Mar 27, 2017 · In fact, my first successes in my ceramics 101 class were because I learned how to hand build using slabs of clay. Success on the pottery wheel came much later. I’m gearing up for my next soda firing at the guild towards the end of April and will be hand building mugs, bowls and other functional pottery. Make a kiln - Build your own kiln for pottery; Pit fire clay - a traditional method of firing pots in a pit. Smoke firing in a dustbin - this is the method we tried. Things to Know All of the above methods require low-firing clay (school pottery clay is fine). When you first make a model, it is called 'greenware'. (The potter’s wheel is used for forming round shapes such as bowls or vases. Other forms can be hand built using clay slabs and coils.) Trimming. Once the greenware is dry and firm enough to handle (leather hard), it is placed back on the wheel and trimmed to its final form using a variety of tools to work the spinning pot. Design ideas and inspiration. All Wedding & Party. Party Supplies ... There are 321 slab pottery vase for sale on Etsy, and they cost $43.91 on average.