Most beginner problems come from two things: uneven thickness and uneven drying.

Joining basics (strong seams)

• Score both surfaces
• Add slip (liquid clay)
• Press together firmly
• Compress the seam (inside and outside)

Drying control (the most important home skill)

• Dry slowly and evenly
• Cover loosely with plastic to slow the process
• Turn pieces occasionally so the base doesn’t stay wetter than the rim
• Avoid placing pieces near heat sources or strong sunlight

Common failures and what they suggest

• Crack at base: base too thick or dried slower than walls
• Crack at join: join not scored/compressed enough
• Warped plate: slab dried unevenly or wasn’t supported
• Collapsed vase: walls too wet; built too fast without stiffening

Mini-checklist

• Keep wall thickness consistent
• Compress rims and joins
• Dry slowly
• Support wide forms during drying