Paper template testing

Be the first to build one, and the firing is on me.

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Eighteen slab pottery pieces made from paper templates on a walnut worktable, from a teapot and mug to a dragon and castle
Show

I worked every template out from the finished piece backward, so every one should work. Clay still gets the final say. The first member to show me a fully assembled piece from a BETA template gets that exact piece fired free, glazed with anything up through the Black Level glazes, and their name on its tile for good.

Log in with the account tied to your membership and every PDF is a free download.

CertifiedStill in BETA

0 of 96 templates certified 96 still in BETA, free firing included About $2,115 of free firing up for grabs

Can’t pick? Spin for one.

Beginner

Small builds, and the quickest way onto the board

One or two sheets each and no lids to fit, so these are the ones most likely to go first. I wouldn’t wait around.

0 of 16 certified, 16 still open, about $115.20 of free firing on the table

Cards per row
BETAUp for grabs
A speckled stoneware slab mug with a strip handle, full of coffee on a wooden table, from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 01 The Slab Mug
  • Beginner
  • an hour
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$4, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Two matching tapered stoneware tumblers in a teal glaze, made from The Clay Hole tapered tumbler paper template
Paper template 02 The Tapered Tumbler
  • Beginner
  • 45 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A tapered square speckled stoneware planter in its saucer with a pothos, made from The Clay Hole planter paper template
Paper template 07 The Square Planter and Saucer
  • Beginner
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$9.60
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A folded black stoneware serving tray holding nigiri sushi, made from The Clay Hole folded tray paper template
Paper template 08 The Folded Serving Tray
  • Beginner
  • 30 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$4, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A lavender stoneware ring dish with a cone holding two gold rings, made from The Clay Hole ring dish paper template
Paper template 10 The Ring Dish and Ring Cone
  • Beginner
  • 30 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A sage green stoneware spoon rest holding a wooden spoon beside the stove, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 26 The Spoon Rest
  • Beginner
  • 45 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Speckled cream stoneware coasters, one under an iced tea and the rest in their caddy, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 27 The Coaster Set and Caddy
  • Beginner
  • an hour at the table, plus a slow flat drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$24.00
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A sage green stoneware phone and recipe stand holding a phone on the kitchen counter, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 28 The Phone and Recipe Stand
  • Beginner
  • an hour
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A white stoneware propagation station holding three test tubes of pothos cuttings, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 29 The Propagation Station
  • Beginner
  • an hour
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Four folded stoneware ornaments, a red house, a green tree, a blue lantern and a gold bell, from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 30 The Folded Ornaments
  • Beginner
  • an hour for all four, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A sunflower yellow stoneware sponge caddy holding a blue sponge on its drip tray, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 73 The Sponge Caddy and Drip Tray
  • Beginner
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$9.60
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A pointed amber stoneware lens dish holding green olives on a linen tablecloth, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 78 The Lens Dish
  • Beginner
  • an hour
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Three nesting stoneware trays with red glaze inside and leather laced corners, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 81 The Laced Nesting Trays
  • Beginner
  • 2 hours at the table for all three, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$14.40
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A mustard yellow stoneware brush stand of three slanted tubes holding paint brushes, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 83 The Three Tube Brush Stand
  • Beginner
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Four cream stoneware scroll bud vases with black curled tips holding single stems, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 87 The Rolled Scroll Bud Vases
  • Beginner
  • 2 hours at the table for all four, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Speckled cream oval stoneware soap dish with raised ridges holding a bar of soap, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 95 The Soap Dish
  • Beginner
  • an hour
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$5.50, free for membersOpen
Intermediate

Parts that have to fit each other

Lids on flanges, plates that nest, handles that have to line up. Build one and tell me how the fit came out.

