If the clay
is properly handled, designs can be
made smaller by a process of pulling
and stretching. By using a tool called
a brayer, the edges are kept flat and
the corners square.
This particular section
of the design was originally 2.5" square
by 8' long. It’s now reduced
down to 1" square and can easily
be cut with a sharp blade.
We now have
4 identical design sections.
The 4 sections are assembled
to form the design, and at this point
the cane is 2" square by 10" long.
We now add
layers of colors to the outside to
create borders and reduce the cane
down one more time.
The larger cane will
be used to create pendants and brooches,
while the smaller ones will soon become
Quilted in Clay earrings.
Slicing
the cane requires the sharpest blade
available. Soon, we’ll have earrings!
"How long
does it take to create a single design?"
"Each
design is different and so is the
time that it takes to bring it to
life. The complexity of the design,
as well as how many colors are in it can effect how
long it will take us. Some designs can be made into
a cane in just 2 to 3 days, while others like the School
House can take up to 3 weeks."
