Scoring & Slipping

So maybe this topic is a little basic, but worth covering as it is the key to successful ceramic joinery and will be crucial to making a coffee mug with a handle that doesnt pop off mid sip.

Currently I've been doing some sprigging work, adding on little embellishments to my mugs and bowls. My most recent project is a kissing doves plate for a wedding present. After throwing and trimming my plate I rolled a slab and used a cookie cutter to cut out a pair of doves.

Once I determined the layout, I used my needle tool to outline where each dove would eventually be perched.

Within each outline, and on the backsides of each dove I again used my needle tool to create a many score marks.... After scoring comes slipping. I prefer slip that is the consitensy of yogurt. I like to use some scrap clay, throw it in an old pickle jar, add water, and use a kitchen hand blender to mix until its nice and creamy. Sometimes I use my hands to apply, but I find using a paint brush keeps my hands clean and ready for the next steps. I personally, like to apply slip over the score marks of both the sides of the parties being joined.

Once both sides of the joint-to-be are slipped, I line up my dove with the outline I traced and carefully, but firmly press down on the dove. I press firmly so as to ensure good bonding, but not so hard to squish and distort my doves. If the dove is not well attached at this time, I risk the some cracking andthe edges of the dove popping up as the piece dries to a bone dry state.

Next I like to use a paintbrush or damp sponge to wipe away any slip that squeezed out the sides.

Once the excess slip has been removed, I take a wooden modeling tool and smooth out the edges and seems around each dove...

And Voila, cross your fingers it doesnt explode in the kiln!