» Ceramics Decorating Video: Inlaying Colored Clay Decoration into Handbuilt Vessels

January 23, 2009

Ceramics Decorating Video: Inlaying Colored Clay Decoration into Handbuilt Vessels

Inlaying Colored Clay

Way, way back, while I was on maternity leave (such a distant memory
now - sigh), Sherman Hall ran a video clip from Mitch Lyon’s full
length DVD, Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons, in which Lyon’s demonstrated
the broomstick method of handbuilding pottery. The technique intrigued
me and I finally had a chance to check out the rest of the video. And
it’s a good one.
So today thought I would send out a “part deux.” In this clip, Lyons
demonstrates how he inlays figurative colored clay motifs into his
broomstick vases.
I have included a step-by-step recap of the technique below, in
addition to pointing you toward another great project for colored clay
inlay from the Ceramic Arts Daily Feature Archives. - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

	First, scoop some powdered oxides or stains into the well of a small pinch pot. Always wear a mask when working with dry raw materials as they are harmful when inhaled.
	Next, add some organic painter’s pigment into the mix. This step is optional. Lyons adds this to get a better idea of how the black iron oxide will look when it is fired.
	Mix the oxide and pigment together to make a paste. If you do not use the painter’s pigment, just mix a little water with the oxide or stain.
Check out the full description of the entire DVD Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons in the Ceramic Arts Daily Bookstore
	Wearing gloves - again to protect yourself from harmful materials - wedge the colorants into the clay until it is mixed in completely and the clay is evenly colored (unless, of course, you want a marbleized look - there are so many options with clay!).
	Roll small coils and use them to create the design you wish to inlay.
	Spritz your design with a little water and then, using the broomstick method, roll a cylinder over it to pick it up.