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Cookie cutters, tin cans, tile cutters and hand made cutters are just a few ways to cut clay slabs into shapes.
Often these items become difficult to use after one or two cuts, the clay will cling to the sides and grab more clay with each cut. WD-40 or baby oil wiped on the cutting edges after each cut will make them much easier to use, and keeps the clay from sticking.
After you roll out your clay slab to the desired thickness, use your clay stamps or any found item you want to decorate with to
add interesting texture.
My favorite way to use cutters is with plastic wrap. Spread a sheet of wrap loosely over your slab and then use your cutters. Your impressions will be
preserved and the edges of your shape will be gently rounded over from the pressure of the wrap.
No clay sticking either.
Just straighten the wrap after each cut and keep going.
Notes:
I made my round and oval cutters from tomato paste cans with both ends removed, just squeeze the sides in to make the oval. They work great.
The tops of containers around the house will do, the lids of some stick
deodorents cut lovely long ovals.
Use your pieces to make pulls for shades or fans, roll the clay a bit thinner and make wind chimes.
Make pendants from low fired terra cotta clay and infuse with scented oils.
Use a nice ribbon to hang, the oil will slowly evaporate perfuming the room.
Use a larger can to cut out coasters.
Use underglazes or wipe the glazed area back with a sponge to expose some bare clay and low fire, cone 06 or 05. This makes your coaster more absorbent. Apply a cork or felt backing to coasters so they don't scratch surfaces. I can buy 4 cork place mats at the dollar store, just the right thickness for the backing.
Don't forget hanging ornaments, use holiday themed cutters and cut a hanging hole at the top. I like to use raffia for a hanging loop.
The pendants, coasters and such are a great small space filler in your kiln, you
can turn them out very quickly . Display them in baskets or hanging on their
cords in your booth as an inexpensive item shoppers can pick up. Not everyone
buys pottery but many will buy small pretty pieces with some useful purpose,
or as gifts.
If you have found this article interesting or helpful please vote below.
"Have joy in everything you make" Shoji Hamada
Often these items become difficult to use after one or two cuts, the clay will cling to the sides and grab more clay with each cut. WD-40 or baby oil wiped on the cutting edges after each cut will make them much easier to use, and keeps the clay from sticking.
After you roll out your clay slab to the desired thickness, use your clay stamps or any found item you want to decorate with to
add interesting texture.
My favorite way to use cutters is with plastic wrap. Spread a sheet of wrap loosely over your slab and then use your cutters. Your impressions will be
preserved and the edges of your shape will be gently rounded over from the pressure of the wrap.
No clay sticking either.
Just straighten the wrap after each cut and keep going.
Notes:
I made my round and oval cutters from tomato paste cans with both ends removed, just squeeze the sides in to make the oval. They work great.
The tops of containers around the house will do, the lids of some stick
deodorents cut lovely long ovals.
Use your pieces to make pulls for shades or fans, roll the clay a bit thinner and make wind chimes.
Make pendants from low fired terra cotta clay and infuse with scented oils.
Use a nice ribbon to hang, the oil will slowly evaporate perfuming the room.
Use a larger can to cut out coasters.
Use underglazes or wipe the glazed area back with a sponge to expose some bare clay and low fire, cone 06 or 05. This makes your coaster more absorbent. Apply a cork or felt backing to coasters so they don't scratch surfaces. I can buy 4 cork place mats at the dollar store, just the right thickness for the backing.
Don't forget hanging ornaments, use holiday themed cutters and cut a hanging hole at the top. I like to use raffia for a hanging loop.
The pendants, coasters and such are a great small space filler in your kiln, you
can turn them out very quickly . Display them in baskets or hanging on their
cords in your booth as an inexpensive item shoppers can pick up. Not everyone
buys pottery but many will buy small pretty pieces with some useful purpose,
or as gifts.
If you have found this article interesting or helpful please vote below.
"Have joy in everything you make" Shoji Hamada
Guide created: 06/15/07 (updated 08/18/08)
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