People have used molds to shape clay since 2000 BC. Some of the earliest clay containers were made by smearing a layer of clay onto the inside of a basket and then burning the basket away to leave a hardened clay shell.
I make molds in two-pieces to create a three-dimensional form. Here are the steps I take:
I make molds in two-pieces to create a three-dimensional form. Here are the steps I take:
- I carve a shape out of plaster, like the bunny in the photos.
- I make the first half of the mold by covering the carved form in plaster to half-way.
- I do the same on the other side, making sure the two pieces fit together.
- This gives me a two-piece mold with a hollowed-out portion on the bottom.
- I strap together the two-piece mold and fill it with porcelain slip, which is liquid clay, jiggling it to ensure the slip gets into all the crevices of the mold and any bubbles come to the surface.
- As the slip rests in the mold, the mold absorbs moisture from the slip and when the wall thickness around the mold is correct, the excess slip is poured out of the mold.
- After several hours, the clay is dry for unmolding and further drying.
- The hollow piece is then trimmed of excess slip at the seam and any other rough spots.
- It is now ready to be fired.
