Creating a Folded Slab Lidded Pot from a One Piece Pattern - An Intermediate to Advanced Technique

This video is a demonstration of Creating a Folded Slab Box from a One Piece Pattern An Intermediate to Advanced Technique. I am using a smooth soft slab in this video but of course, you can make it with texture if you desire. I have made this video for my Ceramics students at Mason High School to aid them with developing a personal project for the final Pick A Passion Project every semester. I will include an image of the pattern and measurements on a shared Googledoc for reference. The patterns will be on an 8.5x11” document, but you can enlarge it to make it whatever size you want. I will have a key for the size on the document.
This is the pdf of the pattern:
drive.google.com/file/d/1zrtu...
As I recommend in the video, I suggest that if you have not done soft slab building previously, that you start with something a bit easier- like a cup or a bowl to learn the basics of this method of construction before you try something more advanced with so many multiple parts like the lidded pot. Here are a couple of videos here for a good place to start:
Slab cylinder bowl: • Textured Slab Bowls Fr...
Slab cylinder cups: • Three Variations on Ma...
Tripod Cylinder cups: • How to make a Tripod T...
Cylinder cup with squared bottom: • Creating a Round Slab ...
The slabs are rolled using my ¼” thick hardwood slab sticks and a rolling pin. I don’t show the rolling on camera since this is a more advanced lesson. I use a pattern I made out of mylar. It is a great material for classroom templates, as they last for years and years. Here is a link to it on Amazon- and you will also find more links in my Googledoc below to other materials and tools I use and recommend. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
I like using a one piece slab pattern for this, as it lends a very curvy nature to the bottom. I bevel the corners before slipping and scoring. The lid is made from a slab, and I show how I dome it upside down on the leatherhard top rim. I add a flange on the underside of the lid and a knob.
When everything is finished, I don’t believe I mention it, but SLOW EVEN DRYING is of the greatest importance for even drying. Don’t ever allow your pieces to dry fast and unevenly especially in a draft or sunlight. I cover mine with a few layers of a heavy bath towel, and then lightly drape a bag over that. After a day, I removed the bag, and left the towel for the complete drying. It took a week to A week and a half to dry before I fired it. Remember that water vapor needs to be gone, as if it reaches 212 degrees and turns to steam, it becomes a powerful explosive to clay.
Check out my Amazon Influencer Store where I have recommendations for some of my favorite tools and products many of which I use in my videos- which are available on Amazon. www.amazon.com/shop/karanspot...
For the great tools I used in the video (including the MKM rollers and the wooden Kemper tools) check out this link to a live Googledoc I continually update with lots of my favorite tools on Amazon using my associate links! (also some non-amazon suggestions on here!)
docs.google.com/document/d/1X...
In this video, I am using Standard 153, a nice midrange firing grogged stoneware in my classroom. (Standard is a brand name of a Company for those of you out of the US)
I am a public high school ceramics teacher at William Mason High School in Mason, Ohio. (Mason is currently the largest high school in Ohio!) As a potter, I have been working in clay for over 30 years, and I have been teaching for over 28 years, the past 20 have been specifically teaching high school ceramics. I love what I do! I have my own studio in my home basement, where I work on my personal pottery for my Etsy site; www.etsy.com/shop/KaransPotsA...
I started my KZbin channel a few years ago, to make videos to help my students if they are absent and miss a demo, or if they would like to explore more advanced techniques independently. I have been amazed to reach such a wider audience than my own students!
Please subscribe to my channel if you would like to receive channel updates, or would like to learn more about clay and studio processes!

[@ericspann7620]

THANK YOU for your time-consuming efforts in creating these videos and for sharing your patterns! You're a truly benevolent teacher! I'm learning a great deal from you!

[@nellscudder4818]

Fantastic! Love that you cover all the details and share such great tips without taking too long.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Thanks so much!

