Sample Module Structure

Examples of First Few Module Items

There are a few differences in how these are presented on this site: 1.) Videos are typically embedded, 2.) There are different separating dividers between certain content types to allow a visual guide as to where you are on the page.

Module Item 1: Practice: Slab-Project

Understand

Slab Construction

Goal 🎯Practice constructing a slab-built pot by crafting one.
Objectives ☑️

• Describe what a slab-built pot is.
• Explain the various steps involved in making a slab-built pot.
• Craft a slab-built pot out of clay.

Requirements

• Using the studio stoneware clay (we use 101 Hugo Buff) construct a coil pot.
• Make the slabs / walls even thickness throughout the entire pot.
• Work to have a smooth surface.

Create

How to Make a Slab-built Pot
Watch — 
Slab Building Basics | Craig Underhill

Pro Tips 🔑

• Keep the wall even thickness, this prevents cracks.
• You can work with soft slabs or leatherhard slabs — each produces a different result, EXPERIMENT!
• Jump in and begin, do not worry about making mistakes!

Reflect & Refine

What to Submit

​➡️ To this Assignment

• A photograph of your completed greenware project. [.jpg or .png]
• A short, 3–5 sentence statement about what you discovered by making this project. [.pdf]

➡️ In the Studio

• Bring your physical project to class.

Module Item 2: Conceptualize & Mock-up

Understand

Discussion: Let's learn from each other!

Goal 🎯Design a ceramic sculpture using slab construction that utilizes light as part of form. Explore geometric forms, positive/negative space, and surface patterns created by opening inspired by the world around you — nature, abstract art, architecture, typography, and more. Your piece should incorporate intentional openings to allow light to shine through; Use a pre-made light kit.
Objectives ☑️

• Research slab construction and lighting concepts in ceramic design.
• Develop 10–20 thumbnail sketches exploring form, openings, and how light interacts with your design.
• Build a to-scale paper mock-up to plan your structure.
• Prepare your slabs for construction.

Requirements

• Include multiple forms in your sketches (30–60 sec each, quick and loose).
• Construct a 3D paper mockup that matches your intended clay sculpture’s size and shape; Build to scale.
• Purchase your light kit or contact the instructor for alternative solutions.
• Concept should avoid clichés (e.g., hearts, stars, images that retain copyright) and focus on form and structure.
• Post your sketches and mock-up for peer feedback during the conceptualization process. Refine your concept design throughout this process.
• Remember, this is not simply a cylinder with holes cut in it. Think sculpture.

Exploring Slab Construction and Paper Mock-upsRead — The Basics of Hand-building Slab Pottery by Beth Perterson | The Spruce CraftsUseful Tool — Use this Template Maker as a starting point.

Review — Making Clay Slabs | Craig Underhill

Watch — Using Construction Paper to Build a Model or Mock-up Prototype for Slab Ceramic Pottery | Karan’s Pots and Glass
Watch — 5 Amazing and Easy Pottery Projects Using Templates! Turn Paper Origami Templates into Pottery! | Little Street Pottery

Create

Production Process

Step 1: Gather Supplies for Sketching

• Pencil
• Eraser
• Paper or sketchbook.

Step 2: Sketch Thumbnail Ideas

• Create 10–20 quick thumbnail sketches to explore a range of design possibilities.
• Focus on form, structure, and how light will interact with openings in your sculpture.
• Keep each sketch loose and fast—30 to 60 seconds per idea. The goal is quantity, not perfection!
• Consider how geometric or organic forms might be constructed using slab techniques.

Step 3: Gather Supplies for Mock-up Creation

• Heavyweight paper or cardstock
• Ruler
• Scissors or X-Acto knife
• Pencil
• Masking tape

Step 4: Build a Paper Mock-up

• Choose one of your best thumbnail concepts to explore in three dimensions.
• Using thick paper or cardstock, carefully draw and cut out panels that match the sizes and shapes of your planned clay slabs.
• Use a piece of string or a ruler to measure shapes accurately.
• Fold and tape edges together to form your basic structure. You can score folds where needed to help with the folding process.
• Consider how the light will shine through openings or negative spaces. Cut out windows or piercings in the paper model to experiment with light play.
• This paper mock-up should be built to scale and serve as a construction template for your clay slab sculpture.

