Coiled Clay Bowl Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-407 -- More Projects »
Materials: self-hardening clay* (enough for the size of the project) water sponge board wax paper wet towel knife or clay cutting tool plastic wrap clay scraping tool acrylic paint (optional) *Notes about clay: If the self-hardening clay you purchase comes in a box, it should be wrapped in plastic of some sort. Conduct a quick squeeze test before buying. The clay should be firm but also have some flexibility. Clay that has been exposed to air or has been on the shelf too long will be as hard as a brick. Once hardened, it will not soften. Similarly, work with small chunks, and keep the clay completely covered with plastic wrap when not working with it. Steps: - Prepare a non-slip, non-porous work surface. A cutting board with wax paper taped over it works well. To keep the board from slipping, place it on top of a folded, wet rag.
- For the bottom of the bowl, simply roll a piece of clay into a ball, and flatten it. Wrap it with plastic wrap, and set it aside.
- For the sides, create coils, each one a little longer than the other does. The chunks of clay that used to make these coils will likewise become bigger and bigger in size. To make a coil, use both hands to roll a piece of clay until it lengthens, forming a straight "snake." If any part of the "snake" is thicker than the others, simply roll those areas more until they are even.
- Continue this process, forming about the same "thickness" for each coil, yet adding length to each one. When finished with each "roll," completely cover it with plastic wrap. Note: As you work with this clay, small particles will begin to harden and stick to your hands and to the work surface. These will, in turn, stick to the fresh clay you are working with. A little water will help prevent these from forming. Simply keep a bowl of water or wet rag nearby, and wipe off your hands after forming each coil. If any of these flakes get on the coil, dip the sponge into the water, and wipe them off the clay. Don't worry about removing all of these little flakes. Some people actually prefer them on the piece because they create a weathered, natural look.
- After making the bottom piece and so many coils, begin building. With the flat piece as the bottom, coil a roll or "snake" around the circumference of its top. Continue with other coils, unwrapping and placing a longer piece on the one below it. While building coils upward and outward, wipe the inside with the wet sponge. Then scrape downward on the inside of the bowl to help seal the coils together.
- If any coils are too long, simply pinch them off where needed. Cover the pinched off portions, and add them to others that are too short. To add onto a coil, wet its end and add to it another roll of clay. To seal the ends of coils together, wet them, and pinch them together.
- When finished building the bowl, let it sit uncovered overnight or until it has hardened. Note: If cracks begin to form, wet them and pinch them together or smooth them out. If the clay has hardened too much, add small pieces of fresh clay. A few cracks may actually enhance the natural feel of the bowl.
- After a day or two, if the bowl is still not hard enough, speed up the process by placing it in an oven on a low temperature for about a half hour, making sure to check it every 10 minutes or so...or follow oven directions on the package of clay.
- After the bowl is completely hardened and cooled, paint it with acrylic craft paint if desired.
- Once the paint dries, spray the bowl with clear acrylic sealer to keep the paint from running if it gets wet.
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