Textured Clay Platters

Textured Clay Platters

Textured Clay Platters

Beautiful surfaces can be created using lace, corduroy, knits, or crocheted items. Try unexpected textiles, too, such as woven mats, non-slip rug pads, burlap, jute, tulle, mesh or netting. Other texturing tools such as textured rubber mats, texture rollers, and stamps can also be used.

Make Clay Slab

1. Using a slab roller or rolling pin and boards; roll a 1/4 inch thick clay slab.

2. Rough cut around the trays leaving an inch or two of clay sticking out on all sides.

Add Texture

1. Smooth your chosen textured fabric piece on top of the slab then impress it into the clay.

2. If using a slab roller, without changing the depth setting, run the fabric-covered slab through in one direction only (for thinner fabrics a rolling pin works best).

Smooth Bottom

1. After carefully removing the textured fabric from the slab, sandwich between two ware boards and flip.

2. Using a metal rib, smooth away any canvas texture from what will become the bottom of your piece.

Prepare Tray Surface

1. To prevent cracking or warping as the clay dries out and shrinks, prepare the tray's surface with a lubricant such as spray cooking oil or WD-40.

2. Alternatively, a light dusting of cornstarch on the slab bottom will also prevent sticking.

Slump Clay into Tray

1. Using flat hands carefully lift the slab texture-side up and lay it into the tray to create a slump mold. Gently press the clay into the corners of the tray being careful not to distort the texture.

2. To help gently coax the slab fully into place, lift the tray a few inches above the table and let it drop landing flat.

Trim Rim

1. Using a pin tool and your hand under the rim to help guide the cut, remove any excess clay from around the edge.

2. Allow to dry overnight or until leather hard. The edges will be cleaned up later, so for now just leave them looking rough.

Refine Form / Bisque Fire

1. When leather hard, place a flat hand on top and flip to remove from tray. Gently rib or sponge away any marks from the bottom that may have been transferred from the tray mold.

2. Clean the edges, compress with a rubber rib and lightly sponge to smooth. Sign or stamp the bottom.

3. Set aside to fully dry then place on Green Shelfto be fired.

Apply Glaze

1. Sponge off or rinse to remove dust from bisque clay.

2. Brush glaze on the top and partly down the sides being careful to avoid the bottom.

NOTE: Texture is brought out by some glazes and completely hidden by others. Be sure to make test pieces first.

3. Sponge away erroneous glaze marks from the bottom and place on Green Shelfto be fired.