Expert: Leisha Hiester - 6/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm looking to create a picture that looks as if it is from the sand (beach). How do you create this? Is there a glaze or do you add sand to glaze? I am completely new to ceramics and I saw a frame like this I want to try to recreate. thank you, Debbie

ANSWER: Debbie,
There are glazes that when fired do look just like sand. I recommend a low fire Duncan. Go to this link and you will find a variety of colors that look like sand. You'll also find instructions! Hope this helps.

http://www.duncanpaintstore.com/nmclay-bin/shop.pl/page=sand.htm/SID=1213479393.

Leisha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How do I create 3-D hand prints on plaques? I understand how to make 3-D hand prints,but how do you put together. When I have seen them they look like a relief pushed through to the other side.So is it two pieces and scored together and are they using the dental material for the mold. Or is it one piece some how.Thanks, Debbie

Answer
Debbie,
You can create an imprint of someone's hand with great detail by using your own clay. Use clay that is fairly soft & pliable.

1. Roll out a fairly thick slab.
2. Spray the person's hand with WD-40 lightly.
3. Press their hand into the clay. The WD-40 works as a release agent and helps pick up great detail. There's no worry about it because it burns off completely in the firing.
4. Allow the slab to dry completely.
5. At this point you can either carefully press soft clay into the handprint like a mold or you can fire it first to bisque.
Bisque firing the print allows you to make multiple copies. If you're looking for a single handprint you can make your print & recycle the initial mold clay.  
6. Gently release the clay from the mold, turn out onto a plate/board & allow to get leather hard.
7. You can then score & slip to attach to another slab to make a plaque.
I hope this helps. I've done this with dog paws also. :)

Leisha


PS. Debbie, I forgot to mention that on your 'sand' frame; another option is that there is a textured acrylic paint I've used. It's made by Duncan. They call it 'Granite Stone.' It's non-toxic, & has an easy brush on application. It comes in a variety of colors. The one I used was 'Pueblo Sand' to resemble beach sand. :)