After sketching it out on paper, I roll a slab big enough for the bottom. I then roll lots of slabs for the sides which are usually about 3" x 15" and attach them, using scratch and slip, to the base building vertically. I then build the next layer. Usually, I can only do two layers during one session or the weight of the soft clay will begin collapsing. So, I let it dry covered for at least a day.
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Shown here is the piece after the second or third day I have worked on it. A total of five layers.,
Here is the piece with eight layers on it. This is going to be the final size and is actually close to the maximin height that the kiln will hold. If you look closely, you can see the divisions between the layers. Once I get to this point, I do a critical evaluation of the design and determined if it would look better with a few alterations. See next picture.
I felt it would be more visually appealing with the bottom left corner slanted rather than parallel to the table surface. I felt the top should reflect this so I cut some off to make it slanted. Then I felt the upper right corner didn't carry enough visual weight, so I added a little box to that area. I was now pleased with the design.
I then spent a great deal of time refining the surface. I used a wooden paddle to help smooth it and to refine the curves. I then used clay shredders (or rasps) to help smooth the clay. I used a large one for the large area and smaller one for the smaller areas. In this picture you can see the smaller one with a reddish handle on the board.
After the clay had dried significantly, I then use coarse sandpaper to smooth it further.
Once it was adequately smooth. I sent it through the first firing. After that the clay is vitrified but still can be sanded. I took it outside and spent some time sanding it as smooth as I could and then sent it to the second and final firing.
Here it is after the second firing in my house. I was quite happy with it.
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