High School

The Essential Question
How can everyday objects become a reflection of personal design and creative identity?

Objective
Students will design and construct a functional mug using slab-building techniques.

Materials

• mid- or low-fire clay
• rolling pins or slab rollers
• clay tools (scoring tools, ribs, texture tools, etc.)
• slip and water containers
• underglaze
• oxide wash or glaze
• kiln access
• examples of handmade mugs for reference

Step 1
Begin by discussing the differences between handmade and mass-produced objects. Show examples of slab-built mugs by contemporary ceramic artists and highlight unique forms, textures, and handle designs.

Step 2
Introduce slab-building techniques: rolling, compressing, cutting templates, and joining seams. Demonstrate how to create a clean cylinder from a slab, then add a base and handle using proper score-and-slip methods.

Step 3
Have students brainstorm and sketch at least two mug design ideas. Encourage creativity in silhouette, texture, carving, stamping, or surface detail. Challenge students to think beyond the basic “straight-sided” mug.

Step 4
Students build their mugs using slabs, focusing on clean seams, even thickness, and well-attached handles. Additions such as sculptural elements, texture, or relief are encouraged, but the mug must remain comfortable and functional.

Step 5
After bisque firing, students apply underglaze, oxide wash, or glaze as appropriate.

Assessment
Students are assessed on craftsmanship, creativity, and how effectively their final mug balances form and function. Can it be held and used comfortably? Does the design reflect personal expression or intention?

Kristina Latraverse is the founder and lead instructor at Seagrass Pottery in Indialantic, Florida.