Once you've mastered the individual problems inherent in various types of molds, take advantage of the time and money benefits of "mass production."

You are now ready to make your first slip casting.Let's begin with the sim­pler one-piece mold you made of the drinking glass.Remember, however, that before you use any mold you should make certain that it is absolutely dry.

The mold should be placed on a level surface, otherwise your casting will be lop­sided.The slip container should be large enough to hold enough slip for the entire pouring.If you have to stop the flow of slip before the mold is full, there will be a scar on the ware where the pouring ceased.For this reason, you must never hesitate once you have started the pouring action.

After a few moments you will note that the slip which is in contact with the plaster wall of the mold is beginning to harden.Its color will begin to darken as the porous plaster absorbs water from the slip.The longer you leave the slip in the mold, the thicker this outside wall of drier clay be­comes.Leave the slip in the mold until it has a wall at least one-eighth inch in thickness.

Then, very carefully, pour back the ex­cess slip from your mold into your pitcher and place the mold upside down to drain.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...