Handbuilding 102: Diving Deeper into Slab Techniques at Black Hound Clay South

Black Hound Clay Studio South sits at 1701 Federal Street in South Philadelphia, a compact working studio where makers move from basics into more ambitious slab construction. Handbuilding 102 — Diving Deeper into Slabs: Monday Evenings is an eight-week, instructor-led course (Mondays, January 11–March 1, 6–9 pm) taught by Madeline Rothman that focuses on template-making, hard and soft slab techniques, bisque molds, and advanced surface decoration.

Classes meet in the back classroom of the studio, where a kiln room, glaze library, and dedicated work benches support small-group learning; the class maximum is 12 students, so feedback is constant and hands-on. The curriculum emphasizes practical project work: students build templates, cut and assemble slabs, experiment with textures and slips, and prepare pieces for bisque firing. The course requires a foundation in beginning handbuilding — Black Hound Clay recommends prior experience — and includes 25 pounds of clay, all glazes, firing, tools, and one free open studio session.

What makes this offering stand out in Philadelphia’s active craft scene is the focus on slabs as a disciplined method rather than a casual technique. Working with hard versus soft slabs changes how forms hold edges and stack; learning to make templates and bisque molds elevates a student’s ability to reproduce and refine shapes. Instructor demonstrations break complex sequences into repeatable steps, then the studio’s kiln translates fragile greenware into durable ceramics.

Practical details matter: the class is wheelchair accessible, limited to adults (minimum age 18), and runs in an intimate studio environment that blends instruction with community critique. Payment plans are available for early registrants, and additional clay can be purchased online. Expect to return to class with partially finished pieces that require a glazing and firing cycle; turnaround depends on the studio schedule.

For travelers and local makers alike, this course is an efficient way to deepen skills without a long commute — the South Philadelphia address is easy to reach by local transit and provides a concentration of artist studios and supply resources nearby. Whether you’re building functional tableware or sculptural vessels, the emphasis on slabs teaches control over flat surfaces, measured joins, and sophisticated surface treatment.

Bring curiosity, tolerance for mess, and an eagerness to refine your workflow. With small classes, expert guidance from Madeline Rothman, and the studio’s full support services, Handbuilding 102 is a practical, creative step for anyone serious about mastering slab-based ceramics. Students often find the most rewarding moments in the glaze test area, where slips and oxides reveal unpredictable, beautiful effects. Finished pieces are typically bisqued and glazed on studio timelines; ask instructors about pickup windows. The class culture favors critique, iterative making, and learning to value reproducibility as much as improvisation, and careful documentation.