Slump, Hump, & Sling Moulds

1.  A variety of slump moulds made from plywood.  

2.  Detail of  plywood slump mould .  

3.  Detail of  plywood slump mould.  Notice the strips of wood on the bottom edge.
They give height to the mould assuring proper distance for the clay to slump. 

4.  This is a stoneware clay body.  The finished slab thickness  will be
1/4 inch to a 1/2 inch thick.  

5.  This netting will be rolled into the slab for texture.  

6.  This netting will be rolled into the slab for texture.  

7.  After the slab is texture on both the front and back remove the netting.
Place the slab on top of the slump mould.

8.  Tap the slump mould on the table top several times.
Pay special attention to the clay edges and the amount the slab  is slumping.

9.  Check the slump on the underside of the mould.

10.  Notice that the texture expands due to the amount the clay is slumped.

11.  Cut off the excess clay leaving a 1 inch rim around the slumped slab.

12.  When the clay is leather hard you can remove it from the mould.  

13.  Place a sponge under the vessel before you put it on the wheel batt.
This will help keep it from denting in while you throw the foot.

14.  Place a sponge under the vessel before you put it on the wheel batt.
This will help keep it from denting in while you throw the foot.

15.  Place the vessel bottom side up in the middle of the wheel batt.

16.  Use three clay slugs (chunks of clay) the keep the vessel in place while the wheel is turning.
Use a needle tool to scribe a circle on the center of the vessel.
You may need to make adjustments.

17.  When it is centered scribe additional rings to help you gage the diameter of the foot.

18.  Role out a very soft coil of clay about the thickness of a dime.

19.  Slip and score the coil to the vessel.  Use the scribed circles as your guide.

20.  Trim off the excess clay with a needle tool.

21.  Begin throwing the foot.  Don't be in a rush.  Let the wheel spin slowly.

22.  Throw the foot to the desired height.  

23.  Leave the vessel on the wheel after the foot is thrown.
Use a knife to trim the excess clay

24.  Let the foot stiffen and invert your plate.  

25.  Clean up the edges as necessary.