Post #773964 by danlovestikis on Sun, Mar 12, 2017 7:38 AM

Wish List #7 continues with Theo Stools Diver Down mug.

GROG really helped me with a new technique of making something with a solid piece of clay. Then when

I finish the piece digging out the backside. It worked. Thank you GROG for sharing Babalu's technique.

To stretch the clay backwards into the helmet I kept adding layers of sticky clay then pressing it backwards. This kept the clay thick enough that I didn't push through.

Now it was time to put the skull into the helmet to see if it would fit.

Relief! Behind the jaw it is open so that I am not trapping air that would explode the mug in the kiln.
I added broken supports for the glass face that is now gone. That is why he didn't survive his dive.

Now it was time to seal the bottom of the mug. I cut a slab off a huge brick of clay. Then using a rubber mallet I

pounded it to the right size and thickness.

I use sticky clay as glue. I make this from the excess clay I cut off cast projects. I put it in a plastic container and then I pour slip on top of it.

I spread it around on the clay slab and

I then use water on my fingers to smooth it. This prevents air bubbles.

I pressed the helmet into the sticky clay firmly.

Then just like grouting tile I wipe the excess away.

Then I use a roll of soft clay to seal it all together.

The last step was to cut away the excess slab.

This mug is not done yet. More steps will soon follow. A hard but fun project. Wendy