Clay slabs for dinnerware.

This jug is built from a slab. Learn how to do that in the virtual Hand building Porcelain Dinnerware class. 
If you do not work with porcelain clay, any smooth clay body, for instance B- mix from Laguna clay Company will be suitable. 
How does it work? 
Koos and Antoinette video taped the classes and you get 10 weeks of viewing time. You receive reviews, have direct access to  Antoinette and  to other student questions. 

NOW SEE WHAT ALL YOU CAN LEARN AND DO IN THE HAND BUILDING DINNERWARE CLASS

How to throw a clay slab

​Begin by pounding the clay to about 2" thick on the table surface. Pound in all directions so that the clay particles stretches evenly. 

Start to throw slab previously pounded on.

​Lift the slab up and bring it down on the table surface so that the middle of the slab touches the surface first. Imagine this is a tablecloth that you want to drape over a table. If the edges touches first, you have to pick it up and drape again. This is not a forceful action. If the clay is soft enough and pliable, it will stretch with a light touch. 

​When the clay edge touches first, you thin the edge and not the whole slab. Do not use force. Move your body like swinging a golf club when you throw the slab. ​In doing so, turn somewhat sideways and let your body swing along. 
If you slam it down too hard, the clay will stick to the table. 
Every time you pick the clay up, do it from a different place. You want the clay particles to spray evenly in all directions. 
Remember to re compact the clay before you start cutting or forming the slab. 
​If needed reinforce with a roller. 

See how the slab grows with repetitive throwing. keep moving the direction in which the slab stretches.

​It is possible to make many different objects from slabs. The balloon bowls are made from slabs. Many handmade dinnerware pieces starts out from slabs. 
See the content list from the Hand building dinnerware class. 

The dinnerware pieces blow were made from slabs

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