Step - by - step instructions:
The below steps are tried and true methods picked up from a variety of sources. A lot of modification and improvement is done everyday and the artist is open to any suggestions/criticisms from viewers.
Ingredients used:
*Plaster of Paris / Ceramic powder and Maida mixed in 1:1 ratio.
(Plaster of Paris has proved to be more durable. Maida = refined wheat flour)
*Fevicol and water mixed in 1:1 ratio.
(Industrial quality adhesive is recommended)
*Vaseline jelly or Oil to apply on hands.
*Black enamel paint (Asian paints recommended)
*Fevicryl metallic paintsExperiment with very small quantities to avoid wastage until you get the hang of working with the mixture.
Mixture:
Place around 2 tbsp of the Plaster of Paris & Maida mixture in a bowl. Add the diluted fevicol to the powder and mix thoroughly. Best if mixed with hand to avoid lumps. Be sure to knead the dough well to avoid cracks while drying.
(Be warned that this bowl cannot be used for any other purpose as the mixture does not wash off well after drying.)
The quantity of Fevicol needs to be varied depending on the required consistency.
* To make flowers or other shapes you will require thick dough, which is pliable and will hold the shape.
* To cover the complete surface to give textures you will require a thinner paste which can be spread easily.
* The thinner paste can also be filled into cones to apply lines and designs on the surface.
Ready made earthen pots are available upon which the ceramic work can be done immediately. The work can also be done on a variety of boards i.e. plywood, hardboard, canvas boards etc.
The pots need to be washed and dried. They can be smoothened with sandpaper, if required. Do not apply any base coat as the mixture will not stick well on a polished surface.
The designs are shaped as per the above pictures and pasted on the pots using fevicol.
This needs to be left to dry naturally for atleast 6 hours or overnight. Do not use any external means to speed up the drying to avoid cracks.
The complete work has to be painted with a coat of black enamel paint. This is to ensure durability and water resistance. The paint takes around 4 – 6 hours to dry in normal conditions. The drying process can be speeded up using a fan.
To give an antique look, the work is smudge/spray painted with the Fevicryl metallic paints. The paint can either be applied with a brush or a piece of sponge.
