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advise needed: pierced porcelain

updated thu 9 jan 03

 

melinda willis on wed 8 jan 03


Hi Andi,
I just posted some pictures of the tools that I use for carving my beads
if you are interested in looking at them. They are in the Odds and Ends
album. All of the work (except the two ginkgo jars) are made with an 04
imitation porcelain throwing body (Clay And Glazes, James Chappell, )
that I find, just about as finicky as any porcelain that I have ever
carved. I made the two wire tools in the middle out of piano wire from
Ace Hardware and after a little use they get a nice sharp edge on them
that just shaves that clay right off. I usually buy the thinnest wire
they have... you may think it's too flimsy but if you bend the end the
right way, they are good sturdy tips for this delicate work. I'll post
some pictures of the bent wires before they are epoxied into the tubes.
I have always stored my small work (even Porcelain) in Tupperware
containers with a slightly damp rag or paper towel until I am completely
finished with them.
I hope something I have said has helped!
Melinda

http://www.PictureTrail.com/mel61844