0 of 24 certified, 24 still open, about $174.56 of free firing on the table

BETAUp for grabs
A six-sided white stoneware bud vase with mitered corners holding dried grass, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 03 The Hexagon Bud Vase
  • Intermediate
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A deep blue stoneware wall pocket vase hanging on a wall with eucalyptus, made from The Clay Hole wall pocket paper template
Paper template 04 The Wall Pocket
  • Intermediate
  • an hour
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A small square pink stoneware keepsake box with a flat lid, made from The Clay Hole lidded box paper template
Paper template 05 The Lidded Keepsake Box
  • Intermediate
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A sage green stoneware butter dish with the lid lifted to show the butter, made from The Clay Hole butter dish paper template
Paper template 06 The Butter Dish
  • Intermediate
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A small stoneware tealight house with a blue roof, glowing from a candle inside, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 09 The Tealight House
  • Intermediate
  • two hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A cream stoneware pour-over coffee dripper with a paper filter, set on a charcoal mug, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 31 The Pour-Over Coffee Dripper
  • Intermediate
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
An amber glazed stoneware beehive honey pot with a wooden dipper in its notched lid, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 32 The Beehive Honey Pot
  • Intermediate
  • two hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A deep green stoneware taper chamberstick with a finger loop holding a lit candle, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 33 The Taper Chamberstick
  • Intermediate
  • an hour
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A pair of green stoneware ramp bookends holding a row of linen books on a shelf, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 34 The Hollow Bookends
  • Intermediate
  • two hours at the table for the pair, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$9.60
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A cobalt blue stoneware berry colander full of raspberries and blueberries on its saucer, from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 35 The Berry Colander and Saucer
  • Intermediate
  • two hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$9.60
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A tapered blue-gray stoneware soap pump bottle with a cork collar beside a sink, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 36 The Soap Pump Bottle
  • Intermediate
  • 90 minutes
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted salad plate, a twelve-sided teal well and speckled cream rim on an oak table, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 49 The Salad Plate
  • Intermediate
  • 2 hours over two sittings, plus two weeks of drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted stoneware tumbler of water, teal facets below a speckled cream lip, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 50 The Dinnerware Tumbler
  • Intermediate
  • 2 hours, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted stoneware mug of coffee, teal facets and handle below a speckled cream lip, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 51 The Dinnerware Mug
  • Intermediate
  • 2 1/2 hours over two sittings, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted stoneware bowl, teal facets below a wide speckled cream lip, on an oak table, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 52 The Dinnerware Bowl
  • Intermediate
  • 2 1/2 hours over two sittings, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$6.28
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted soup bowl of squash soup, a teal handle and speckled cream lip, by a spoon, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 58 The Dinnerware Soup Bowl
  • Intermediate
  • 3 hours over two sittings, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$7.22
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Two speckled stoneware yarn bowls with teal insides and yarn fed through J slots, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 69 The Yarn Bowls, Small and Large
  • Intermediate
  • two hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$19.67
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A celadon green stoneware serving tray with slotted handles, crackers and cheese, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 71 The Twin Handle Serving Tray
  • Intermediate
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$10.04
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A cobalt blue wrapped stoneware oval baker of potato gratin and a matching salad bowl, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 72 The Wrapped Bowl and Oval Baker
  • Intermediate
  • two hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$20.06
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A sea glass aqua stoneware wave rim bowl holding lemons and limes on a pale oak table, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 76 The Wave Rim Bowl
  • Intermediate
  • 90 minutes
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$9.14
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A slate gray stoneware coffee canister with a mountain ridgeline and a peak handle, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 77 The Ridgeline Canister
  • Intermediate
  • 2 1/2 hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$8.98
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A round cobalt blue stoneware chip and dip platter with hummus, crackers and almonds, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 79 The Pinwheel Platter
  • Intermediate
  • 3 hours at the table, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$6.77
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
An indigo blue faceted stoneware coffee mug with a square strap handle on linen, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 82 The Diamond Mug
  • Intermediate
  • 2 1/2 hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A moss green stoneware obelisk vase with pressed fern prints and Queen Anne's lace, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 86 The Pressed Leaf Obelisk Vase
  • Intermediate
  • 2 hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
Advanced

More pieces, more joins, bigger firings

Lamps, pitchers, birdhouses and the first of the origami animals. This is where the free firing starts adding up.

