Day 6

How to Attach Your Shelf to the Portrait Slab

1. Plan Your Placement

   • Hold your shelf slab against the portrait slab and decide on the angle and position.

   • Make sure the shelf sits flat and level and is centered and aligned with your design.

2. Score Both Surfaces

   • Use a needle tool, serrated rib, or fork to deeply scratch (score) the edge of the shelf slab and the area where it will attach on the portrait slab.

   • The scoring should be visible and cover the entire area of contact.

3. Apply Slip

   • Use a brush to apply slip (liquefied clay) generously over both scored areas.

   • Think of slip as the "glue" that bonds the two pieces.

4. Press and Wiggle

   • Press the shelf firmly into place and gently wiggle it to help the slip soak into the scored lines and create a strong bond.

   • Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure it’s secure.

How to Attach a Coil for Support

1. Roll a Coil

   • Roll out a medium-thick coil (not too thin or it will crack; not too thick or it may not dry evenly).

   • The coil will act as a brace underneath the shelf, connecting it to the back wall (portrait slab).

2. Score Both Connecting Surfaces

   • Score the bottom of the shelf where the coil will touch.

   • Score the back of the portrait slab where the coil will meet.

3. Apply Slip

   • Brush slip over both scored areas thoroughly.

4. Press the Coil in Place

   • Attach the coil by pressing it firmly between the shelf and the portrait slab.

   • Smooth the coil into both surfaces using your fingers or a modeling tool; blend the coil ends into the surfaces to ensure a strong bond. This is critical to prevent cracks during drying or firing.

5. Reinforce and Smooth

   • Smooth all connection points with a damp finger or tool to remove gaps or air pockets.

   • If needed, add a second coil for extra strength or stability.

Remember:

• Keep everything leather-hard - if your clay is too dry, attachments will fail.

• Work clean - remove excess slip and smooth connections.

• Don’t rush - good attachment is just as important as good carving.

• Wrap carefully after attaching to slow drying and prevent cracking at joints.