If you struggle to keep greenware at a workable level of dampness when doing finishing work, I have a great tip for you. Seasonal or studio warmth can dry pieces too quickly, especially if you are doing intricate carving.
I originally purchased disposable shower caps (1) to keep the foam pads I carve on from getting contaminated when I switch back and forth between light and dark clays. I discovered that the elastic in the shower caps was a great way to keep a small window of my pieces exposed as I carved them (2), ensuring that the rest of the piece (especially the handle) was not drying out too quickly. This means less misting water on my pieces, which could potentially lead to uneven drying and cracked handles.
Shower caps are easier to manage than a sheet of plastic because they stay in place and don’t come untucked. They are made of very lightweight plastic and don’t leave marks on leather-hard pieces. It’s easy to tuck the elastic in at the top and rest a piece upside down for a few minutes or even a few hours (3, 4). They also protect wet pieces from being set down on bits of carved clay meaning less to clean off afterward. Finally, the caps can be used repeatedly; if they get a hole just use them to slow dry your pieces. To see these in action, find more tips, and view my work, check out Instagram @curiosibee.art.
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If you struggle to keep greenware at a workable level of dampness when doing finishing work, I have a great tip for you. Seasonal or studio warmth can dry pieces too quickly, especially if you are doing intricate carving.
I originally purchased disposable shower caps (1) to keep the foam pads I carve on from getting contaminated when I switch back and forth between light and dark clays. I discovered that the elastic in the shower caps was a great way to keep a small window of my pieces exposed as I carved them (2), ensuring that the rest of the piece (especially the handle) was not drying out too quickly. This means less misting water on my pieces, which could potentially lead to uneven drying and cracked handles.
Shower caps are easier to manage than a sheet of plastic because they stay in place and don’t come untucked. They are made of very lightweight plastic and don’t leave marks on leather-hard pieces. It’s easy to tuck the elastic in at the top and rest a piece upside down for a few minutes or even a few hours (3, 4). They also protect wet pieces from being set down on bits of carved clay meaning less to clean off afterward. Finally, the caps can be used repeatedly; if they get a hole just use them to slow dry your pieces. To see these in action, find more tips, and view my work, check out Instagram @curiosibee.art.
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