Napkin Ring and Bread Warmer

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 29 April 2014 19:19

1. Begin with moist clay. Roll a ½" slab, a ¼" slab and a ⅛" slab.
2. Cut a circle 8" in diameter out of the ½" slab.
3. Cut 4 strips 2" x 6" from the ¼" slab.
4. Wet your finger and smooth the edges of each piece.
5. Turn the strips into cylinders by connecting the narrow ends with slip and cross hatching. These will be your napkin rings. Set aside the circle and the cylinders.
6. Using the flower and leaf press tools from the CD-1150 Flower Designs Press Tools make several imprints of the leaf, approximately 16, and 6 flowers.
7. Using a clay precision tool, cut all of the shapes out of the clay.
8. Make 4 leaf/flower combinations to attach to the top of the napkin rings. Do this by connecting the front of the leaf to the back of the flower. Shape the leaf and flower by giving them some natural curves. Use the cardboard from an empty roll of paper towels to stabilize the rings. You may need to cut the roll longwise and re-size it slightly. Then, slide it in the rings before attaching the flower/leaf combination to the outside of the ring with proper crosshatching.
9. Using slip and cross hatching, attach your remaining leaves to the top of the clay circle. It is fine if some leaves hang over the edge. Also, layer the leaves to make multiple levels. When you get to the top, complete your design with the flowers. If you have time, you can bisque these items before painting them. If not, continue with color making sure to leave the bottom side of the bread warmer and the inside of the napkin rings glaze free.
10. Apply 3 coats of SC-51 Poo Bear on the cylinders of the napkin rings and the sides and any top portion that is showing of the circle.
11. Using a palette of SC-51 Poo Bear, SC-5 Tiger Tail, SC-39 Army Surplus, SC-52 Toad-ily Green, SC-42 Butter Me Up, SC-74 Hot Tamale, and SC-75 Orange-A-Peel make a pile of fall leaves on the bread warmer toped with two to three fall flowers. Using the same palette, paint the leaf and flower on each napkin ring.
12. Let the items dry COMPLETELY before firing.
13. To be extra cautious, after drying approximately one week, place a two hour hold on your kiln at 200 degrees before completing your normal Cone 06 firing. This is right before boiling point and will dry out any remaining moisture.