If you've tried to make slab objects from patterns, you know how hard it is to get the pattern just right to create the shape you are thinking of. With Blender software you build a shape in 3-d space and then unfold (or unwrap) the shape onto a flat plane, creating a pattern you can print and lay onto your slab for cutting and assembling your clay object. This discussion is a place to explore the ways we can use this software, and help each other learn the workflow from creating the object in virtual 3-d and then out putting the 2-d pattern.

There is some interest already expressed in having an online, peer-led class for this technology based approach to design and building. If you want to participate, let us know here on this forum. 

Get the free software at blender.org

A good place to start learning to use the program is at https://cgcookie.com/flow/introduction-to-blender/

Another collection of tutorials on using the Blender software is at http://www.katsbits.com/tutorials/

For an example of a much more complex unwrap -- of a tree, watch this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB79dZHp-vA. More meticulous sculptors might find this compelling.

Once you have a little knowledge of the program you can use google to locate videos on specific procedures to get results you are seeking.

Good hunting! And please post procedures and links to good information on this subject, here on this discussion.

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This is great, George. Thank you for putting this together. What a great resource.

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