Sgraffito
It is possible to sgraffito plain or spiral bands through previously applied color, if the piece is weighted so that the pressure of the sgraffito tool does not push it off center or tip it over. A bag of sand or salt, or any other suitable weight, can be placed inside of or on a piece to hold it in position. By moving up and down the hand holding the sgraffito tool, while spinning the wheel, a band of overlapping spirals can be sgraffitoed through color, for unusual borders. These are only a few effects which can be achieved with the use of a banding wheel, and every hobby ceramist is urged to explore the possibilities of this useful piece of studio equipment.
January 7, 2009