Cylena

Beautiful sculpture!

Great idea!

Yes I think you’re right, a plaster mold would be complicated and unlikely to work. Pictures are after 1 firing. The wood has completely burned out but I don’t think casting inside the bisque will work for my aims. I want to keep the translucency.

Interesting point! I’ll ask the kiln tech if there’s a tray available.

Couple of close ups

This is exactly the challenge: enough coats to survive the kiln YET STILL have the details that makes it unique. The pictures attached are from my first attempts where I painted on paperclay slip with a brush. (Banana for scale lol) Most of the branches were 50-60cm long so all of them are only partially intact. I'm getting better coverage by dipping rather painting the slip but I don't want to lose the thorny-ness of the thorns. Maybe a plaster mold would work? Hmmm...

Thank you for the links. I'm not trying to make nests though. I need individual branches.

These images look great! And prove that it can be done. I've just put about 15 individual sticks in the kiln. Will post images when they come out.

I am trying to make porcelain sticks/branches by painting twigs with paperclay slip (Scarva's Flax paperclay watered down). I know I need to have at least three layers but often some of the first coat rubs off as I'm applying the second. I've tried applying first coat by dipping then further layers with a brush, letting it dry completely between coats. I've considered spraying but I'd have to source my own sprayer with a wide nozzle. I'd look into it if there was a chance it would work. Or perhaps I should buy Scarva's ready made paperclay slip? Any advice appreciated!

Thank you. I will roll a new slab, this time with more paper clay.

My porcelain slab broke into 12 or more pieces when I tried to move it to the kiln. Could I attach the pieces with Paperclay then fire? I don’t mind if the seems show. Also considering rolling a slab of pure Paperclay sticking the green ware porcelain pieces on top and firing together. Would they stick to each other?