I've created so many stoneware sea urchin cabochons lately because they were in high demand when I returned from the
bead cruise. They had been featured in Beverly Herman's
"Star of the Sea" workshop and the ladies had asked for more. So I thought I'd share an inside peek at how these pieces are made...
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| Fresh Block of Stoneware |
All urchin cabochons start their life from a block of brown stoneware.
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| Wedged Stoneware |
I cut a piece of clay from the block and
wedge it for proper consistency and to remove air pockets.
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| Slab |
The clay is then rolled into a slab. I use a simple wooden rolling pin for this.
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| Greenware |
I cut the cabochons from the slab and then smooth the edges. They are then set aside for awhile.
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| Mold Made from Antique Button |
Another piece of clay is cut and wedged then I remove a small piece and roll it into a ball. The small decorative urchin element is created from a mold I made of an antique button.
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| Molded Stoneware |
The little ball of clay is pressed into the mold, removed and then set aside.
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| Scored Stoneware |
I then
score the decorative urchin and the cabochon, apply a bit of
slip and join the two pieces together.
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| Greenware Cabochons |
The cabochons are then left to dry for a couple of days.
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| Bisque Cabochons with Oxide Applied |
Once the cabochons are completely dry, they are put into my small kiln and
bisque fired. I unload them the next day and apply an
oxide to the decorative urchin element. The oxide is applied by brushing it on and then wiping the excess with a wet sponge.
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| Glazed Cabochons |
After the oxide is applied, each piece is glazed. I typically apply 2-3 layers of glaze.
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| Finished Sea Urchin Cabochons |
Once I have enough work to fill the kiln, I load all the pieces and fire to
Cone 6. The pieces are unloaded the next day and then inspected for any flaws. I then spend a day photographing, editing and writing drafts for my shop.
And there you have it! That's what it takes to make a sea urchin cabochon!
Happy Beading!