[@matthewgoveia8994]

Paper towel trick. Mind blown!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@kathycassidy1169]

I really love your videos! I'm a beginner potter and have severe arthritis in both hands and found the wheel almost impossible. Your slab projects have kept me motivated and inspired me to keep on trying. You're a great teacher! thank you!

[@texasgemtree]

You are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing publicly. I am taking a small ceramics class this month at a shop. This is giving me cool ideas on things to work on after the class.

[@user-wf2ic4zh9b]

Thank you such an informative video lots of helpful tips too 😊

[@pamelanelson6902]

Your teaching is wonderful. Thank you

[@franhenry1719]

Outstanding. I can't wait to make this box! I like watching you work.

[@dennism5565]

thanks for sharing your creativity with us!

[@kristinemonaco6501]

I love watching your demonstrations and I will definitely try your techniques! Thank you for sharing!

[@sostinkinhappy]

Loving all of your videos! Thanks so much for sharing all of your knowledge with us - really appreciate the time you have taken to do it.

[@ginafeddersen8200]

What a neat trick for the lid and lip! Thanks for your video Karan! 🌟😊🌟

[@flikkeringlightz7472]

This is it! I have for the last couple of weeks been wondering about what to do in my yearly ceramics course and this is absolutely it! A set of pots and such like this will keep me from wiggling my thumbs like last week. It was painful. These are so pretty and easy-to-make looking that even i can not make them horrible. Yeah! Thank you!! 😘

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Wonderful!!! I'm so glad you may find it helpful! :)

[@mccarthyhome]

Love this going to make some lanterns for my garden with this pattern. Cut out designs on sides.

[@mrohmiller1098]

How cute! What a fun little box! ❤️

[@magdalenerandall2457]

I love your lesson and the box is beautiful ❤

[@redredwine1277]

I enjoyed watching, very entertaining, thanks for sharing❤️

[@saundragrenard3789]

Great video. My grand daughter loves hand building and punch potting. Your videos are great

[@lajuanadunn6059]

Thank you! Great tutorial! Much appreciated!

[@lindenjenesse5078]

Very nice demo. Thanks!

[@BluePandada]

omg that paper towel trick to measure the top is genius!!!

[@celweb2]

Excellent tutorial!

[@dvernon5198]

Another great lesson. Thank you!

[@terrylust454]

Thank you so much!!! Great instruction! 🌟🌟🌟

[@MsHasanga]

Explained very nicely ,thanks a lot

[@user-en9nq2vd6u]

KaransPotsAndGlass You are a great fellow! Inspire me to work with gdina

[@denavess732]

Very cute! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@carlasmith2105]

Very nice. Thanks for your videos!

[@kalilajones6948]

Great video! thanks for sharing the template too

[@madelineazzopardi6140]

great ideas. Thanks so much!

[@nickacoutin2505]

Very nice , will have to try it. Most of my things are thrown but I do things different every once in a while. Thanks

[@ashleigh2497]

Very awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@carrier1456]

Your voice is so soothing.. love your videos ❤

[@StellaPhotis]

Lovely little box

[@sonyacullen1]

Really relaxing video!😌👍

[@shaunhall960]

Clay is amazing. I'm just getting into ceramics. I've been a metal artist for some time and it's time to try something new.

[@patriciafurr4771]

Thanks, didnt think to bevel sides and use roller. Very helpful

[@CristinaBphoto]

Très joli. Merci beaucoup pour le partage ! 😀👍🏻🌻

[@susanparker3699]

I am glad I rewatched the lid making part. I was in the studio Sunday and couldn’t recall how to add the inner part to hold it on the pot so I winged it. I’ll check it shortly to see if it’s too tight of a fit. If it is, I can make the lid again. 😬

[@nataliecastro4711]

Fabulous video and I appreciate you sharing the template.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

You are so welcome!

[@pamelamartinezgonzalez8211]

Bello me encanto ha ponerlo en práctica gracias.

