Here is simple step‑by‑step guide to making a handbuilt cup from a slab, an easy project for beginners and a relaxing one for anyone who loves working with their hands.
You can press fresh leaves, textures, or stamps right into the clay to create natural designs, then shape and build your own cup from start to finish. Follow along and make your own handbuilt cup using just a few basic tools.
Tools:
- Rubber Rib
- Sponge
- Brush
- Pin tool
- Stamps/textures/leaves
- Cup template (body and base) 3" Base x 6" Tall x 4" top
Prep & Design
- Smooth your clay slab with the rubber rib to create an even surface. This prepares the clay for decoration.
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Add your surface designs. Press stamps, leaves, or textures gently into the clay. You can overlap designs. Press letter stamps to add your name.
Attachment
- Place the template on the slab and trace around it with the pin tool. Cut out the cup body shape.
- Use the round template to cut out the base. Write or stamp your name on one side of the circle. This name-side will face down when the cup sits on the table.
- Slip and score the edges you will attach. Use the pin tool to scratch crosshatch marks on the long edges of the cup body, the bottom edge of the cup body, and the sides of the round base. Lightly coat these scored areas with water.
- Dampen the long side of the cup body first. Bring the two ends together, overlap, and attach them. Use your index finger to press and roll upward along the seam with light pressure. Make sure the inside seam is also pressed together and cleaned. You can use a sponge to smooth the seam, but be gentle so you do not press too hard and tear the clay.
- Attach the base to the cup body and the rim of the round base. Set the cup body onto the base and press gently all the way around to secure it. Smooth the inside and outside connection with your finger or a sponge/brush, using only light pressure.
- Check the rim of the cup and gently compress it with your fingers to even it out. You can lightly smooth the rim with a sponge if needed.
Tip
- When smoothing the outside seam or rim, place one hand inside the cup to support the wall so it doesn’t collapse.