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From a Slab of Clay

From a Slab of Clay

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By Daryl E. Baird

Working with clay slabs offers more opportunities than any other forming process.  From small dishes and plates to architectural installments, slabs can be used to create any form, any size.  When Daryl E. Baird took notice of all the work being done with this technique, he decided to explore it in depth then open the doors for others to enjoy. In From a Slab of Clay, you'll learn about what it takes to start out on a journey that's sure to last a lifetime.  From setting up a proper working space to selecting the right tools and equipment - including complete instructions for building your own slab roller - Daryl doesn't miss any details for you to consider to assure your success.

Getting Started
For you to enjoy working with any art medium, Daryl maintains that it's important to familiarize yourself with it to play with it awhile before attempting to do anything serious with it.  So, that's where this book starts-by encouraging you to get acquainted with your clay by working it in your hands and learning its technical properties.  He points out that every piece of information you gain adds to your success.  Next to the materials, your workspace is probably the next most important consideration you need to make.  Daryl's been a potter for many years and provides sound advice on tools, equipment, and supplies as well as special considerations for physical limitations and maintenance.

Tools of the Trade
When it comes to making slabs, there are many approaches: rolling pins, wire cutting, slab rollers and even using the wheel!  Daryl not only discusses the many possibilities for creating slabs, but he also demonstrates how to build your own slab roller with parts from the local home center or hardware store.  These detailed drawings provide a step-by-step guide for anyone wanting a slab roller at a fraction of the cost of buying a new one.  But if you want to buy a slab roller, Daryl also provides a survey of the commercial rollers available from the some of the best North American manufacturers: Bailey, Amaco, Northstar and Bellar.

Step-by-Step Instruction
Once you have everything set up and your tools in place, Daryl takes you through a series of step-by-step demonstrations-from the simple to the complex.  As you work through these projects and techniques, you'll gain confidence as you acquire new skills that open up a world of possibilities.  From tiles and picture frames to pitchers and platters, each demonstration provides tips and techniques for working successfully.  After the demonstration section, Daryl provides advice on glazing and firing, including advice on how to keep large slabs from cracking in the kiln.

From a Slab of Clay
After you've accumulated your tools, established your workspace and practiced the techniques, there are really only two things to add according to Daryl.  The first is imagination, and you have to provide that.  The second thing is inspiration, and the book's photo gallery may supply a great deal of that.  With scores of images by dozens of artists, you'll be amazed at what can be made from a slab of clay using the techniques and tips described in the book.

Paperback.

Shipping and Return

Prices are subject to change without notice.

 

RETURN POLICY

Please check your order upon receipt. If there is any discrepancy in your order, you must notify Highwater Clays immediately. If you need to return an item you have purchased from Highwater Clays, a return request must be made within 7 days of purchase. When calling or writing, please provide your customer ID number, invoice number and a brief description of the problem. We will issue an authorization number for return. 


Merchandise may not be returned without prior authorization. Any parcels sent to us without an authorization number will be refused by our Receiving Department and automatically returned to you. We are unable to accept returns on books, special orders, weighed-out oxides and chemicals, jars of opened glaze, or opened bags of dry materials. All returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee. Credit for returns will be issued after items are received in good, re-sellable condition at Highwater Clays.

 

TIMING

Please allow 1-2 business days to process and ship all small package orders, and 2-3 days for freight orders (subject to availability of inventory).  Although most orders go out the day after they are received, it is always helpful to give us as much time as possible to process your order. 

NOTE:  Shipping may be delayed when temperature drops below freezing as many products are affected by freezing temperature.  Please be aware of outside temperature when you place your order.  

 

DAMAGED SHIPMENTS

Leave the damaged package(s) as is, with packing material intact, and notify us immediately at (828) 252-6033.  Take photos of the package and damage for claim processing. The carrier may come out and inspect it. We will file a claim with the carrier on your behalf and ship replacement for the damage as soon as possible.  If damage is not reported at receipt, the purchaser assumes all liability.

 

ABOUT OUR FREIGHT RATES

Our common carrier freight rates are very competitive. We have established freight discounts with many carriers and pass these savings on to our customers. We ship F.O.B. Asheville, NC or Clearwater, Florida and will be glad to get you your freight rate before we ship. In most cases, we can arrange to get you your shipment on the day you choose (Monday-Friday).

 

FREIGHT DELIVERY

Highwater Clays takes great care to ensure that your order will arrive in good condition. We check and double check the orders before they leave our warehouse. All shipments leave our warehouse in good condition. Each carrier signs a receipt indicating what they have picked up. All freight shipments require a signature at delivery.

It is your responsibility to inspect the order to be sure all packages are accounted for and in good condition. This should be done immediately upon receipt before signing the delivery ticket from the driver. 

If there is any shortage or damage, make a note of it on the freight bill. Take photos of packages and damage for claim processing. If you discover shortage or damage after the truck driver leaves, call the local terminal and Highwater Clays immediately to initiate a claim. Request that the carrier inspect the shipment and keep your invoice, bill of lading, delivery ticket, photographs, and inspection report to properly support your claim. 


It is the driver’s responsibility to bring your shipment to the back of the truck. It is your responsibility to unload it. Pick-up from the terminal and notification before delivery are available with additional charge.  If you need additional assistance, please let us know and we can make the necessary arrangements. 

 

Shipping Rate Increase Notice:  Effective December 28, 2019, an additional fee of $24 has been added by the carriers we use on all small ground packages of 50 pounds or more. 

 

WARRANTIES 

Highwater Clays makes every effort to sell the finest quality raw materials, and to blend clays that give consistent results. However, because of the many variables involved, we cannot accept responsibility for unsatisfactory results. Highwater Clays’ only obligation will be to replace such quantity of product proved to be defective by standard and accepted test methods for the ceramic industry. Highwater Clays is not liable and shall be held harmless for loss and/or damage, direct or indirect, arising from the use or misuse of products we provide. We carry no warranty other than the warranty provided by the original manufacturer. Please take care to determine the suitability of any product for your intended use before you buy.

 

 

BACKORDER OR REORDER

Although we strive to keep a full inventory, occasionally some items may be out of stock.  We do not backorder off of website orders. If you would like for us to backorder items for you, please indicate that in the customer comments section when you check out. Your invoice will indicate if we have backordered an item for you.  Backorders are automatically shipped when we receive new stock and will incur additional shipping charges, although no handling fee. Most customers prefer to reorder the item(s) with their next order or wait until the order can be shipped complete.

 

Out of stock items on a school purchase orders will be canceled unless the purchase order states that backorders will be accepted.

 

Shipment Delays

Shipment of wet clays, glazes, and certain products are delayed in freezing temperatures.

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