Using Sodium Silicate Pt 3 - Alternative Textures

Purple Thumb asked: "Could you do a video to show how to create large, deep cracks, almost like blocks? Thanks!"

Sure can.  I first try with bird netting to create a square block pattern.  It was a fail, due to the pattern being uneven in depth, making the expansion difficult.   I did like the texture in certain areas.   This pot eventually broke off camera while drying,  so it didn't make it all the way to the end of the video.  

I think that the bird netting idea still has merit if I could figure out how to secure it more tightly and evenly.   So, this was as close as I got to making "large, deep cracks, almost like blocks".

I then try a Vertical/Horizontal cross hatch pattern using a pasta cutter.  When expanded, the vertical cracks opened more than the horizontal ones.  I think this one shows real potential for future use. I took the time to finish the rim with wet fingers, before moving onto the next.

I liked the texture on #2, but wondered if having the cross hatch at a 45 angle would make a difference, so I tried that on #3.   Notice I run the wheel in forward and reverse when applying the cross hatching.

Lastly I wanted to try a totally different texture.  At this point I only wanted to do one more demo-pot, and couldn't decide between the circle-cutting pipe and the V-shaped wire, so I did both.  The results were interesting.  I think I want to do a few more tests with the circle cutter.

#1 was 3lbs of clay, and #2, #3 and #4 were all 5lbs of clay.

I hope you enjoy. Please like, subscribe, and leave me a comment.

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