0 of 18 certified, 18 still open, about $344.86 of free firing on the table

BETAUp for grabs
A six-sided stoneware table lamp in speckled charcoal glaze with a white drum shade, lit, from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 11 The Slab Table Lamp
  • Advanced
  • three hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$11.46
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
An arch-topped stoneware mantel clock in matte oatmeal glaze with pressed hour dots, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 12 The Mantel Clock
  • Advanced
  • two and a half hours
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware wren house with sage green walls, a brown roof and a wren on the ridge, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 13 The Wren House
  • Advanced
  • three hours, long dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$13.81
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A square stoneware teapot in glossy teal with a cone spout and strap handle, beside a cup, from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 14 The Square Teapot
  • Advanced
  • four hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$8.25
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A tall glossy white stoneware pitcher with a pinched spout and a strap handle, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 15 The Quart Pitcher
  • Advanced
  • two and a half hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$9.54
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware origami fox in burnt orange and cream, built from faceted slabs with a Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 40 The Origami Fox
  • Advanced
  • 4 hours at the table, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$10.56
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted dinner plate, a twelve-sided teal well in a speckled cream rim, on oak, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 48 The Dinner Plate
  • Advanced
  • 3 hours over two sittings, plus two to three weeks of drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted salad serving bowl of greens, teal facets below a wide cream lip, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 53 The Salad Serving Bowl
  • Advanced
  • 3 1/2 hours over two sittings, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$21.36
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A faceted stoneware origami owl in honey amber with a cream face, on an oak bookshelf, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 59 The Origami Owl
  • Advanced
  • 4 hours at the table, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$8.27
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted stoneware origami sea turtle, teal shell and sandy flippers, on driftwood, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 60 The Origami Sea Turtle
  • Advanced
  • 4 hours at the table, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$10.24
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A black stoneware paper towel stand holding a white roll on a quartz kitchen counter, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 67 The Jumbo Paper Towel Stand
  • Advanced
  • 3 hours over two sittings, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$45.40
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A cream stoneware river stone charcuterie board with crackers, cheese, jam and olives, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 68 The River Stone Charcuterie Board
  • Advanced
  • 5 hours, two sittings
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$25.60
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A navy stoneware house number plaque with raised white digits 2618 on a stucco wall, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 70 The House Number Sign
  • Advanced
  • 3 hours over two sittings, plus a slow flat dry
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A charcoal stoneware water pitcher with a slotted fin handle and a folded spout, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 74 The Fin Handle Pitcher
  • Advanced
  • three hours over two sittings, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$11.62
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Two charcoal and cream stoneware slow feeder pet bowls with swirl walls and kibble, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 75 The Slow Feeder Pet Bowls
  • Advanced
  • three hours a bowl over two sittings, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$16.05
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A green stoneware Christmas tree luminary with star cut-outs glowing from a tealight, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 84 The Faceted Tree Luminary
  • Advanced
  • 4 hours over two sittings, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$23.58
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A coral stoneware fish planter with white fins hanging on a porch, holding succulents, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 85 The Hanging Fish Planter
  • Advanced
  • 4 hours over two sittings, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$15.90
$12, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Three-tier stacking stoneware strawberry tower in a pale blue glaze on a porch deck, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 89 The Stacking Strawberry Tower
  • Advanced
  • 90 minutes a tier and 45 for the saucer, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$98.82
$12, free for membersOpen
Expert

For the patient, and the stubborn

Sheets that tape together, hardware to fit, and a lot of joins to get right. The free firing on these is worth having.

