From Inspiration to Creation
Here is a picture journey of my "design from nature" process, starting with a dahlia from my garden, one of my favorite flowers. Every year I make Christmas cards, and many years ago I used linoleum blocks to carve designs to print the cards from. I wanted to try using the blocks to make my own textured stamps for my clay work. I had tried carving rubber stamp blanks but found the material very hard to work with. The lino is wonderful though, soft and easy to carve. And by drawing a 2" x 2" "canvas" on the block, I can scale the carving to pendant size. Hobby Lobby has blanks without blocks, that can be carved on both sides. And sets of carving tools. I did a rough drawing on the block before starting.
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| Just parts of the carving can be used |
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for rekindling a fond memory of linoleum blocks. What an exceptional perspective you have in transfering the detail of the dahlia to the block. The finished pieces and glazes are striking. :)
ReplyDeleteI have had all of these supplies sitting on my desk for about 2 years now. I think I might actually open packages and try this out now! Thanks Sharleen for sharing your technique with us. :-)
ReplyDeleteMarla, the blocks are so portable too. I'm getting ready this morning to go to jury duty. I'm thinking about how many blocks I can carve while I'm sitting there waiting to be called? Anyplace you have to spend waiting with time on your hands...just scoop up the curls that are left after the carving. It doesn't make much of a mess.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I have wanted for years with my artwork to carve blocks. Have been thinking about it even more recently. This will spur me into getting it done. Thanks for the info as to what to get.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Great glaze!
ReplyDeleteThanks, the pieces were raku'd, fired in my microwave kiln. Spectrum Raku glazes. I was just at the ceramic store and notice Mayco has put out raku glazes. I bought 2 colors that I don't currently have in Spectrum, the red and the dark green. Has anyone tried them? I plan on doing some raku this weekend so I'll see soon for myself.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful piece Sharleen. Thanks so much for the info about Mayco coming out with some raku glazes. I will be looking for them too.
ReplyDeleteI have a few Spectrum but not those colors. How does that little Microwave kiln work for you?? I've had people ask & didn't know what to tell them. What color raku did you use & was it raku clay??
ReplyDeleteThese are bold and beautiful textures, Sharleen. I've often wondered you you did those. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDid you see Ceramics Daily's hint on making carving tools from the spring metal in tape measures? I wish I had the link. Check their archives. I bet it is in there.