Handbuilt slab plates are a lovely addition to any potter’s repertoire. They are versatile in use, and offer an open canvas to play with a variety of surface treatments. Although they only consist of two components, a slab and a foot, they are often loaded with pesky little problems. Here’s a technique that is sure to provide you with a proud product.

1 Create a pattern, stencil, and foot ring out of paper. Trace and cut the pattern and stencil on a slab. Mark the foot ring.
1 Create a pattern, stencil, and foot ring out of paper. Trace and cut the pattern and stencil on a slab. Mark the foot ring.
2 Attach and refine the foot ring. Use a roller on the foot ring to eliminate any unevenness and secure the join.
2 Attach and refine the foot ring. Use a roller on the foot ring to eliminate any unevenness and secure the join.

3 Place your fingers under the form, press down in the center with your thumbs. Rotate the form and gently lift all four sides.
3 Place your fingers under the form, press down in the center with your thumbs. Rotate the form and gently lift all four sides.
4 Create a slip from your clay body to create a raised line on the surface with a slip trailer. Allow the lines to dry.
4 Create a slip from your clay body to create a raised line on the surface with a slip trailer. Allow the lines to dry.

5 Apply 1–2 coats of underglaze. After it dries, use a metal rib to gently scrape the raised lines to expose the red clay below.
5 Apply 1–2 coats of underglaze. After it dries, use a metal rib to gently scrape the raised lines to expose the red clay below.
6 Carve lines using a sharp-pointed tool. Create a frame around the surface decoration echoing the plate shape.
6 Carve lines using a sharp-pointed tool. Create a frame around the surface decoration echoing the plate shape.

7 Add accent colors by applying underglaze using a slip trailer, then bisque fire the plate.
7 Add accent colors by applying underglaze using a slip trailer, then bisque fire the plate.
8 Apply 1–2 thin coats of a colored, transparent glaze with a soft, moppy brush, then glaze fire the plate.
8 Apply 1–2 thin coats of a colored, transparent glaze with a soft, moppy brush, then glaze fire the plate.

9 A view of the back or bottom of the finished, glazed-fired plate and the unglazed foot ring.
9 A view of the back or bottom of the finished, glazed-fired plate and the unglazed foot ring.

From the Pottery Making Illustrated Jan/Feb 2014 issue.

Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
Topics: Handbuilding Techniques
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