When inspiration strikes me, I plunge right in. I don't think about the materials or props I need, I just roll out the clay and improvise. That's what I did this evening.
I've always wanted to make a cake stand and never did. Today I decided to give it a try. The first photo is the cake stand put together and photographed upside down. There's no photo of the cake stand standing upright because if I placed it that way it would droop and that would be the end of it. The clay must stiffen quite a bit before I dare turn it right side up.
While I was making the cake stand, I unpacked this mini extruder and made an extruded rim with extruded sprigs on top. This tool could be lots of fun. I can't wait to see what shapes all the discs make.
You'll have to wait in suspense like me to see if this cake stand will survive the drying process. I've got some round balls of clay holding up the top of the plate and have placed it upside down on an upside down corelle plate. The plate just so happened to be the right size to fit between the sprigs. Boy, what luck I have. I need some foam for these types of challenges. One can never have too many tools and props when working with clay.
Of course, if I didn't make a rim with sprigs on top I could have placed the top flat down on a board, but I always think of these things after I make something. I think my fate says I must be challenged with the impossible task each day. Still, though, the mysteries of clay keep me coming back time after time, it's so much fun. Comments and questions are welcome.
Ooh my...this is going to be a beautiful piece.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see if it survives, I have never gotten one to not slump on me so I gave up on it! Kari Radasch makes some great hand built cake stands, have you seen hers?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it would help to fire it upside down like that. Hmmmm.
ReplyDeletecake stands sure are problematic! i have made quite a few... warping during firing is the biggest problem. i wheel throw them in two parts and assemble them when leather hard. i then cover them with plastic to dry slowly.
ReplyDeletegood luck... wishing you success!
This is going to be beautiful, I have my fingers crossed for you...and you can imagine how difficult that makes it for me to throw ;-)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck.
Hi Turquoisemoon, thanks I hope it makes it, if not I may try again as I think they are so elegant.
ReplyDeleteHi Tracey, thanks, I am using some pretty groggy clay so we shall see. I also have some even more groggy stuff I'll try too. I havent' seen Kari's cake stands; I'll have to check them out. I've only seen Whitney Smith's and I know she has had issues with hers too.
Hi Cindy, thanks, I might try firing it upside down I'll have to make some better props for it to balance on; good idea, thanks.
Hi Michele, thanks, well I might make several and try different ways of firing them.
Hi Lori, thanks, yes I couldn't even begin to think about throwing this.
I hope it makes it, and even if it doesn't, you will continue to try and work out the kinks. I LOVE foam, wouldn't be able to make my baskets without it!
ReplyDeleteHi Kari, thanks, I was thinking of you when I mentioned foam, just haven't gotten to the store and gotten some, really need to do that soon. Not sure of where places are around here to get stuff; I know I drove by a fabric store the other day, but can't remember where it was. I think I need to carry the phone book in my car.
ReplyDeleteNew challenges are always fun! It's nice to have the freedom to experiment. My attempts at cake stands have not been successful (so far)... I needed to pay more attention to drying/warpage prevention. All the things that make pottery such a trial sometimes! Look forward to hearing/seeing how yours comes out!
ReplyDeleteI love a cake stand -- they are so elegant. Every one I've tried to make has slumped -- no patience is my problem. Can't wait to see yours fired.
ReplyDeleteI keep repeating myself, but I am so inspired by your passion for working with clay.
ReplyDeleteHi Patricia, thanks, judging from the responses, seems like cake plates are quite a challenge for many, so I am taking this knowledge as a new challenge to strive to have a stand come out no matter what.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, thanks, another person with the same experience with cake stands, I must try and try till I get it right then,
Hi Teresa, thanks ever so much, it is commments like yours that keep me going in the face of the trials and tribulations of clay.