The Ceramic Tutor6 Thirty minute training sessions.

Decorating techniques used in the commercial ceramic industries

# 5 Clay-lifting

.Working with wet clay to create a design

The Ceramic Tutor

# 5 Clay-lifting

Welcome to the 5th session of the Ceramic Tutor. During this session participants will be trained in the application of ‘clay lifting’, working with wet clay to create a design. Participants will work with a variety of tools to gain the skill involved to grasp this technique.

At the end of the session there is a short 10 minutetest/questionnaire and evaluation sheet for participants to fill in.

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For more details & information on this training session or othersEmail: christinedehn@artsconnect.com.au

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Essential clay lifting tools

Tools of the Trade

Cleaning tools

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Clean green ware (unfired clay)with a damp sponge. Place the item on a turntable.

You will require, container of water, Sponge and turntable.

Step 1

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With a soft gray lead pencil transfer the design onto the green ware.

Step 2

Template

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Using a scalpel cut 5mm into the clay and around the design.

Step 3

Avoid cutting too deep or through to the other side.

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Lifting the design

Using a damp Bristol brush, gently lift the petals outwards and towards yourself. Re-shape gently with the damp brush.

Step 4

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Using the clay lifting tools, create petals and calyxes.

Step 5

Stems can be applied using a wooden skewer

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Detail of the the clay lifting

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Finally clean away any loose particles and any rough edges around the clay lifted areas. Allow the item to dry at room temperature, this may take up to a week or more.

The clay lifted piece can be decorated before a ‘bisque’ firing. Airbrushing is the most common decorating technique used due to its fragile state. (Session # 6)

Air gun withpre-mixed ‘colour’ Attached bottle.

Step 6

Step 7

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After drying and decorating,the item is placed into a ‘kiln’. A heating chamber that fires the green ware to maturity or ‘bisque’.

Kilns operate on either gas or electricity. Most kilns are computerized and carry safety devices.

Step 8

Product and firing services are available from most ceramic studios – check the Yellow Pages for your nearestSupplier.

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After the initial first ‘bisque’ firing, items are glazed and re-fired in a glaze firing. This will give the item a glossy or matt finish and will render it water proof.

Step 9

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Any final touches can be appliedafter the glaze firing. These mayinclude chalks or stain work. Items are then sprayed with a light cover of varnish forprotection.

Brushwork

Detailing

Step 10

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Finished Clay lifted Urns and Ginger Jars

End session # 5