How to Form Shapes for a Slab Pot

After rolling out your clay, you are ready to form the shape of your slab pottery. To do this evenly, you need to use a mold. You can use the mold as either a hump mold or a slump mold.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pottery molds

1. Ensure the clay is uniform in thickness by gently tossing it down on the flat surface a few times. This also helps work out any air bubbles.

2. Grab the mold you intend to use. Buy molds at slab pottery stores, or use a previous pot that you have bisque-fired. The mold has two possible uses. As a hump mold, you form your pot on the outside. As a slump mold, you form a smaller pot and contour it to the interior of the mold. Generally the difference is about a 1/2 inch to 1 inch in width.

3. Form the clay gently and slowly around or into the mold. Cracks and bumps are likely to happen. Press the clay down lightly while working around the mold in a circular motion. Avoid folding the clay over on itself. If this happens, you are working too quickly. Pat lightly, and allow the clay time to readjust.

4. Trim the excess from around the lip of the mold. Get a good angle and leave a little room so you can form the slab as you'd like after trimming. You can always trim more later.