DIY POTTERY – Hand-Building

Roll a Slab

When hand-building your own pottery, there are 3 ways to begin making your basic forms. Slab building is one of those 3 methods!

This how-to guide will lead you through the steps to rolling out a slab to begin making your very own pieces!

Time

15 Minutes

Skill

Beginner

Age

Ages 8+
GET READY

SUPPLIES + TOOLS

  • Clay (low, mid or high fire) - amount depends on project
  • Workspace Cover: Non-stick surface
  • Rolling pin
  • Needle tool or wooden skewer
  • Optional: Rolling slats/rolling pin guides of desired width
  • Optional: Rubber or Wooden Rib
  • Optional: Canvas cloth

PREPARATION

Prepare Your Workspace

  • Set up a clean, non-stick surface.
  • Arrange all tools and supplies for easy access.
MAKE IT

INSTRUCTIONS

➊ Measure Clay

  • Depending on your project, measure out your clay. 2 pounds of clay is generally a good start for most projects!

➋ Wedge the Clay

  • Once clay has been cut and measured to your desired size, wedge with your preferred method.

➌ Start Rolling

  • To begin rolling, start by flattening your clay slightly with your hands. This will make it easier to go over with the rolling pin. 
  • If using rolling guides, lay them on either side of your piece of clay.
  • If using canvas cloth, lay the cloth over your clay to prevent it from sticking to your rolling pin as you work.
  • Try to roll back and forth, but keep the direction consistent.
  • If not using any rolling guides, make sure to keep your pressure even to avoid creating area that are thinner or thicker than the rest of the slab.

➍ Flip and Rotate

  • As your clay gets thinner, make sure to rotate your clay to prevent it from getting to long in one direction. 
  • Flipping your clay over can help prevent any unwanted texture or cracking along the edges.
  • Continue to flip, rotate, and roll your clay until you’ve reached the desired width for your slab. 

➎ Pop Any Air Bubbles

  • If any air bubbles form on the surface as you roll, you can use a needle tool or pointed tool to pop them, and use your finger to smooth the surface back out.

➏ Smooth Out Your Slab

  • Using some water and your fingers or a rib, gently smooth out the surface of your slab on both sides to remove any unwanted texture.

Safety and Best Practices

  • Keep your work surfaces and tools clean and wet to avoid dust. Wear a dust mask if working with dry materials.
  • Wear protective gear when using a heat gun.
  • Let pieces dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. If you need to pause while working, cover your pottery with a wet towel or plastic wrap to keep it moist.
  • Follow all kiln safety instructions for bisque and glaze firings.
LOVE IT

CLEANING AND CARING FOR HANDMADE POTTERY

Handmade pottery, with its unique charm and character, requires special care to maintain its beauty and functionality. Here are recommended guidelines to ensure your pottery stays in excellent condition for years to come.

Cleaning Handmade Pottery

General Cleaning:

  • Use warm, soapy water to gently wash your pottery. Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can dull the glaze or damage the surface.
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching.
  • For unglazed areas, a soft brush can help remove dirt without damaging the pottery.

Removing Stains:

  • Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply it to stained areas and gently rub with a soft cloth.
  • Rinse thoroughly after stain removal.

Dishwasher Use:

  • While some pottery is dishwasher safe, hand washing is always preferred to prevent chipping and preserve the finish.
  • If using a dishwasher, place pottery in a secure spot where it won't knock against other items.

Caring for Your Pottery

Avoiding Thermal Shock:

  • Do not subject pottery to sudden temperature changes (like taking a dish from the refrigerator and placing it in a hot oven).
  • Warm up pottery gradually if it needs to be exposed to high temperatures.

Microwave Use:

  • Ensure the pottery is marked as microwave safe.
  • Avoid microwaving pottery with metallic glazes or decorations.

Storing Pottery:

  • Stack items carefully to avoid chipping.
  • Place a soft cloth between items if stacking is necessary.

Repairing Damaged Pottery:

  • For chips or cracks, consult a professional for repair, especially for valuable or sentimental pieces.
  • DIY repair kits are available, but be aware that repaired pottery may not be food safe or hold liquids reliably.

Special Considerations

Food Safety:

  • Check your pottery for cracks, poorly sealed joints, deep texture in areas where food/drinks will touch. Cracks can leak and/or allow moisture into the body of the clay. In addition, cracks and deep texture can harbor bacteria which can make you sick.
  • Check for sharp edges, points or bubbles from glaze. Be careful when checking sharp areas to avoid cuts.
  • For mugs, ensure the handle and mug are fully attached and are not weakly joined. Handles that are not properly joined, are thin or weakly constructed can break under the force of a filled cup causing injury.

Displaying Pottery:

  • Keep pottery out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Avoid placing pottery in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

Longevity Tips:

  • Treat handmade pottery with care and respect; it’s not just a functional item but a piece of art.
  • Regularly inspect for any signs of wear or damage.

Remember, handmade pottery carries the touch and spirit of the artist. Proper care will ensure it remains a cherished part of your collection for years to come.
SHARE IT

Share your project using the hashtag #smashedstudioproject and earn points to use toward your next purchase.

1. Measure Clay

Watch Video

2. Wedge Clay

Watch Video