Cylena

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. 

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. 

Couple of close ups
 

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...

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...

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.