Slab Box Demonstration

This week our demonstration was a variation on last weeks purse demo. I made a template out of posterboard that resembled the shape of an iron cross. Placing the template on top of a large slab of clay, I traced and cut around it. (note: clay should be about a 1/4 inch thick) Next I joined each edge together one at at time to form the box shape. By adding strips over each side seam and top edge, I got the desired look of a paper or soft leather box. I then added the detail of the stitching and button(I used a eucalyptus pod to texture the button..try it sometime..it makes a really gorgeous flower impression). Two really important things to remember is work with the clay when it is fresh out of the bag. This enables you to just moisten the seam and not have to score. The second thing is to not over-work or over-handle the clay. It was great to see how many students gave it a go! Next week I'll get back on the wheel and give equal time to the throwers in class! I've included pics of the demo and also my talented and wonderful students in my Thursday morning class! I'll be bringing my camera to my Tuesday and Wednesday classes so beware!!