[@suzanzahavi5465]

Thank you very much for sharing

[@jannavales8434]

awesome... going to do this....thanks

[@alphonsechanekayebone7871]

Beautiful

[@user-et3qb2zx9e]

Excellent

[@marilynjackson5752]

So great. So many great hints. What do you make the template out of?

[@verar7861]

Thank you

[@mikaelak90]

Lovely.

[@raninyehia]

You are the best 🌷

[@ibanailschool63]

Love this video!!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Thank you!

[@patienceabraham9310]

Nice I like that pattern

[@studioveterinario9505]

Grazie mi hai insegnato a fare un oggetto molto bello

[@zoeprimrose2309]

Terrific demonstration! Thank you for giving Sandi Pierrantozzi credit! I’ve lost the dvd I had of her workshop-boohoo-so your demo was just what I needed.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

She’s absolutely amazing, isn’t she??!!

[@lisalovelylpa]

Great video ! What kind of aurfavw do you work on , my clay always sticks to the work area grr lol Any tips ?

[@suprememtb124]

thanks mart

[@user-xp7ky5zt5t]

Formidable!

[@LoriBergvall]

Thank you for informative and exited designs. I noticed that the template needs to be enlarged to make it the 3 3/8 " for the width and sides. I added the necessary width/length (I don't have my calculation in front of me) so that my actual template reflected the 3 3/8" and not the smaller one it would be if I had simply printed out the googledoc paper. Am I correct on the adjustments I made? I hope I am explaining myself appropriately. Although, if I am correct, you'll know exactly what I mean. I am just tickled that you've been adding COVID19 projects - so kind and fun of you! You have so many followers that are not your students. I live in CA

[@vickieblair2160]

I really like this technique. Do you have a video on how to glaze the lid? Does the flange and the underside of the top get glazed? Also when you bisque fire, do you fire with the lid in place? Thanks so much!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

I currently don't have a video on lid glazing. But, to answer the more important question... I fire lids on during both bisque and glaze. That way if they warp- they warp together... when fired apart, they often don't fit correctly after firing. I don't glaze any area in which the lid and pot could potentially touch. So, inside the rim of the pot the depth of the flange, the outside of the flange, the underside of the lid, and the top rim of the pot! I hope that helps! :)

[@vaninarobledo7731]

The clay must be softer or lasting to make the azucarera

[@gi10]

As usual it was explained so well. I have been learning pottery myself and recently I learned that if the slab made item is left covered to dry then there are very few changes for it to wobble or change shape. I struggled with that to a point of frustration hahahaha. And was quite happy to read that you have mentioned something similar below the video. May I please know what is the white material you have used to create the outline of the jar on the slab? Also thanks again for this amazing clip. 😀

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Thank you!! As I’m not on my computer right now, it’s hard for me to find a direct link- but- if you look in the video description, you’ll see my googledoc in which I put Amazon links! Search the document for “Mylar” I believe- it should pop up! I buy it by the foot- I love it for patterns that last forever!

[@gi10]

Thank you for the information. I found it. 😀 Have a lovely time.

[@thepochade5992]

How long did you let the slab set up for before cutting and folding?

[@judyfox5819]

Quick Question ... when bisque firing a box with a lid, do you fire them together (lid on the box) or separately?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Great question! I always fire lids on! As long as I don’t put the lid and the box together while they’re covered with slip, they should not stick. Firing the lid on allows them to shrink at the same rate. Also, should either of the two warp, they should warp together and still fit after firing! Sometimes, after a glaze firing, sometimes, after firing the glaze, there might be a little bit of vapor glazing that causes it to stick. If that happens, I just tap it gently with a wooden tool to get it to release. Of course, never glaze where the lid and the pot will possibly touch or drip! Firing a lid on doesn’t seal the air in, it will always have means of escape!

