Today’s video, I am back using the black clay which gives a lovely finished look, especially with our wacky wombat glaze, but it is also a very nice clay to turn and trim tools seem to glide effortlessly through the clay body once leather hard
To make your own let’s break down the process step by step 😊
1. Centering
Begin with well-wedged clay and center it on the wheel. Apply gentle pressure with both hands, keeping them moist to prevent friction. Focus on achieving a perfectly centered and balanced mass.
2. Opening the Clay
Once centered, use your thumbs or fingers to create a centered opening. Gradually widen the opening, maintaining an even thickness at the base. This establishes the initial form for your vase.
3. Pulling Up the Walls
With the wheel spinning, pull up the walls using a technique that involves consistent pressure from both hands. Aim for a straight-walled vase by maintaining a steady pull, periodically checking the height and thickness. Use a throwing sponge to keep the clay at an optimal moisture level, preventing it from becoming too dry.
4. Smoothing with a Rubber Rib
After achieving the desired height for your vase, it’s time to smooth the exterior. Wet a rubber rib and gently run it along the outer surface. The rubber rib helps compress the clay, smoothing out any imperfections and refining the form.
5. Adding a Swirly Squiggly Spiral Pattern
Once the vase is smooth and even, it’s time to introduce a decorative element. Using a wooden tool, such as a loop tool or a sculpting tool, create a swirly squiggly spiral pattern on the exterior. This adds a touch of uniqueness to your vase.
**6. Technique for Spiral Pattern:**
Hold the wooden tool at a slight angle against the vase’s surface. Begin carving the spiral by gently pressing into the clay and moving the tool in a continuous, flowing motion. Adjust the pressure to create varying depths for a visually interesting pattern.
Adding a pattern like this to the outside of your vase can help give a textured look to any glaze that you may put over the top
Hope you enjoyed this post and Happy Potting Everyone!!! 🥳🥳