0 of 16 certified, 16 still open, about $479.80 of free firing on the table

BETAUp for grabs
A tall square pierced stoneware lantern lamp made from The Clay Hole paper template, glowing with dots of light
Paper template 17 The Pierced Lantern Lamp
  • Expert
  • four hours
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$19.34
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A tall narrow stoneware canal house lantern made from The Clay Hole paper template, every window glowing
Paper template 18 The Canal House Lantern
  • Expert
  • five hours
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$14.00
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A tapered stoneware lighthouse lantern made from The Clay Hole paper template, its lantern room glowing
Paper template 19 The Lighthouse Lantern
  • Expert
  • five hours
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$27.28
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A handmade 14 inch stoneware wall clock with raised indigo numbers, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 20 The Wall Clock
  • Expert
  • 4 hours, plus 2 weeks of slow drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$11.64
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware origami elephant in dove gray with pink ears, built from faceted slabs with a Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 41 The Origami Elephant
  • Expert
  • 10 hours, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$132.64
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware spire tower birdhouse with eight stone-lined walls and a green spire roof, made from a Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 44 The Spire Tower Birdhouse
  • Expert
  • 5 hours over two sittings, plus 2 weeks drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$29.92
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware wind chime, blue glazed tubes under a cone roof with a round striker and a sail, from a Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 45 The Five-Note Wind Chime
  • Expert
  • 6 hours over four sittings, plus drying and firing
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$20.70
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A hanging teardrop stoneware birdhouse built from separate glazed clay staves, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 46 The Hanging Teardrop Birdhouse
  • Expert
  • 5 hours over two sittings, plus a slow dry
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$12.70
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted white stoneware origami swan with pleated wings and an orange bill on linen, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 61 The Origami Swan
  • Expert
  • 8 hours, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$39.15
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted stoneware origami stag lying down, chestnut with cream antlers, on a mantel, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 62 The Origami Resting Stag
  • Expert
  • 9 hours, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$25.65
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A sage green stoneware spice chest with five cream drawers, one open with star anise, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 80 The Spice Drawer Chest
  • Expert
  • 6 hours in two sittings, then drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$35.04
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A yellow stoneware mancala board shaped like a sunflower, a brown lid and clay seeds, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 90 The Sunflower Mancala Board
  • Expert
  • 7 hours over three sittings, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$23.91
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware Chinese checkers board with a colored star, six marble trays and marbles, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 91 The Chinese Checkers Board
  • Expert
  • 8 hours over several sittings, plus 2 weeks of slow drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$11.52
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A green stoneware mancala board with cream pits, colored pebbles and its lidded jar, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 92 The Classic Mancala Set
  • Expert
  • 7 hours, plus two weeks of drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$23.51
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A charcoal stoneware tic tac toe box with a raised grid, white X and orange O pieces, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 93 The Tic Tac Toe Set
  • Expert
  • 5 hours over three sittings, plus a week of slow drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$19.34
$20, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Stoneware checkers board with six-sided cream and red checkers set up on an oak table, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 94 The Checkers Set
  • Expert
  • 9 hours over three sittings, plus a week of drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$33.46
$20, free for membersOpen
Insane

Who has the guts?

Dozens of numbered pieces that have to meet exactly. The dragon alone is 81 flat facets. Finish one of these first and the firing is yours, along with the bragging rights.

