more techniques to explore
a.
b.
c.
Slip is a mixture of clay and water. To make slip put a one inch chunk of clay in a bowl. Add ¼ cup of water. Use your fingers to break up the clay. It may take about 5 minutes to mix. The slip should be smooth and be the consistency of pancake batter.
d.
e.
f.
Joining Pieces (a) Roll out, measure, and cut pieces with a needle tool and ruler. (b) Score the edges that are to be joined. (c) Apply slip with your finger to the scored edge of one side of the two pieces to be joined. (d) Press the pieces together firmly. Roll a very small coil of the same clay. Place the coil onto the crease. Press it down along the internal joint of the slabs. This makes the joint stronger and distributes stress away from the seam. Continue to reinforce each joint with a coil of clay as you go along. Press it into the clay. (e) Refine the shape and surface using a wooden paddle. Lightly tap all sides of the joint to secure it. Paddling can also be used to make the surface smooth. (f) Set the piece upright once all the joints are secure. Continue to paddle as you gently bend the clay into the form that you want. Support the outside of the sculpture with your other hand while you paddle. When finished, cover with a plastic bag. Allow the sculpture to dry to a leather-hard state.
Burnish the surface of leather-hard clay to give it
shine. Use the back of a plastic spoon and rub the surface in a circular motion. This causes the clay particles to compact to make a polished surface. If the spoon sticks to the clay, it tells you that the clay is not yet leather-hard. Etch into the clay surface to create a design element. While the clay is in a leather- hard state, paint a section with watercolor or tempera paint. Allow the color to dry for a few hours. Scratch into the surface with a needle tool to reveal the clay beneath. If the clay has
hardened completely the scratching will be more difficult.
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