[@asmajerbi8579]

Thanks for all what you do for us all your videos are so important for me But please i need a help when i roll out my clay dough i find it full of air bubbles and it takes a huge amount of time to fix it, is there a solution to have a perfect dough or a quick method to remove those bubbles

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

When you wedge, I recommend the clay not be too dry. It's hard to incorporate it well if it's too hard/stiff/dry. Wedging it together well is the key. Wedging without folding, and just gently rotating it into itself may help prevent incorporating air bubbles. I have a couple of videos that cover the basics if you'd like to check out either of them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIHaf3SPq9N-b9k and also this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXOqaoisgMljmsU

[@asmajerbi8579]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass thanks for your answer sur i will check the videos 🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️

[@user-en9nq2vd6u]

Thank you from Russia. What clay do you take to work? Very useful video !!!!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

This is a midfire stoneware- Standard brand 153- fires to cone 5/6 . :)

[@walkerpottery9296-Natalie]

Hi Karan - I love this box - this is Natalie from Etsy - just bought the throwing stick. I want to make one of these but rectangular instead of a square. If I double the length of the center and the sides, would I still follow the same angle? Is it just a 45°? I’m making an urn for a friend who lost their corgi & I thought this would represent sort of an abstract corgi body with the short legs/feet. If you sell templates, I’d be happy to buy one from you. 😊💜

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Hi Natalie!!! Yes, it should work with those same angles if you elongate the sides and base!! (I don’t currently have any way to sell templates.). What an adorable idea to make it a corgi! Good luck! I’m sure it will be treasured by your friend!! 🥰

[@user-nq6ul8pp3d]

👍👍😻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻THANKS

[@karenwick2461]

Hi, Karen! I have a few questions: Did you slow dry the pot (with plastic bag)? Was the top and bottom dried together or separately? How long long did it take to dry? If you wanted to put a decorative slip on the outside, would you do it at the leather hard stage and let it dry all at the same time? Thank you so much for your videos. I find high school ceramic teachers are better at explaining things than the "artists" that teach. You are a great asset to the school.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Yes, I slow dried the lidded pot - with the lid on, that lessens the tendency for either of the pieces to warp. (And I glaze fire lids in place as well!). I typically dry under a heavy dry towel (like a bath towel) to allow for slow, even drying rather than non-breathable plastic! Length of drying? Maybe about 4-5 days? When it gets close to bone dry then I remove the towel! If I wanted decorative slip, I’d do it at the stiff leatherhard stage. Again, I’d try to cover it when the slip wouldn’t get messed up by the towel. Let me know if I missed anything!

[@karenwick2461]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass Thank you, Karan, for your quick and thorough response. I made the pot today. The only think I may have done in error is not wait until the slab was less plastic and made it after wedging the clay. It has stayed together but I wasn't able to tip it over to make the bottom with space for legs. I found something to make the towel a tent to keep it off the pot top. FYI I graduated from high school (in Rochester, NY) 51 years ago, so now you have students of "ALL" ages. Your videos are a very valuable tool. I hope your administration is aware of your dedication. Unfortunately your students won't appreciate you like I do until they hit at least 30. LOL

[@johnruel-vv7ix]

can i get a copy of the template? I love this box!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

drive.google.com/file/d/1zrtud6mU_CpMp1duemlivnTyvWCgMzZx/view?usp=sharing Just as an fyi, I always have these links in the video description under the videos!

[@PamSpaulding-vg9rh]

Love the video, cant wait to make one. Is there a printable pattern for it?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Yes- I always have the links within the video description under the video. Here is the link for this one: This is the pdf of the pattern: drive.google.com/file/d/1zrtud6mU_CpMp1duemlivnTyvWCgMzZx/view?usp=sharing

[@PamSpaulding-vg9rh]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass Thank you so much.. I am enjoying learning from your videos and just want to run to my shop and create after I watch them. :)))

[@bettydouglas-hedges2254]

what are the dimensions of the tempalates

[@CannedCrab]

can someone give me notes on this. PLEASE. I have notes for this due soon.

[@vickieblair2160]

I printed the template out and it was very small. Did you enlarge your template in this video?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Yes- mine was larger- I had to shrink it to get it on the 8.5" document- you can enlarge it with a projector if you have a way to project it and trace! You can see on the pattern I gave the measurements I used!

