FLOCK OF COBBLESTONE BIRDS

Posted by Tony Tabor on

FLOCK OF COBBLESTONE BIRDS

Designer: Marcia Roullard

SUPPLIES

Form

  • MB-1352 6″x6″ Square Clay Canvas

Colors

  • SC-2 Melon-choly
  • SC-5 Tiger Tail
  • SC-9 Jaded
  • SC-11 Blue Yonder
  • SC-12 Moody Blue
  • SC-13 Grapel
  • SC-15 Tuxedo
  • SC-16 Cotton Tail
  • SC-25 Crackerjack Brown
  • SC-27 Sour Apple
  • SC-73 Candy Apple Red
  • SC-75 Orange-A-Peel
  • SC-97 Cant-elope
  • FN-008 Brown
  • SG-202 White Cobblestone
  • SG-408 Designer Liner Orange
  • Optional: MM-105 Gold Metallic
  • MM-106 Steel Metallic
  • MM-202 Green Patina
  • AC-302 Wax Resist (dedicated brush)

Decorating Accessories

  • SL-442 Stars Stencil (discontinued)
  • SL-436 Fern Leaf Stencil
  • SL-447 Fence Stencil
  • SL-448 Doily Stencil
  • SL-455 Tire Tracks Stencil
  • CB-110 #10/0 Mini Liner
  • CB-604 #4 Soft Fan
  • CB-106 #6 Script Liner

Miscellaneous Accessories

  • Palette knife
  • Plastic card (hotel or old charge card) or squeegee
  • BT-910 Synthetic Sponge
  • Pattern: Download

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin with properly fired shelf cone 04 bisque.  Moisten a clean sponge and wipe bisque to remove any dust.

2. Using the CB-604 #4 Soft Fan brush apply three coats of FN-008 Brown to the top only of the canvas. If you plan to use the Magic Metallics on the side do not use the Foundations glaze. (Magic Metallics are applied after the glaze firing) If you will not be using the Magic Metallics, base coat the sides with the FN-008 Brown.

3. Each canvas will have a different stenciled background.  Select a stencil and lay it over the dry Brown glaze. There are two options for applying the glaze over the stencil.

  • Option 1 – Use a 2″ Foam Roller (available at home improvement stores) and lightly roll the SC-15 Tuxedo over the stencil. Roll lightly in different directions for a crisp edge.
  • Option 2 – Use a dense sponge or ball up the BT-910 Synthetic sponge and gently tap over the stencil to apply the SC-15 Tuxedo. The key is not to apply too much glaze at one time and to take your time.

4. Choose one of the bird patterns. Cut out the outline of the bird then use a pencil to trace the outside of the shape onto the canvas.

5. Pencil in the lines that separate the colors on the bird. As an option, you can cut the pattern in pieces and use a pencil to trace the outlines from the cut.

6. Follow the pattern for color placement on the beaks, eyes, feet, branches or logs.  Apply two coats of Stroke & Coat® color.

7. Using the CB-110 #10/0 Mini Liner and SC-15 Tuxedo outline the beaks, eyes, feet, branches or logs.

  • Note: For the Toucan and Flamingos outline with SG-408 Designer Liner Orange.

8. Using the CB-110 #10/0 Mini Liner apply one coat of AC-302 Wax Resist to outline all of the lines traced on from the pattern and over the SC-15 Tuxedo.  Also, apply one coat of the AC-302 wax over the painted eyes, beak, branches, feet or logs – this will keep Cobblestone off of the design.

9. When the wax is dry apply two coats of SG-202 White Cobblestone to the bird’s body. The wax resist will repel the SG-202 White Cobblestone so brush up to the Wax Resist. If you get too much glaze on the Wax Resist take a Q-Tip or a clean brush and remove the glaze.

  • Tip: Glide the SG-202 White Cobblestone over the bird body.  Load your brush (CB-106 #6 Script Liner) full of glaze.  The script liner has long hairs that are meant to hold a lot of glaze. This will allow you to glide the glaze onto the piece vs. lots of brushstrokes.
  • Tip: When the shine is off the glaze it is time to apply the second coat of SG-202 White Cobblestone glaze. With Cobblestone glaze it is important to apply the next coat of glaze before the Cobblestone dries or cracks.

10. After the shine has left the second coat of Cobblestone glaze, use the CB-106 #6 Script Liner to apply one coat of the Stroke & Coat® color indicated on the pattern for the appropriate bird. One moderate coat of Stroke & Coat® is all you want so that the Stoke & Coat® does not weigh down the Cobblestone Glaze and prevent it from breaking up.

11. No clear glaze is needed. The Foundations and Stroke & Coat glazes will fire to a glossy finish.

12. Either dry foot or stilt evenly and fire to cone 05/06.