Stoneware Christmas Trees

Handbuilding

1. Roll out a slab that is 1/8” thick.
2. Compress slabs on both sides with a rib.
3. Lay down texture pads side by side onto slab and apply pressure to create texture. We used a combination of MT-004 Swirls Mat, MT-005 Retro Squares Mat, MT-007 Divots Mat, MT-008 Spiral Mat, MT-013 Honeycomb Mat.
4. Cut circles with a cookie cutter.
5. Roll cardstock into a cone and tape edge to create armature.
6. Cut bottom so the cone sits flat on the table.
7. Start assembling tree by slipping and scoring textured circles together so they slightly overlap and make a ring around the base of the cone.
8. Continue to slip and score circles together as you build up to the top of the cone in a spiral pattern.
9. Leave bottom circles slightly detached so they can stick out to look like branches.
10. Cone final circle at the top to create a point.
11. Once the tree has been built and is set up to be leather hard, use a pencil or small hole cutter to cut out light holes.
12. Let dry completely, fire to Cone 04. You can leave paper cone inside and allow to burn out.

Glazing

1. Using a soft fan brush, apply 3 coats of SW-173 Amber Quartz, SW- 210 Emerald, SW-150 Celadon Bloom, SW-204 Amber Topaz, SW-252 Blue Opal, SW-177 Raspberry Mist, or SW-132 Mirror Black to each petal.
2. Wipe bottom edge clean with a sponge to dry foot
3. Let dry completely, fire to Cone 6.