Day 2

Clay play: Touch, explore, experiment, play with clay 

Make a pinch pot while you watch

You need to plan your design with intention and function in mind.

• Know Your Attachment Plan
  Decide how and where your shelf and coil will connect to your portrait slab. 

• Consider Hanging Method
  Think ahead about how your piece will hang on the wall. Be sure to leave space for a nail hole or add a built-in hanging system. This is part of your functional design.

• Sketch Your Final Vision
  You should have a clear, labeled sketch of what your finished portrait shelf will look like, including:
  • Shelf placement and shape
  • Coil placement and shape
  • Any decorative or symbolic elements
  • Hanging solution
  Optional: Indicate materials or textures you plan to include

Strong planning now will lead to a stronger, more successful final piece

Minimum Requirements:

• 1 Portrait Slab – Slightly larger than A4 size (this will hold your carved portrait - leave room for a nail notch)

• 1 Shelf Slab

• 1 Coil 

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Prepare Your Portrait for Transfer:

• Digitally: Use a drawing app or editing tool to trace bold lines around the important features of your face (eyes, nose, mouth, jawline, hair, etc.). Focus on outlines, features, and areas of contrast. Consider where you might want to add texture or pattern in your carving.

• By Hand: Print your photo and use a colored pen or pencil to trace the key contour lines of your face. Focus on outlines, features, and areas of contrast. Consider where you might want to add texture or pattern in your carving.

Extend your design down to your shoulders. Avoid letting features "fade off" the bottom of the page. Anything left vague or open at the edge won’t transfer well onto the clay.

Consider how your portrait slab and shelf will connect. Think about where the slab will sit and how the two parts can visually and structurally work together.

Design your shelf with intention. Will it be simple or detailed? Carved or textured? Think about how the design, texture, or symbols on the shelf itself can support or enhance the meaning of your portrait.

Your goal is a piece that feels cohesive, thoughtful, and personal, from surface to structure.

Make sure your lines are clear, intentional, and easy to see, this is what you'll use for your sgraffito carving!