Clay Techniques

Scraffito: A light carved design or texture on the surface of the clay to reveal the layer just below.

Slip Design: Slip is made by thinning the clay to a paintable  consistency and then applying it to the wet clay for decoration.This is similar to cake or cookie frosting. I mostly squeeze it from a bottle with a very fine tip to get extreme details.

Marbled: I blend different colored clay bodies together before I roll out or form the bead .

Rubbed: After I fire the bead I rub or sand the surface to create a weathered,  aged look. This highlights the highest textured surface leaving the lowest surfaces untouched.

Naturals: My term to describe the surface as having no decoration, just the fired clay body. This is one of my favorite techniques that I incorporate on most all of the pieces. The unglazed clay, after wearing for a while picks up what I call a

" patina" absorbing the natural oils of the skin and essential oils that are put in the vessels, creating a surface that seems to be alive, very beautiful!