UNIT FOUR
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ALEBRIJES - Clam Shell
The Plan
- I wanted to design something small, which could be used to store jewelry or something similar. I chose a clam shell design to link with the pacific ocean and use bright ocean-like colors for the glazes.
- wedged the clay
- worked the clay into a bowl shape
- formed a clam shell shapre
- fired the piece
- glazed
This was really enjoyable to make. I liked being able to make shape the clay in to a natural, organic shape. Edges and the shape did not need to form a perfect circle. I liked being able to use bright jewel type colors to finish the piece. If I were to repeat this project I would like to spend more time on creating finer details in the clay.
NEXT LEVEL SLAB CONSTRUCTION - SERIES OF 4
The Plan
- I wanted to make a series of four hearts to make a hanging decoration.
- wedge the clay
- smooth and flatten clay
- cut out four heart shapes
- make holes in each heart so they can be connected together with wire after firing
- fire
- glaze
I had thought this would be quite a straight forward project but I had lots of challenges making the hearts even. It was very hard to make each heart look the same. I had several attempts at making the pieces but was not happy enough with them to go ahead and fire them. It was pretty frustrating and I realize I should have made a card template and used that to make each heart the same size and shape.
LIDDED BOX CONSTRUCTION
The Plan
- Design a small trinket sized box with lid
- Wedge the clay
- Roll out the clay with even thickness
- Compress clay
- Cut sides and lid
- Score and slip
- Assemble sides
- Smooth and shape
- fire
- glaze
This is one of my favorite pieces. I enjoyed the process of making it and was really happy with the way it turned out. I wanted to choose bold and bright colors for the outside of the box and glaze the inside with a contrasting color.
I enjoyed all aspects of the process. If I were to make this type of lidded box again, I would like to make a set of three different sized boxes. It is definitely satisfying creating a piece you can actually use at home.
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