[Clay kneading video]
Clay preparation
Step 1: 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 video]
Slab rolling
Prep: 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 (a): 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.
Step 3 (b): 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 video]
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.
Materials and tools:
Weighing Scales
2 Bowls
Container
Sieve
Spoon or spatula
(for 100g of slip)
25 grams of china clay
25 grams of ball clay
15 grams of fritt 3110
5 grams of talc
5 grams of zirconium silicate
10 grams of borax frit
15 grams of flint
Use 10% of colour when adding in a dye. (e.g. if making 100 grams of slip, add 10 grams of colouring)
Water (in small amounts)
Safety: Make sure to wear the proper protective gear when mixing your slip.
An apron and respirator mask are essential for working with the ingredients involved.
Step 1: Start with measuring out all ingredients into a large bowl except the coloured dye and water. Make sure to get the measurements as accurate as possible. Mix the ingredients together while dry before adding in a small amount of water until it becomes a cake batter consistency; lumps are fine, they will be strained later.
Step 2: Pour the mixture into another bowl through a sieve, use the soon to break up any remaining lumps and help the mixture through the sieve. When its all through, make sure to check the bottom of the sieve in case any of the mixture is stuck underneath the mesh.
Step 3: Next add the colouring depending on how strong or weak you want it to be. The recommended amount for colours is 20% of the overall measurements. (eg. If making 100g of the recipe as shown here, the recommended amount would be 20 grams of colouring.) Mix the colouring into the slip base and strain again into another bowl or the final container.
Extra: If at any point the mixture seems too dry, add an extra bit of water and stir it together before use.