Tools & Supplies: 5 lbs. of low fire white moist clay, 8X8 square Slump Mold #SP01,Ivy Sprig Mold #SG05, one yard of canvas, wire to cut clay, XL rolling pin, Sandbag (place one cup of play sand into handkerchief and tie to close), wooden fettling knife, small round sponge, 1 cup of low fire white slip.

STEP 1: Using a wire, slice off an appropriate amount of clay from a block of low fire white moist clay.

STEP 2: Using the palms of your hands, slightly flatten the clay onto a piece of canvas.

STEP 3: Beginning rolling the clay using a large rolling pin. Press firmly and roll the entire length of clay.

STEP 4: Roll twice and turn the clay over. Repeat until the clay is rolled to desired thickness (1/4”-3/8”) and size (approx. 14”x 14”).

STEP 5: Compare clay dimensions to plaster form to assure proper coverage.

STEP 6: Lift clay from canvas and place onto plaster form #SP01.

STEP 7: Use sandbag to pounce the clay into the plaster form. Pounce until smooth.

STEP 8: Use a wooden fettling knife to cut the excess clay. Scallop the edge of the plate as you cut.

STEP 9: Remove the excess clay and set aside.

STEP 10: Use a moist sponge to smooth and clean the scalloped edge.

STEP 11: Blend the sponge marks into the plate texture.

STEP 12: Place a 4” x4” piece of excess clay onto one of the ivy in the tool #SG05.

STEP 13: Using the bag of sand, pounce the clay into the form.

STEP 14: Lift the clay from the form.

STEP 15: Using a cleaning tool cut the ivy shape from the clay. Repeat 12-15 until you have gathered the desired number of clay ivy leaves.

STEP 16: Use a moistened sponge to lightly clean edges of the ivy.

STEP 17: After arranging the ivy on the plate, lightly score the area below the ivy on the plate.

STEP 18: Use a cleaning tool to lightly score the back of the ivy.

STEP 19: Apply a small amount of low fire white slip to the back of the ivy.

STEP 20: Depress the ivy onto the scored area on the plate.

STEP 21: Roll thin ropes of clay, slip and depress the ropes onto the plate as ivy vines.

STEP 22: Run the vines onto the appropriate area of each leaf and taper the vine into the leaf.

STEP 23: Gently clean the leaves, plate and vines with a sponge and cleaning tool where necessary.

STEP 24: When the plate is leather hard, remove it from the mold and clean the edges with a cleaning tool. Allow to dry completely before firing.

For a detailed tutorial with images, click here to download.