How to … : a Clay Series

by Katie Duson & Alyx Murray

Clay preparation.

Cut off the desired amount of clay and place on a wooden surface. Start folding and kneading the clay until it becomes compact and there is no air left inside 

Slab rolling.

This video shows how to roll a slab on a specific slab rolling table, however the same effect can be achieved with a simple rolling pin and two books at either side to keep it level. 

Step 1: 

First, flatten the clay into a cube-like shape on a wooden surface before beginning to roll. 

Step 2:

Lay down a piece of fabric and place the clay on top before adding an extra piece of fabric on top of the clay.  

Step 3:

If using a slab roller, set the height of the roller using the wheels on the sides of the rotating piece. Use the larger wheel to move the roller over the clay and flatten it to the chosen thickness.  

If you are using a rolling pin and books, measure the heights of each book to ensure the piece will be an even thickness throughout. Set the rolling pin on top of the books and use it as if its rolling pastries.  

Step 4:

Take the fabric off the slabs and transfer to a wooden surface while allowing it to dry and become leather hard. 

 Coil building.

Step 1:

Take a small amount of clay and roll it into a snake-like coil using your hands. Try to keep all of the coils at an even thickness so your piece stays the same thickness the whole way through. 

Step 2:

Begin by wrapping the coils into your desired shape, we have made small pots but you can make it bigger if you want to create a bowl or wrap it in a cylindrical shape if you want to create an elongated dish.  

Step 3:

As you add coils on top of your base shape, try and smooth the clay together with your fingers so you have one continuous coil all the way along. If your clay is dry, score and slip wherever a new coil meets. (This process will be shown at the end of the video.) 

Step 4:

Use your finger or flat edged tool to smooth the sides once your basic shape is achieved. If the clay is too dry, try using a damp sponge to achieve a smooth finish.  

Step 5:

Add any designs on after you have smoothed the sides to ensure you have kept the same thickness throughout the piece. 

Step 6

(Scoring and Slipping): To score and slip dryer clay or to attach two individual pieces together (e.g. A handle), take a sharp tool and start creating criss-cross shapes across the edges where the piece will be joined. Use a mixture of slip, (clay and water in a soup-like consistency, not too watery, not too thick) on top of the criss-cross pattern and press the pieces together. Allow it to dry for a minute or two before smoothing out around the joint.