0 of 18 certified, 18 still open, about $976.87 of free firing on the table

BETAUp for grabs
A faceted deep blue whale shark wall planter with white spots, made from The Clay Hole paper template, planted along its back
Paper template 21 The Geometric Whale Shark
  • Insane
  • 12 hours over 3 or 4 sittings, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$16.07
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A white stoneware marble run tower with teal channels spiraling down it, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 22 The Marble Run Tower
  • Insane
  • 14 hours over 4 or 5 sittings
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$59.60
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware chess set with six-sided pieces on a cream and charcoal board, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 23 The Chess Set
  • Insane
  • 30 hours, over many sittings
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$38.26
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware tabletop cascade fountain made from The Clay Hole paper template, water spilling from tray to tray into its basin
Paper template 24 The Cascade Fountain
  • Insane
  • 10 hours over 3 sittings, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$26.82
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A five-tier blue stoneware tulip pagoda with 25 spouts and a tulip in each, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 25 The Tulip Pagoda
  • Insane
  • 12 hours over four sittings, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$41.60
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A faceted stoneware origami dragon in jade green with celadon wings and gold horns, made from a Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 42 The Origami Dragon
  • Insane
  • 14 hours, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$122.62
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware castle dice tower with a tall keep, a felt dice courtyard and four blue-roofed towers, from a Clay Hole template
Paper template 43 The Castle Dice Tower
  • Insane
  • 10 hours over four sittings, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$55.11
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted teal and cream stoneware dinnerware set on an oak table, plates to soup bowl, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 47 The Full Clay Hole Dinnerware Set
  • Insane
  • 18 hours
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$54.06
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A teal faceted stoneware ginger jar lamp with a white drum shade on a walnut table, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 54 The Faceted Ginger Jar Lamp
  • Insane
  • 14 hours, five or six sittings
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$193.90
$35, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A tall twisted faceted white stoneware vase holding cherry blossom branches, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 55 The Twisted Tower Vase
  • Insane
  • 9 hours over four sittings, plus drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$42.35
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
An amber stoneware Big Ben clock tower with cream dials on a walnut sideboard, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 56 The Big Ben Clock Tower
  • Insane
  • 22 hours over eight sittings
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$55.50
$40, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A faceted coral stoneware octopus hanging on a white wall, its eight arms curling out, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 57 The Geometric Octopus
  • Insane
  • 14 hours over six sittings, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$51.68
$40, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted cobalt blue stoneware origami peacock with an emerald pleated fan on marble, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 63 The Origami Peacock
  • Insane
  • 14 hours, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$67.69
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted olive stoneware origami stegosaurus with amber back plates on a wooden desk, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 64 The Origami Stegosaurus
  • Insane
  • 14 hours, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$27.35
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted leaf green stoneware origami chameleon on a brown branch, its tail curled, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 65 The Origami Chameleon
  • Insane
  • 16 hours, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$20.91
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted charcoal stoneware origami gorilla with a silver back, on its knuckles, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 66 The Origami Gorilla
  • Insane
  • 15 hours, plus a slow dry
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$64.20
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A two-half stoneware backgammon board with cobalt and rust points on a walnut table, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 88 The Backgammon Set
  • Insane
  • 14 hours over five sittings, plus a week of drying
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$23.08
$30, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
Faceted whale shark wall sculpture in a navy, teal and plum ombre with white spots, made from The Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 96 The Whale Shark Wall Sculpture
  • Insane
  • 12 hours over 3 or 4 sittings, plus drying
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$16.07
$30, free for membersOpen
Kiln furniture

Gear for the kiln, proven in the kiln

Bead racks and trees for firing beads, pendants and earrings. Every piece is 3/8 in slab so it stays straight at full heat.

0 of 4 certified, 4 still open, about $24.00 of free firing on the table

BETAUp for grabs
Two stoneware kiln bead racks, one tall and one small, glazed beads on white alumina rods, from a Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 16 The Kiln Bead Rack
  • Intermediate
  • 2 hours a rack, plus a slow dry
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$9.60
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware kiln jewelry rack, three fins with wire pins and hooks for glazed beads and pendants, from a Clay Hole template
Paper template 37 The Kiln Jewelry Rack
  • Intermediate
  • 2 hours at the table, plus a slow dry
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A stoneware kiln bead tree, four fins on a hollow base, glazed beads and pendants on wire, from a Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 38 The Kiln Bead Tree
  • Intermediate
  • 2 hours at the table, plus a slow dry
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
BETAUp for grabs
A pair of small stoneware kiln bead rack stands with white alumina rods and glazed beads, from a Clay Hole paper template
Paper template 39 The Small Kiln Bead Racks
  • Intermediate
  • 90 minutes at the table for the pair, plus a slow dry
Requires extra hardware purchase
First to build it gets a free firing worth aboutFree firing, about$4.80
$8, free for membersOpen
How it works

Build it, show me, and it’s yours to finish

1

Pick one still in BETA

Anything without a name on it is open. Log in with the account tied to your membership and every PDF downloads free.

2

Build it all the way

Every piece cut, joined and put together, still raw clay. No need to wait for the kiln to claim it.

3

Show me first

In person is my favorite, so grab me if I’m in. If I’m not, text a photo to the studio at 385-241-5528. The first one I see wins that template.

