If you would like to make many plates of the same size quickly,
this is the tool.
Step 1:
Using the bigger (top) side of the Pop-up PlateMaker
as a template (the side with the hole for the handle),
cut a slab of clay for your plate.
Note: you may wish to create a paper template using
the top of your PlateMaker.
This way you can make plates without removing the
handle each time.
Step 2:
Smooth out the edges by placing a piece of plastic over
the clay and rubbing with your finger.
Step 3:
If you want to put a texture on the clay, do it at
this stage.
Step 4:
Carefully place the cut-out piece of clay on the sponge.
We do not recommend cutting clay on the sponge because it
will make the sponge dirty.
To keep from sticking it's good to sprinkle corn
starth on clay.
Step 5:
Screw the handle into the base, and place the PlateMaker
in the center of the clay -- make sure that the distance
from the PlateMakerr to the clay's edge is equal on all
the sides.
Step 6:
Push the PlateMaker down.
Step 7:
Turn it over.
Step 8:
Tap lightly on the clay with a flat wooden tool to
tighten the clay against the PlateMaker.
This is another use of our Gyubera!
Step 9:
Let the plate rest.
Depending on how wet or dry the clay is, and the
temperature/humidity of the room, this could be from
thirty minutes to a couple of hours. In general,
if the clay falls away from the side wall of the
PlateMaker when turned over, it is still too wet.
You will need to experiment at bit. If the clay gets
too dry, it will shrink and crack.
Step 10:
Carefully remove the clay from the PlateMaker. Now your
plate is ready for bisquing.
