Slips can be used in decorating pottery with the paste-on-paste technique (also known as pate'-sur-pate'), in which thick slip applications are carved.
A thick layer of slip, in one or more colors, is built up and then allowed to stiffen. Once the slip has reached the desired level of dryness, the slip is then carved in a bas relief style.
In its essence, paste-on-paste work is very similar to carving a cameo relief in a multi-layered stone, such as agate, or shell.