1. 6th Grade Clay Project What is a “Slab Vessel”?
Slab- Construction Vessels
6th Grade Clay Project
What is a “Slab Vessel”?

2. Your Vessel MUST have:
A slab built body (flat clay transformed into a 3D shape)
Coils used in some way: decorative or structural support
A use
A theme

3. Your Vessel MIGHT have:
Handle or handles (on the body, on the lid…)
Cut-out shapes on body and lid for a luminary (candle holder)
Shapes/design that stick out from surface (added on clay)
A repeated pattern to enhance the theme
A lid and way for lid to stay on (“flange” or irregular edge)

4. What is your container going to hold? What is its USE?
Luminary (candle holder)
Pencil jar
School supplies (paperclips, elastics…)
Liquid (tea, juice, water….)
***Also consider WHO this is for*** (you or a future gift)
Which leads us to…. THEME

5. Choosing a Theme
Once you know the purpose and the future owner, consider what designs and details are most appropriate.
Ask yourself: What imagery best suits the owner?
If you are keeping the container- think about what you would like as a design. If it is a gift, think about the taste of the receiver. ( Maybe mom/dad doesn’t have the same connection with Batman that you do… ) So what do they like?

6. Selecting a Shape
Slabs can make many interesting shapes. They can make basic cubes, pyramids, cylinders…or complex shapes!
The thing to remember is- Flat clay can only be curved so much. Domes and spheres require much more complex design work and geometry.
Ever try to form a sphere with a flat sheet of paper? Now imagine trying this with floppy clay.
Here are some good shape choices…..

7. Flat to 3D! Plan Ahead! Cube Cylinder Pyramid How many sides?
What shapes?

8. Varieties of Boxes

9. Who says a box has to be square?

10. Luminary Ideas