Looking for a fun and functional clay project? Our step by step tutorial will guide you through the process of making a drinking tumbler. Since this will be for kitchen use make sure the clay you're using is food safe.
- ceramic clay (this will require a kiln to fire)
- cloth canvas or a cut piece of denim
- rolling pin or other large cylinder object for rolling (an empty jar or wine bottle works well)
- sharp pencil or pin tool
- sponge or soft paper towel
- small cup of water
1. Roll out a large oval slab. You will be cutting the wall and base from this slab. For a larger tumbler, roll out a larger slab.
2. Cut a circle from one end of your slab. This will be the base of your cup. You can use a circular object as a guide. Remember to account for shrinkage. For a larger tumbler, cut a larger base. Make a notch on one edge of the circle.
3. Line up the notch you made on the base with the edge of the remaining slab. Roll the base along the slab until you cover the full length of the base. Make one full rotation and add 1/4cm for blending.
4. Cut out the slab you've measured using your base. This will be the wall of your tumbler.
5. Using your pin tool or a sharp pencil score (scratch) the edges of your wall to attach it securely to your base.
6. Score the edges of your base. The textured surface will act like velcro.
7. Add a very small amount of water to the edges you've just scored. This will act as "glue" and allow your pieces to stick together.
8. Gently guide the pieces together and apply even pressure.
9. There will be a slight overlap in the wall of the tumbler, this is where you'll blend the seam.
10. Blend slightly. Before fully blending the walls and base, gently roll your tumbler cup to give it a uniform shape.
11. Begin gently blending the clay at the seam. Don't forget to support the tumbler from the inside as you blend the exterior and vice versa. You can also leave the exterior seam as-is for a truly handmade look. We chose to blend the seam for this project.
12. Carefully blend the base to the wall. Make sure the inside is blended well for a water-tight finish.
13. Using a soft sponge smooth the walls and seams where you've blended. You can also let this dry and continue smoothing after it's more set.
14. Fire your tumbler and glaze with a food safe glaze. Make an entire set or add a handle to make a mug.
You can use the slab building technique to make larger or smaller vessels including vases!
Looking for video tutorials? Watch our entire Clay Time series
here.
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And remember, it's about the process, not the product!
