I’ve noticed lots of potters using cut-outs in their pieces as part of their overall design recently. It adds (and subtracts) an interesting and appealing look to a pot's surface. I’ve used this cut-away technique from time to time in my own clay art. And seeing some of the beautiful examples on Instagram and Facebook have sparked my own return to this technique.
The holes in this cake platter I made in 2003 are meant for threading colorful ribbon depending on the occasion. July is a big birthday month in our household, so this plate will get lots of use in the coming weeks!
I've collected several tools throughout the years to cut away clay. Various knives and blades can be used for cutting; small cookie cutters remove the clay in assorted shapes and special piercing tools in a variety of diameters make a clean round hole.
Sometimes the holes I make have an added purpose. The heart opening of these vessels provides an opening to slip a small note inside this heart shape. I have a collection of small heart cutters I use to accomplish this shape.
I decided to experiment with a basket form this week. I like the oval shape which is also mimicked in the strap handle. I knew I would cut away some of the wall to add to the basket functionality and design.
It took a couple of tries to get the size, shape and seam of this basket to work. I start with a paper pattern and then start adjusting the design with each clay rendition until I'm happy.
And here's the final result. I decided to use the holes as part of the design. Instead of spreading them all over the piece, I like how the cut-outs reveal themselves on just part of the front and back of the basket. I can see this being used to hold fruit or veggies on the counter or even mail collected by the front door. Do you have any other ideas of how this could be used? Click on the photo to let me know!
ClayByLaura Club members received a special discount offer for the month of July. It's just one of the benefits of joining. Are you a member yet? No?!? What are you waiting for? It's easy to sign up. Click on the image above to join. Check and respond to the email you receive. That's it. You're in!