Koi birdbath (in progress)

Approximately 16 inches in diameter

I build these in a cement birdbath top that's lined with an old T-shirt. When the piece is leather-hard, I'll lift it out of the mold and allow it to dry completely. Here are some photos of the early process:

I throw the slabs by hand,

score, slip, and lay them together.

Then I pound 'em with the heel of my hand

which compresses and smooths them.

Hopefully the birdbath won't crack as it dries or fires.