Introduction to basic handbuilt slab clay techniques

Level: 4th to 8th grade Various curricular integration Social Studies: Native Americans

& Ancient CulturesScience: Soil and ChemistryMath: Angles, Degrees, & GeometryReligion: Biblical ReferencesLesson Plan by Noreen Strehlow

Equipment needed: Enough clay for each student to create at least one small projectIf you absolutely have no money, use a homemade Salt/Flour/Water dough.Clay tools for blending, assorted forks, knives, pin toolsRolling PinNewspaper and cardboard for rolling, cutting and transporting slabs Two yardsticks or similar wooden slatsPlastic sheeting to protect table tops Covered air-tight containers for clay storage & Plastic bags with ties for storing pieces

Omyacolor Plastiroc Air Dry Clay

Students will roll the clay with a rolling pin which has been

aligned with two yard sticks, slats or other items of the same width

You can “McGiver” a slab cutting area by scrounging around the houseThis might not be “pretty” but it worked!

Students will learn to use a 30/60/90 triangle to cut perfect right anglesStudents may tape a specific length on the triangle to measure equal

sides

Students will learn that this simple method insures that the slab is a uniform thicknessStudents will cut as many slabs as needed for the piece (an uncovered box needs 5

slabs)Students may use a pattern to create an unusual edge for a slab box

Students will learn to bevel the edges of each piece at a 45 degree angleStudents will learn to score the edge with a small pointed tool so that the slip will

adhereStudents will learn to apply slip liberally to each scored surface that needs joining

Students will learn put the two scored and slipped pieces together and smooth the slipStudents will learn to add a coil to the blended joined areaStudents will learn to further blend the coil into the joined area for strength

Students will carefully score and slip each additional area to be joinedStudents will continue to add and blend coils to the joined areas for strength

Students will have to cover their pieces in plastic if they do not finish in one class

periodStudents will blend and smooth all joined areas completely and let dry when finished

Students will learn that large clay projects usually require a special clay pressStudents will learn that these slabs are usually trimmed to the largest rectangle

possible

Teacher will demonstrate all techniquesStudents will listen and watch carefully before beginning their project

Students will plan out their project on paper, making a pattern to followStudents will cut out and bevel the edges of all pieces needed for the

project

Students will continue to score all the beveled edges making sure to score partway onto the flat surface also

Students will then be ready to slip and add coils for strength

Once the pot is completely assembled it can be airbrushed with terra sigillata while it is leather hard

This is not recommended unless you are capable of cleaning the airbrush thoroughly when applying the liquid as terra sigillata may clog the brush

This piece has white terra sigillata brushed on above the blue mountain lineThe piece is now ready for bisque firing