The Ceramics Insider
Issue Index |
2002
September 25, 2002
The Ceramics Insider sponsored by
Creative Glazes.
http://www.creativeglazes.com/
Contents:
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* Ceramics
Insider Tip - Greenware Carving
* SALE Items
* Submit Your Tip and Get a
Gift Certificate
* Web Links
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* Ceramics
Insider Tip ~ Greenware Carving
When you're ready to make your ceramic
art really stand out you're ready to try greenware carving. First pick a simple
design - like oak leaves and acorns, and decide what you will apply it to. A
good first choice is a vase.
If you pour your own greenware, pour your
vase a bit heavier than you normally would, then let it stand in the mold
overnight so it is just the right consistency. Or if you order your greenware
be sure to ask your supplier to keep it in the leather hard stage, and wrap it
with plastic until you get it home so it doesn't dry out too much.
Cut
your design out so you can trace around it on your greenware using a pencil or
stylus (TL411). Now take the curved end of your cleaning tool (TL401) and begin
to carve away the 'background' around your design. Carefully carve the
background away, making the deepest section being directly next to and slightly
behind the edges of your leaves. Then, begin carving less deeply as you move
outward - you won't want to carve away the surface of your entire vase.
When your design stands out as much as you'd like it to, you can begin
adding detail and depth to your overlapping leaves. CAREFULLY carve the face of
any leaves that are behind others, so they recede a bit into the background.
Make sure the leaves stand out and each edge is distinct. Add lines and other
detail to the leaves and acorns.
If your piece becomes dry as you work,
spray it with a bit of water. If you need to stop for any reason, be sure to
cover your work with plastic so it won't dry out while you're away. If you want
the background to be smooth and even use the straight edge of your cleaning
tool to smooth it. Or, leave the background slightly rough to add texture to
the finished product.
Once the piece is dry, clean as you would any
greenware. Sand carefully, remembering that the edges of your leaves will be
easy to break off. If necessary, 'clean' the edges of your leaves using a soft,
wet brush. Now you can paint the background a nice color with Cover Coats and
fire to cone 04. Or, if you prefer to use glaze on bisque, fire to cone 04
without underglazing.
Now comes the fun part. You decide how to glaze
your beautifully carved leaves. You could wash the leaves with EZ048 Mesa Clay,
EZ056 Indian Summer, and EZ018 Chartreuse, then sponge on a background color
and clear glaze for a fall look. Or, use a translucent Envisions glaze like
IN1667 Caramel to bring out the detail. Or, detail paint using Concepts
underglazes and dip in clear glaze to finish. Use your imagination and you'll
create a beautiful work of art!
You can do this project with so many
designs - a butterfly or dragonfly would be beautiful. Or how about a cluster
of grapes or a fat pumpkin and leaves on a big plate?
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* SALE
Items (limited time offer) ~
FD266 - Papaya French Dimensions - $1.95
(regularly $2.45)
CR921 - Parchment Crackle glaze - Pint! - $8.20
(regularly $9.65)
SN354 - China Flesh Satin glaze - $2.85 (regularly $3.55)
RI563 - Steel Blue River Rocks glaze - $2.85 (regularly $3.55)
CN063 -
Dark Salsa Concepts Underglaze - 8oz! - $8.95 (regularly $7.25)
WG844 -
Metallic Silver- Non-fired Antiquing Gels - $1.65 (regularly $2.05)
GS253 -
Moss - Non-fired Granite Stone - $4.20 - (regularly $5.25)
VC-1 - Viscosity
Cup - $3.20 - (regularly $4.00)
KDSP - Spatula - $0.30 - (regularly $0.40)
OV-4 - Mayco Halo Gold Overglaze - $8.50 (regularly $10.45)
Be sure
to check out our sale of specially selected 2oz Cover Coats Underglaze. These
are now 20% off - for a limited time only:
Stardust Blue, Purple, Peach,
Blue Green, Peaches n Cream, Pecos Pink, Papago Turquoise, Watermelon Red, and
Apricot.
1 FREE Sponge with each glaze purchase. NOTE: You must click
the 'Add to My Order' button on the sale page to get this item.
Our sale of
discontinued items continues! Only two colors left! If you are looking for a
discontinued glaze, be sure to check our sale page.
http://www.creativeglazes.com/sale.htm
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* Submit
Your Tip and Get a Gift Certificate ~
If you have a helpful hint, tip, or
trick you would like to share, send it to
theceramicsinsider@creativeglazes.com. If we use your tip in The Ceramics
Insider, you will receive a $15 gift certificate at our sponsor, Creative
Glazes and get your name in print! (or remain anonymous if you prefer)
Couldn't you use $15.00 worth of free glazes, brushes, etc.? Send us
your tip today!
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* Web
Links ~
Do you have a ceramics related website? Would you like to trade
links? If so, e-mail us for details - glazes@creativeglazes.com
Issue Index |
2002
Copyright 2001-2002, Creative Connections, Inc.
Creative Glazes is a trademark of Creative Connections, Inc.