Thumbprint Trees

Step 1:

Tree Trunk

Form a large cone out of clay.

Step 2:

Spheres

Roll several small spheres out of clay.

Step 3:

Attach

Wet the bottom of the cone with water using a damp sponge or fingertips.
Attach one of the spheres by smoothing the top onto the cone using a thumb.

Continue attaching the spheres until a clay ring around the cone is formed.

Step 4:

Branches

Repeat step 3 until the entire cone is filled with thumbprint tree branches.

Step 5:

Tree Top

Form a small cone and add it to the top of the tree shape using a little bit of water.

Step 6:

Dry

Insert a wooden dowel into the bottom of the clay sculpture to allow for proper drying.

Allow clay sculpture to dry to a bone-dry state. Clay will appear a lighter gray, have a chalky texture and will not be cold to the touch.

Step 7:

Bisque Fire

Fire the clay sculpture in the kiln to cone 04 - bisque firing.

Step 8:

Glaze

Apply 2-3 coats of desired glaze to the bisque clay pieces.

Step 9:

Glaze Fire

Low fire the clay sculpture in the kiln to the glaze label specifications.