To cut straight edges along two sides of the clay slab, hold a ruler on top of the clay. Pull the needle tool through the clay as you pull it along the edge of the ruler. From this straight edge measure and cut a second edge that is parallel to the first edge. These two edges will mark the height of the pot. The height should not be greater than the height of the cylindrical mold.
Wrap the slab around the mold that has been covered with newspaper as shown on page 29. Use the needle tool to trim extra clay from the ends at the point where they meet. Score both ends by scratching into the top surface of one end and the underside of the other end in order to join them.
Press the scored edges together with your fingers. Use a rib to smooth the clay. You can also pat the seam with a wooden paddle to make the surface smooth. The clay will not stick to the wood, making it an excellent tool for refining the pot surface.
Place the clay cylinder gently onto a smaller second slab of clay. Cut the base by pressing a needle tool to the canvas surface, leaving ¼ to ½ inch around the edge. Lift the clay cylinder from the base.
31
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker