July 4, 2003, Newsletter Issue #146: Decoration made easy!, Agate/aggateware

Tip of the Week

Agate/aggate ware is a decorative ware made from partially blended dark and light clays which give striations. The effect is sometimes created with surface slips. The name comes from the semi-precious agate stone, a form of crypto-crystalline quartz with striated markings.

This technique is not only eye-catching, it is fun and easy.

Commercial stains, oxides, or underglazes can be used for colour as well as naturally coloured clays.

1. Blend colour into clay well, whether it be stains or
oxides, wedge well.
2. Roll coloured clay into slabs approx 12" thick.
3. Cut your coloured slabs into strips approx 1/4" wide.
4. Lay strips, (in varying colours)side by side pressing
them against eachother, roll to 1/8"thick.

The aggate slab is now useable as a slump or hump mould or tiles, the imagination being your only limit.

Variation:
Cut the slab into random shapes roll together again as a patchwork design, slump or hump mould as before.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Ceramics Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Byron White