How to Work With Clay Slabs

clay vase

Clay slabs form the foundation for making pottery and clay sculptures. It is important to form the slab correctly so that it won't explode when it is fired in the kiln.

Things You'll Need

• Block of clay
• Wire cutter
• Rolling pin

Instructions

1. Hold the ends of the wire cutter, one end in each hand.

2. Line the wire up about 2 inches down from the top edge of the clay block on the opposite side of the block from you.

3. Pull the wire towards you, evenly slicing a 2-inch slab of clay. Remove the slab from the block and put it on a table.

4. Fold the clay in on itself to form a cube.

5. Slam the cube down on the table top very hard several times. This will remove the bubbles in the clay.

6. Take the rolling pin and roll the clay out until it is about 1 inch thick. Do not roll the rolling pin over the edges of the clay because it will make the edges too thin. You want the clay to be an even thickness throughout.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on what you plan to use the clay for, you may want to cut off a thicker slab from the main block.

• Make sure your final piece of rolled-out clay has no cracks or visible bubbles to ensure proper firing later.

References

• Saskatchewan Education: Ask Art-Make a Clay Slab