From a Slab of Clay

I hate to rate something so horribly but do not buy this book. From the title, you would think that you would learn some wonderful things to do with a slab of clay. I'm always looking for new ideas and thought that this book would do the trick. Was I so wrong. The first half of the book reads more like a advertisement where pages are wasted listing every kind of roller available, with product descriptions. Really I can get this information from the manufacturers website but actually paid almost $30 to get it in this book. Also contained in the first half is all about tools which was another waste. I guess the author didn't have enough material to do a whole book so just used a good portion of it to support his advertisers. When it finally came time to do some actual work with handbuilding, the information was limited and the examples too few. I apologize to the author who is probably a great potter, but if I were him, I would stay away from doing another instructional book. I really can find more examples, for free on other websites.

Very good for beginning hand-builders, but experienced potters will also find information, clearly presented. The directions are easy to follow, and the step-by-step photographic illustrations are outstanding. The first part of the book deals with equipment and tools. I think this would be most helpful for a potter getting started in hand-buklding. The second part consists of 16 projects, all presented clearly and completely. I particularly like the many little tips for making the piece transcend the ordinary. The "Gallery" at the end gives a wide variety of finished slab-built items. I like the book especially because most of it deals with utilitarian items, as opposed to sculptural work.

This is a well written, well illustrated, well researched practical book about working with clay slabs. It's almost a course in slab work. I refer to it over and over. I like that it's project based. Even has info on equipment you can use for slab construction, including how to make your own slab roller. If you're a clay artist of any level, this is the definitive slab book. It needs to be on your work table. Mine copy is.

I got a slab roller this winter and purchased both this book and one called Slab built ceramics. This one was exactly what I was looking for. Its great for learning basic slab building techniques, and has several projects to help you learn with clear step by step instructions and photographs. I am not a beginner, but the projects helped give me new ideas while expanding my slab building skills.

This book was super helpful in starting my hobby in ceramics. Explained thoroughly in layman's terms. Lots of helpful hints, tips and ideas.

I have been interested in working in clay for a quite a while. So, I decided to look for a comprehensive (yet, smallish book) with illustrations. This book, "From a Slab of Clay," met my criteria. It is easy to read. It is easy to understand. It contains as much information as I need. It is beautiful. Many thanks to Daryl E. Baird!

Very informative.. great clay book to have on your shelf.

This is an excellent comprehensive book, but severely over-priced. I picked out a few gems but thought it should be less expensive for the size.

interesting but much more basic than I was expecting

book with lots of good ideas and tips. A plus is there are instructions on how to make your own slab roller.