Sprigs & Stamps

Ceramics II

SprigsPress-molded clay piece added to leather hard work. Sprigs are created using small molds made of bisque-fired clay or plaster.Use to duplicate a piece or shape; feet, designs added, medallions, knobs,

StampsBisque-fired clay piece pressed into a leather hard piece of clay. Stamps are created by carving away or adding onto a clay piece that is then fired for later use.Use to decorate a work of ceramic art creating a positive or negative impression. Stamps allow the design to be repeated.

Making Sprigs & Stamps

• Things to consider:– Geometric vs. Organic– Concave or Convex impression

• Use the template sheets provided and think about what designs you might want to create

• Seek out reference images if needed• After you have several good designs, thicken your

lines and begin creating your stamps• What you carve away will not create an

impression… What you leave or add will create an impression

• Be conscious of craftsmanship – blemishes in the stamp will carry over to whatever you create