Need help with the mock-up process? Review the video above or simply ask.

Step 5: Prepare Slab

• Take time to prepare and store clay slabs before the next class session.
• Storing clay slab is easy, simply stack them on top of each other! Place paper on the bat, then place a slab on top of the paper, then place another piece on top of that slab, then another piece of paper on top, and so on...Be careful not to make it too heavy to lift.

Reflect & Refine

What to Submit
➡️ Post, Required
4 points

1. 10–20 thumbnail sketches exploring form, openings, and light. [embed a .jpg or .png]. Explain your concept.
2. Photographs of your completed paper mock-up, built to scale. [embed a .jpg or .png]

➡️  Reply, Required
1 point

• Reply to at least 1 peer with helpful feedback.

​Bring to the Studio for the Next Class 

• Your mock-up for in-person feedback and for use as a template to create your sculptural form.
• Pre-made slabs
• Your light kit

Module Item 3: ​ Illuminated Sculpture — Surface, 3D Pattern

Understand

Discussion: Repeating Patterns & 3D Printing at the Student Maker Studio

Goal 🎯Design a repeating pattern for use in 3D printing to produce a personalized texture roller or stamp for use in your clay surface decoration. We will be using 3D modeling software, ItsLithoLinks to an external site. or TinkerCADLinks to an external site., in the Library Student Maker Studio (SMS).
Objectives ☑️

• Design a repeating pattern for use in 3D printing.
• Collaborate with the SMS to understand the basics of 3D modeling and 3D printing.
• Gain hands-on experience with digital design tools through ItsLitho.com or TinkerCAD.
• Create either a roller tool with a repeating texture or a set of stamps to press into clay surfaces.
• Prepare these custom tools in advance so they are ready for use during the Surface stage of the Illuminated Sculpture project.

Requirements

• Attend the library workshop on October 1 with the Student Maker Studio staff.
• Bring your designed / digitized pattern ideas for translation into 3D models.
• Choose one of two options:
  • A rolling pin–style texture roller
  • A series of clay stamps
• Finalize your design using ItsLitho.com or TinkerCAD during the session so it can be sent to the 3D printer in time.

Watch — How to Make a Repeat Pattern by Hand | Polina Oshu

Create

Production Process

Phase 1 — Before Meeting in the SMS on October 1stStep 1: Gather Supplies for Sketching

• • Pencil & Eraser
  • Black Marker (Sharpie or POSCA work best)
  • Paper or sketchbook

Step 2: Sketch Thumbnail Ideas

• • Create 10–20 small sketches of patterns you might want to repeat on clay surfaces.
  • Experiment with geometric, organic, symbolic, or narrative motifs.

Step 3: Finalize Your Strongest Design

• • Create a repeating pattern of your strongest design on a 5" x 5" sheet of paper.
  • Be sure to complete your design with a black marker.

Phase 2 — In the SMS WorkshopStep 4: Translate Final Design into 3D Model

• • Work with SMS staff to build your texture roller or stamp design; Consider scale, depth, and how patterns will press into clay.
  • Finalize and export your model.
  • Email your 3D model file to SMS staff for 3D Printing.

Phase 3 — Pick Up 3D ModelStep 5: Visit the SMS

• • Pick up your completed 3D model and bring it to our next ceramic studio class.

Reflect & Refine

Consider your design solution, refine as necessary, then submit.

What to Submit
➡️ Post, Required
5 pointsThis discussion will take place over the next few weeks!

• 10–20 thumbnail sketches exploring surface texture (embed as .jpg or .png).
• Photo of your final design file (embed as .jpg or .png)
• Photo of your final 3D printed roller (embed as .jpg or .png)

➡️ Reply, Optional
0 points

• Respond to your peers with comments or encouragement.

Bring to the Studio for the Next Class 

• Your in-process sculpture
• Your light kit

​I will bring your 3D printed texture rollers!