4

Finish it your way

That exact piece gets fired free when it’s done, glazed with anything up through the Black Level glazes. Your name goes on its tile for good.

Good to know

Bevels, printers and the occasional surprise

Most templates will work exactly as drawn. A few will teach me something. Either way I want to hear about it, because every note makes the next build better for everybody.

  • Something doesn’t line up? Grab me and we’ll sort out whether it’s the template or the build. Either way, text the studio a photo and a quick note so it gets logged.
  • Bevels look scary. They aren’t. The beveling tools hang in the northeast corner of the tool room, with three marked angles, 30, 45 and 60 degrees. Match the angle your sheet calls for and cut.
  • No printer? Ask me and I’ll print a copy of the template you’re testing. I don’t print templates otherwise, so call it a tester perk.
  • One winner per template. Once a template is certified it stays free for members to build, and the free firing moves on to the ones still open.
The testers’ wall

Every name here built one first

No names up here yet. The first one is a single build away.

    Questions

    Testing, firing, and the templates themselves

    Who gets the free firing?

    The first current member of The Clay Hole to show me a fully assembled piece from a template still marked BETA. One winner per template. Once I’ve seen it, that template is certified, your name goes on its tile, and the free firing moves on to the ones still open.

    What counts as fully assembled?

    Everything the template makes, cut, joined and put together, still raw clay. It doesn’t need to be dry, bisqued or glazed. You’re showing me the pattern works, not that the pot is finished.

    How do I show you?

    In person is my favorite, so grab me if I’m in. If I’m not, text a photo to the studio at 385-241-5528. The first one I see wins that template.

    What does the free firing cover?

    The glaze firing of that exact piece, the one you showed me. Bisque is already free for everyone. You can glaze it with anything up through the Black Level glazes, whatever your own Level is.

    How did you work out what the firing is worth?

    By the studio’s own rule. Glaze firing is 5 cents a cubic inch measured at the widest points, and anything 125 cubic inches or under is a flat $4.80. I measured each finished piece the same way and priced every part that fires on its own, with small pieces that share a 6 inch kiln cookie counted as one. Your build may come out a little different, so call it close.

    Somebody beat me to it. Now what?

    Build it anyway if you love it. Every template stays free for members whether it’s certified or not. Then pick one that’s still open and get there first.

    What if something on the template is wrong?

    Grab me and we’ll figure out whether it’s the template or the build. Text the studio a photo and a note either way so it gets logged. If it’s the template, I fix the template.

    Can I participate if I’m not a member of The Clay Hole?

    Yes, and I’d love the help. Templates are $4 to $40 each for anyone, to build at home or in your own studio. Every BETA template should be sound and work as drawn, but use it at your own discretion and be ready to adjust as you build. The free firing is a member perk, so it isn’t part of the deal for you. But if you’re the first to build one, text the studio at 385-241-5528 or email me at dan@theclayhole.com with photos once it’s assembled. I’ll put your name on its tile and mark it certified. You can also tag @theclayhole on Instagram.

    How do I download the PDFs for free?

    Log in with the account tied to your membership, then open any template. You’ll see the price crossed out and a free download. Logged in and still seeing a price? That account isn’t the one your membership is under. Log out and back in with that email.

    How should I print them?

    At Actual size, never Fit to page. Every sheet carries a 1 inch square, so put a ruler on it before any clay gets cut. Plain copy paper works, and card stock survives a wet slab and can be used again.

    Do I need any special tools?

    A rolled slab, a sharp knife and a ruler cover most of it. For bevels, use the beveling tools in the northeast corner of the tool room. Some templates need hardware you buy, like a lamp kit or a clock movement, and their tiles say so.

    Which one should I start with?

    If this is your first template, a Beginner one: one or two sheets and no lids to fit. If you want the biggest free firing, the Insane templates are worth the most. Every one of them is on the paper templates page too, with free samples to flip through.

    Fill the board

    You scratch my back, I’ll fire your pot

    Every template you prove is one the next member can build with total confidence. That’s worth a free firing to me, every single time.

    Log in. Members download them free See every template