To produce an ancient look and texture on a terra-cotta vase or urn, Sandi Reinke applies natural botanical flora and fibers.
Materials:
Tunisian pot or any unglazed terra-cotta vase or pot
linen bark
acrylic paints
water-based white glue
plastic paint bucket or other wide container
Steps:
- Dampen the linen bark with warm water to soften it. Squeeze out the excess water.
- Pour glue into a container and add water to thin the glue. For easy dipping, use a wide container such as a plastic paint bucket. The consistency of the mixture should be very thick, approximately 30-percent water to 70-percent glue.
- Cut the linen bark into four- to six-inch pieces, allowing for some variety of size and shape. Make some pieces thinner, longer or oddly shaped.
- Dip the linen bark pieces one at a time into the water glue mixture, and squeeze out the excess mixture.
- Drape the linen bark pieces onto the pot, working the material into the curves and shape of the vase or pot (figures A and B). Repeat the process until you have the desired effect. Allow the pieces to dry thoroughly.
- Season the pot by applying water with a clean paintbrush.
- Begin applying acrylic colors, adding water to soften the paint, and allow the paint to drip down the pot.
- While working, keep the surface of the pot wet. Add colors to blend.
Note: If you make a mistake, you can apply more clear water with a paintbrush to wash away the unwanted paint. 
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