"Sunny Side Up" 3-D Clay Painting

6. Roll out a separate slab of clay to approximately 1/4 inch thick, large enough to cut out flower petals, center, stem and leaves (figure G).

7. 3-D flower elements:

• Separate the cut out flower shapes.
• Texture the center circle of the flower with a wire brush-texturing tool (figure H).
• Finish the edges with a slightly damp sponge, shape as desired for 3-D effect (figure I).
• Allow to set up until they are able to be handled without losing too much of their shape, but are still somewhat flexible.

8. Gently arrange the 3-D flower pieces on the base slab, marking unobtrusively where they will be attached to the slab (figure J). Remove the shapes; score (scratch, crosshatch with a fork or needle tool) the back of the shape.

9. Score the area where each piece will be attached to the base.

10. Paint the back of the shape lightly with water and attach it to the scored area on the base (figure K). Continue until all pieces are attached as desired.

11. Paint all the attached shapes with a coat of slip or thinned white under glaze and allow the whole piece to rest and set up (figure L).

12. When the piece is firm to the touch, "seal" the seams by gently running the tip of a dull pencil or other stylus-like tool over the seam. "Draw" through the slip to reveal the red clay, adding details as desired.