Slab Boxes

In this workshop, we’re building a small lidded box using slab-building techniques — a simple project that introduces the fundamentals of creating structured, straight-walled forms.

We’ll begin by preparing your clay slabs and looking at the essential tools you’ll need for slab building. You’ll learn how to roll out even slabs, compress them properly to help prevent cracking and allow them to firm up to the right consistency for construction.

Working with slabs that are slightly firm or leather hard gives you more control when assembling structured forms. Using simple templates, you’ll cut the individual pieces for the base, walls and lid before bringing everything together.

We’ll focus on scoring, slipping and joining the clay securely, as well as managing moisture throughout the build. You’ll learn how to align walls, correct uneven joins and reinforce seams so your box remains stable as you work.

Once the structure is assembled, we’ll refine the seams and smooth the joins using both tools and your fingers. Finally, we’ll create a fitted lid by cutting an opening into the form and cleaning up the edges to create a functional and playful lidded container.

This workshop gives you a reliable foundation for working with slab-built closed forms. Once you understand the process, you can take these techniques further and experiment with more complex boxes, containers and structured slab-built designs.

What you'll learn

• How to roll and prepare even clay slabs
• Why compressing slabs helps prevent cracking
• How to work with leather-hard clay for structured forms
• How to use simple templates to cut consistent shapes
• How to cut the base, walls and lid for your box
• How to score and slip clay to create strong joins
• How to manage slab moisture while building
• How to align walls and maintain a stable structure
• How to fix uneven joins and adjust pieces during construction
• How to reinforce seams for added strength
• How to smooth and refine joins using tools and fingers
• How to create a fitted lid by cutting an opening into the form
• How to refine edges and clean up slab-built surfaces
• How to build a foundation for more complex slab-built forms