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Making Slumping Molds from Clay
Clay is inexpensive. The tools for working with clay are
also inexpensive and fairly easy to find. Unfired clay can be
shaped easily, and can be textured or carved if desired.
There's no special talent or skill required to make slumping molds
from clay. It's even possible to mature clay molds by firing
in a glass kiln.
For these reasons clay makes an excellent choice for the glass
artist who wants to make his or her own slumping molds.
It's not the perfect material -- clay shrinks when fired, and needs
to be dried properly or it will crack -- but with care and the right
procedures virtually anyone can learn to make excellent slumping
molds from clay.
Let's start by selecting the right clay. Ideally, you want
a clay that is easy to work with, that isn't prone to thermal shock,
and that is durable enough to withstand repeated firings. You
also don't want the clay to ruin the surface of the glass, so the
clay you choose must also take kiln wash easily.
Click here to continue.
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Copyright 2006 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
Special thanks to Leslie Ihde
for her assistance with this writeup.
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