Ceramic Mugs- Slab Construction

5th Grade students learn the slab-construction method to create clay vessels each year. We practiced rolling slabs to the right thickness, constructing a cylinder with a base, and creating handles. The patterns embossed in the clay were achieved with some fantastic flexible rubber stamps we ordered this year.

Textured Alligator glazes always give a nice effect with this project-- we tried a few matte glazes (red & green) but they seemed to cover up a lot of the patterns we had pressed into the surface. The interior of the vessels are done in a clear overglaze (poured rather than brushed to make sure they are sealed and watertight).