Leopard Cane License Frame

Figure A

Steps:

1. Condition your raw sienna clay. Roll into a 7/8" x 5" snake. Trim the ends flat.

2. Condition one block of black clay, and roll into a 1/8" x 5" sheet. Bevel one of the 5" edges (use tissue blade to trim at a 45-degree angle). Roll most of the way around the raw sienna snake. Bevel the second edge and leave a 3/8" gap so the black sheet does not completely wrap the raw sienna snake.

Figure B

3. With the remaining part of the black sheet, cut two 3/4" x 5" strips. Bevel both of the 5" edges on each strip. Place each strip on opposite sides of the wrapped snake, overlapping the first layer of black about 3/16" from where the bottom sheet of black clay stops revealing the raw sienna core.

Figure C

4. Condition one and a half blocks of ecru clay. Roll into a sheet on a #3 thickness. Trim to a 5" width. Trim one edge so it is straight. Wrap around the snake completely and trim so the straight edges meet. Blend seam together with fingers.

Figure D

5. Roll to a 5/8" thick snake. Cut this snake into three pieces that are 3-1/2" x 5/8". Set aside one piece. Think of it as the "A" snake for the rest of this project.

6. Roll the second 3-1/2" long snake to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut lengthwise into two snakes that are 3-1/2" long. Set aside these two "B" snakes.

7. Take the third section of the 5/8" thick snake from step 5 and roll it to a thickness of approximately 3/8". Cut off one snake that is 3-1/2" long and set aside. This will be snake "C".

Figure E

8. Cut a second snake that is 7" long. Reduce this snake by rolling gently so that it doubles in length. Cut four snakes that are 3-1/2" long (these are the "D" snakes).