scored.

10. Begin joining the slabs together while the slip is still fresh. Gently place the scored edges together using a slight side-to-side sliding motion until it feels like the slabs have fixed into place. Always keep your other hand against the sides for additional support.

11. Use a damp brush (or your fingers and a little bit of water) to smooth out all corners and seams. Once the piece is constructed and smoothed to your satisfaction, keep it in a safe place where it can dry thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you think the corners of your piece need extra reinforcement, try using small coils. Roll a small amount of clay in your palms to create a thin strip. Gently press the coils into the corners and blend them into the clay using a damp brush or your fingers.