Hanging Clay Birdbath

Designer: Larry Knight

Share

Instructions

  1. Place inverted pie tin on newspaper and using pencil trace outline of tin.
  2. Using a ruler and pencil measure ½” beyond the tracing line all around the tracing to allow for slope of the side wall of the tin.
  3. Use scissors to cut out the template.
  4. Place clay on another piece of newspaper and with the rolling pin, roll out clay to ¼” thickness making sure the template fits the rolled clay.
  5. Place the template on clay and cut out the clay circle.
  6. Place a paper towel over the edge of circle and gently rub edge of circle with finger to smooth edge. Turn clay circle over and repeat on other side edge.
  7. Using lace or various stamps decorate the top side of the clay circle as desired. A pine tree rolling stamp was used for the edge on the sample.
  8. You can also use the sgraffito tool to carve in a design of your own as was done with the mountains and the pine trees in the center.
  9. Cover the outside of the pie tin with a piece of plastic so the clay will not stick to the pan. You can either use the inside of the pan for a deeper bowl or over the back side of the tin, as done here for a larger bowl.
  10. Place the printed clay circle onto the plastic covered pie tin and form onto pan.
  11. You may prefer to leave the edges flat or slightly ruffle.
  12. Place 3-4 holes about ½” in from edge for string for hanging.
  13. When clay is dry bisque fire to shelf cone 04.
  14. Thin EZ024 Royal Blue Green to a wash consistency with water and apply with the glaze brush over the entire front and back of the piece.
  15. Wipe with a dampened sponge to bring up the details.
  16. Apply a coat of EZ010 French Brown to the pine tree trunks followed by a coat of EZ047 Thundercloud Grey to mountains using the round brush.
  17. When the color is dry apply 2 coats of Pure Brilliance with the Fan Glaze to the entire piece.
  18. When glaze is dry, stilt and fire to shelf cone 06.
  19. Cut lengths of jute roping for hanging. Place string through holes and knot on underside of bird bath. Pull lengths of rope evenly and tie to hanger.

Supplies

Form

  • 3 pounds low-fire earthenware clay

Colors

  • PB001 Pure Brilliance
  • EZ010 French Brown
  • EZ024 Royal Blue Green
  • EZ047 Thundercloud Grey

Decorating Accessories

  • CB404 #4 Pointed Round
  • CB624 #4 Glaze Fan
  • Sgraffito Tool
  • Needle Tool for cutting

Miscellaneous Accessories

  • Rolling Pin
  • Newspaper
  • Assorted Decorating Stamps or Lace doily
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • 9” disposable pie tin
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Jute Roping Medium weight
  • Pencil
  • Hanging Hook

Similar Projects

Back to Stamps Projects
Top