- 1). Prepare your studio and wheel for making the miniature vases, including 4 lbs. of the clay you normally use. Any type of water-soluble clay would work as long as it contains no impurities or added materials such as grog (fired clay granules). You want the clay to have a very smooth texture. Arrange your tools and water near your wheel and knead about 2 lbs. of clay, like bread dough, to give it an even consistency.
- 2). Place the clay on the wheel and center it using your hands. Apply pressure toward the center using water to lubricate your hands on the clay. This will create a hump shape coming to a point at the top. Form the top into an even-sided cylinder about an inch or two high, depending on your preference.
- 3). Create the opening in the center of the miniature vase using the stick-end of a small brush. Make the opening about 1/2 inch wide. Push in as the wheel turns at slow to mid-speed to the desired depth. Use just enough water to keep everything well-lubricated, but not too much so that the clay will fall apart and disintegrate. Use a sponge to drip a few drops of water on the clay when necessary.
- 4). Apply slight outward pressure from the inside with the brush handle, while at the same time applying supporting inward pressure with the tip of your finger. Slowly compress the side of the vase this way to make it rise as you slowly pull upward. Avoid too much pressure and keep the walls thick enough to support the shape.
- 5). Form the lip of the vase using small carving tools. Use your fingernail or other tools to shape the form of the vase. Use brushes with a little water to create smooth edges and surfaces.
- 6). Apply heat to the miniature vase so that you can handle it. Check the depth of the vase before using the razor blade to cut off the hump. Shape the foot as best as you can before cutting it off. Hold the blade horizontally and slice in slowly as the wheel turns.
- 7). Flatten the top of the hump to create a surface for trimming. Place the vase upside down in the center of the hump. It should adhere enough to allow you to trim the bottom of the miniature with a small trimming tool. Use a damp sponge to wipe away the tool marks and let it dry.
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