Kim Schoenberger - D

D - Sprigg Decoration

Making spriggs are relatively easy and are great for repetitive, low-relief motif decoration on a clay surface. I've created my 'D' sprigg by carving into plaster with my trusty dremel as I did for my 'C' although, this time I've carved a larger negative space.

After tracing my letter D onto the plaster, I've carved to make the D. I liked the texture the carving tool created, when the clay is pressed in to make the sprigg, it'll give great texture in the clay.

A test is made (as above on right of plaster) with a small piece of clay to see if the D looks ok, this also takes away any fine plaster dust left from the carving. Taking another sprigg; finding it's final position, scoring both sides of the tile and the back of the D sprigg ...

...the two are joined gently.

Lots of care and a steady hand are needed here, making sure no air has trapped underneath, a good join... so it doesn't pop off in the firing and clean and neaten the edges.

D - sanded and ready for bisque firing.