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After rolling your
background clay to the thickness you want (I used #4 of the
pasta machine), cut the clay to just fit the length of the
pen barrel. During assembly, the clay will eventually
overlap the ends.
I cut the leading edge of the clay at an angle before I begin this step. Now gently lift the edge of clay to partially cover the pen, I make it about half way around. At the same time, make sure your clay is getting a nice even bond with the pen, leaving no air bubbles. This is very important. |
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Now roll the pen
the rest of the way around until the leading edge makes an
impression on the clay. Roll it back enough so you can
see the mark you made.
Make your cut at an angle in the opposite direction that you made the first cut. Make sure the edges will overlap. This will make it easier to get a smooth seam. All the while you are rolling you should be making sure there are no air bubbles. |
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Gently smooth the
seam. Here is one place where you should be taking
your time and using a soft touch so as to not create air
bubbles.
Take care with the tip because of the decreasing diameter of it, make sure the clay is adhered to it all the way around. I make little V slits in it to make it fit better. Leave the top of the pen uncovered for now. You can trim some clay away at this point, leaving enough to cover it later. Go ahead and trim the tip end even with the barrel. You will probably get tired of reading my cautions about air bubbles but they will ruin your hard work if they are there when you bake your creation. During any step of the process, if you discover air bubbles, you should poke them with a pin and gently push the air out, making sure ALL the air is out before gently sealing the hole. |
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After all the layers are applied and flattened it is time to work on the ends. If there are any air bubbles, poke them, press out the air and seal. Trim any excess clay flush with the tip of the pen with your blade.
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Now the fun
starts!! If you are planning a layered look, you will
need to add your cane slices one layer at a time. This
prevents air bubbles from forming where the slices
overlap. It would be a good idea if you have a general
plan of what will go in which layer.
Make very thin slices from your canes and apply them to the surface of your clay covered pen. |
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Now is the time to
flatten your canes into the base clay. VERY gently
squeeze them with your fingers to set them so they won't
pull away when you roll the pen. You don't need to try
to make them level with the base layer, you just need to
make them stick.
Care must be taken in this step. If you use too much pressure while rolling, the clay will separate from the pen and you will have air bubbles. Take your time here. If you are making a layered design, repeat these steps of applying slices and rolling as needed. Again with the air bubbles. LOL |