[@mccarthyhome]

Why vinegar instead of water for slip?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Hi Anne- I wish I could give you a true articulate technical reason/explanation. This is going to be less technical, but no less practical. I was taught this years ago not knowing why at the time. When you add vinegar, the acidic reaction will sometimes make the surface of the clay a bit more "active". Especially if the clay is drier... if I am attaching dry pieces or broken dry things, vinegar is my go to, as it will bubble the surface and truly activate it. Now, my rudimentary explanation of this is that vinegar is a flocculant... it will cause the particles of the clay to clump together- (especially when dry)- and I figure if you're making the clay surface more active, that will allow you to get a stronger bond between the pieces. I hope this somewhat helps to explain my reasoning! :)

[@kathydenver5270]

How can I get the template for this project?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

The link is in the video description! :)

[@catherinehubbs8770]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass Thank you!

[@sophieheim3193]

If you blow out the seam, should you start over?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

I usually just carefully pull it back together!

[@user-jt5mq9yo5b]

😊💗👏

[@waynelittle7089]

Wellllll I cannot find the description to locate the link.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

See if this helps!!! If you are on a DESKTOP- you will find the video description underneath the video and title. If you are on a MOBILE DEVICE, you will see the title below the video, then look to the right for a little ‘arrow’ which becomes a drop-down menu. Open that drop down menu, and the video description will be visible. In both cases, your video cannot be playing full screen while viewing the video description.

[@mattmurray778]

Thank you! Seems like the narrator is out of breath. Cant wait to see more and variations

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Lol! I certainly may have been! I shot it the last week of school, after a full day of teaching in the afternoon when the kids were gone! I try hard to keep my energy up- but it certainly can be telling in my breath! Oops!

[@mattmurray778]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass dont! You did great! Think of these videos as parts of a formula, dont do it all at once. Get help if you need it we can all chip in. You already carry the weight of the world!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

@@mattmurray778 Lol! Thanks for the kind thoughts! :) That's one thing about teaching though... it's kinda a one-person operation! Maybe someday I could get a videographer or editor to help out!

[@mattmurray778]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass you already have it in your audience!

[@SuesOriginals]

I bet one of your students would love to video for you. What a wonderful teacher you are.

[@bettydouglas-hedges2254]

what are the dimensions of the templates

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Hi Betty- I don’t have time to look for the link as I’m out, but if you look in the video description- I have the dimensions available in there. There’s a PDF pattern that you’re welcome to download!

[@marian4ohio]

what are the dimensions of your pattern?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

That’s a complex pattern. There is a link to the pattern in the video description. If you are on a DESKTOP- you will find the video description underneath the video and title. If you are on a MOBILE DEVICE, you will see the title below the video, then look to the right for a little ‘arrow’ which becomes a drop-down menu. Open that drop down menu, and the video description will be visible. In both cases, your video cannot be playing full screen while viewing the video description.

[@jeanarcuni]

What was in the bottle? Slip?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Bottle? I don’t recall a bottle. There was a container of water- if that’s what you’re talking about! The water is what I use on scoring.

[@sujaytv]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass the squeeze bottle! (eg @14:44)

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

OHHHHHHH!! Lol! Yes, indeed, that was slip!!!

[@jackiemorrison6024]

Thst was great! Can you post the dimensions of the pattern?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Good morning- if you go to the video description, you will find a Google dock link to a PDF of the pattern! If you’re on a mobile device go to the title under the video when viewing it, and there’s a drop-down menu to the right where you will see “more” and that contains the video description.

[@jackiemorrison6024]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass thank you so much!! You are an awesome teacher! I learn so much

[@Lathusa]

omg that paper towel trick to measure the top is genius!!!

[@Lathusa]

thanks

[@Lathusa]

how are you today?

[@NANANDGRACER]

Thank you