This is my slab box.

To make the box, I started by rollnig 6 slabs of clay. This is not as easy as it sounds - they have to be all of equal thickness and should be smooth and free of dents. After I had them rolled, I let them dry a bit in order to make the assembly easier. Unfortunately, I let them dry too much, and in the process of drying, they warped terribly! Luckily, with a quick dip in a bowl of water, they were maleable and I salvaged the slabs. I then pieced them together in the form of a box wihout a top. I left the top separate and added the figurine. Then, the building was done.

Before it was fired, I painted over the box with scraffito and scratched out root shapes in order to give the roots a scratchy, earthy texture. Then, the box was fired. After the bisque firing, I covered the box with clear glaze in order to create gloss and sheen. I must have painted on the glaze too thickly, because some of the box was complete covered with grey color, which I did not intend to happen.

In the end, I think this project wasn't entirely successful. The tree did not have a realistic form, and the glazing job covered up some of the colors which added interest. Next time, I'll have to take more time to add details that will add to the realism of the work. Also, I'll have to be careful with the glaze, making sure only to apply one thin coat.