Sgraffito Mushroom

Designer: David Hoff

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Instructions

  1. Check the ware over for any blemishes and if any are present, lightly sand the ware to remove the blemishes. 
  2. Damp sponge the ware to remove any fired dust and to condition the piece for decorating. 
  3. Place the Fundamental Colors on the palette as needed. If the product is extremely thick, thin with a few drops of water or Thin ’n Shade. Mix with a palette knife. 
  4. Using the #8 Pointed Round fully loaded with a  generous amount of Bright Yellow, Flame Red and Orange, all on the brush at the same time. 
  5. Using a blooping motion, generously cover the top of the mushroom. The colors should look mottled. However, total coverage is needed. Keep reloading the Pointed Round as needed. There is no need to wash the brush. Allow the first application some drying time. Proceed to apply two more coats in the same manner. 
  6. While the top is setting; using the same brush generously loaded with Apple Green and Lime Green. Proceed to apply these two colors to the underside of the mushroom and the stem. Again, a total of three coats is needed. Allow the color to dry. 
  7. Special Note: Once the mottled basecoats have been applied, the piece can be fired to cone 04 to set the color. By firing now, this will eliminate any white areas of bisque showing through the Sgraffitoing. If you decide not to set the color, there is a good possibility that cutting through the applied color could leave white bisque exposed.
  8. Once the decision has been made to fire or not fire the base colors, proceed as follows.   
  9. Using the ¾” Oval, apply three coats of Jet Black to the top of the mushroom and bring the Jet Black under the mushrooms lip by one-quarter inch (1/4”). 
  10. Before moving on to the stem, Sgraffito the top of the mushroom. When attempting this technique, the top layer of color must remain fairly damp. Color should feel damp but should not be so wet the color comes off on your fingers. 
  11. A pattern has been provided as a guide for the Sgraffitoing.   
  12. Lightly, if needed sketch the design onto the damp Jet Black.
  13. To Sgraffito: 
    1. Top color should be damp. 
    2. Hold the Sgraffito tool, like a pencil. 
    3. Work towards yourself.  
    4. Use plenty of pressure on the tool. 
    5. Gently brush off the debris caused by the Sgraffitoing. 
    6. While cutting through the top color, if the color starts to chip, the top color is too dry. Spritz with water or lay a wet paper towel over the color and allow some time to rehydrate the underglaze. 
  14. Once the top of the mushroom has been Sgraffitoed; using the ¾” Oval, apply three coats of Olive to the stem of the Mushroom and its underside.  Butting the Olive right next to the Jet Black.
  15. Again, referring to the provided pattern, Sgraffito the grass like design over the stem and pull in lines to the underside of the mushroom. 
  16. Brush off any fine debris that may be present. 
  17. Allow to dry and fire the piece to shelf cone 04. 
  18. Damp sponge the ware to condition for glazing and to remove any fired dust. 
  19. With Fan Glaze brush, apply 2 to 3 coats of Crystal Clear Brushing over the entire piece. 
  20. Stilt ware and fire to shelf cone 06. 
  21. Remove Stilt marks with Dremel Tool or Stilt Stone. 

Supplies

Form 

  • MB1420 Garden Mushroom 6” 

Colors

  • UG046 Bright Yellow 
  • UG050 Jet Black 
  • UG068 Apple Green 
  • UG204 Orange 
  • UG207 Flame Red 
  • UG231 Lime Green 
  • UG232 Olive 
  • S2101 Crystal Clear Brushing 

Decorating Accessories

  • Palette Knife 
  • Sponge  
  • CB-408 #8-Pointed Round 
  • CB- 434 ¾” Oval 
  • RB-144 #4 Soft Fan 
  • Sgraffito Tool of choice   

Miscellaneous Accessories

  • Standard Pencil and paper 
  • Paper Towel 
  • Palette 
  • Water Bowl 
  • Pattern

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