Making a Clay Slab

Making a Clay Slab

Prepare the clay by folding over on itself and kneading it firmly with the palms of the hands. Repeat this process for several minutes until the clay is an even consistency but not long enough to let the clay dry out.
Shape the clay into a cube by tapping it on the board. There should be no cracks. Continue to shape the clay until all of the cracks are fused.
Slam the cube on to the board to flatten it. Roll the clay with a rolling pin. VERY IMPORTANT: Roll the clay up to the edge but NOT OVER. Roll the clay ONCE and turn it over and roll it ONCE. The clay will stretch about 30% with each roll but no more. If you roll the clay over the edge, the edges of the clay slab will become significantly thinner than the rest of the slab. The goal is to create an even thickness.
When the clay slab is the desired size, use it to make bowls (as shown), pots, vases, masks, plates, wind chimes, mobiles, or plaques. The student will only be limited by his/her imagination.
Here are some sample projects.

May 26, 2005 2:45 PM