About the Project Author Kathy Skaggs Currently I work with AMACO helping teachers integrate clay into their classroom curriculum. I spent over 30 years in the classroom teaching K-12 Art. I earned my Master in Art Ed from Rhode Island School of Design and my Masters in Fine Arts/Ceramics from the University of Florida. Previously I was an adjunct at the University of North Florida, the University of Florida and a studio assistant at the Cleveland Art Institute and Penland School of Crafts.

 

Using newspaper as a resist and AMACO Velvet Underglazes for colour create a simple plate or platter form with a colourful and interesting surface.

 

Smooth the slab on both sides

Trim around the form

 

Trim around the form that you will use to drape the slab into. A Chinet paper plate works well because it is sturdy with a non-slick paper surface that will not stick to the clay.

Sponge on Velvet Underglaze

This process will use 3 colours of Velvet Underglazes. Sponge on the lightest Velvet Underglaze.

Arrange paper stencils

Cut lots of newspaper shapes different sizes and shapes. Arrange the shapes on the Velvet Underglazes that are just dry to the touch.

Dip newspaper shapes into water and apply to the surface

Dip the newspaper shapes into water, shake off the excess, and lay the pieces on the slab. Everywhere the newspaper is applied will remain that colour throughout the process.

Sponge on the second colour

 

While the newspaper is still moist sponge on the second colour of underglaze.

Add more moist newspaper shapes

Dip newspaper shapes into water and lay on the yellow underglaze surface. Remember as you move through the process the clay should stay moist and the underglazes are just dry to the touch before applying more wet newspaper shapes. All these areas will remain the yellow colour throughout the process

 

Sponge on another colour!

Sponge on the third, darkest colour. In this project we used three colours but it could be simplified using only two colours or more complex by adding more.

Remove all the newspaper shapes

Remove all the newspaper shapes. This can be done immediately if the surface is not extremely wet.

Cover the surface with plastic and drape into the form

Once the surface it just dry to the touch cover the slab with plastic wrap to protect it and lay it into the form. Centre the slab over the form.

Use another plate to press the slab into the paper form

 

Use the same size paper plate to press the slab gently into the form. The plastic wrap will help protect the patterned surface. Once the slab is pressed into the plate removed the plastic and trim the edge so the rim will not be too large. Remember you can cut the rim into a different shape if you prefer.

Clean the rim and your ready to fire your work!

 

Use the plastic wrap to smooth the rim of your platter. Notice that extra colors and patterns have been added to this project. This can be done before of after the slab is pressed into the form. Additional color can be added with sponges, brushes, application (squirt) bottles - whatever works for you! The project can dry in the paper plate until it is ready to be fired. Finish your work using LG-10 Clear Glaze