How to Make a Slab Built Pot

How to Make a Slab Built Pot

Pottery
Medium 30 mins

What you'll need

  • Pottery Starter Kit from noah
  • Your hands
  • Bowl of water
  • Protective clothing
  • Latex gloves (if sensitive to clay)
  • Plastic sheet or cling film
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How to make it

7 steps
Knead the clay

Step 1 Knead the clay

Knead the clay for around 1 minute to align the particles and make it easier to work with.

Roll out a base

Step 2 Roll out a base

Roll out a ball of clay to form the base of the piece. Aim for around 5mm which strikes a balance between strength and saving clay.

Roll out the wall

Step 3 Roll out the wall

Recombine any offcuts with the rest of your clay and roll out a slab to form the walls. Try to keep the slab as close to rectangular as possible.

Test fit and cut

Step 4 Test fit and cut

Loosely place the slab on the base to test the fit. Cut off any excess clay so that there's a slight overlap where the ends meet.

Assemble

Step 5 Assemble

Score all points where clay will be attached. Apply slip to the base and push the walls down. Bring the walls together to make a continuous circle.

Finish and fettle

Step 6 Finish and fettle

Use a damp sponge or the potter's rib to smooth out the rim and any irregularities or marks on the walls.

Dry & decorate

Step 7 Dry & decorate

Leave the pot somewhere safe to dry for a day or two away from direct heat. When the clay turns white, it's ready to paint.

Step 1 of 7

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