Slip Trailing Tips and Techniques

In this video, ceramic artist Nicole Hummel discusses the decoration technique of slip trailing. She will show some of her own work, exemplifying the final product and what she enjoys about it, and then talk about variables that affect success with the method. She will demonstrate some practice/warm up techniques including decorating a bat, and then finally decorate some leather hard ceramic pieces. You can find more of her work at www.nicolehumm...

[@postalpotter7398]

Just a great presentation of slip trailing. More please!

[@oregonpottersassociation]

Thank you!

[@corinnenygren428]

Excellent and informative video. Thanks for taking the time to show this technique. Love the decoration.

[@monkshillpottery]

Your work is beautiful and classic. I really like your style! Now to find some cone 6 ox slip recipes!❤️

[@micheledickey4066]

This is a great video. Hope to find more from you!

[@oregonpottersassociation]

thanks for watching!

[@juliestrater439]

Thank you! I can hardly wait to try this!

[@ohioskane363]

Really nice video. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@oregonpottersassociation]

Thank you!

[@neildeelangton3235]

Beautiful and simple. Thank you

[@oregonpottersassociation]

Thanks for watching!

[@laralu510]

thank you, this was helpful!

[@waynejones9667]

This is a terrific video. Thank you!

[@oregonpottersassociation]

Thanks for watching!

[@candybenteu8717]

Can you explain how you glaze the piece so the slip trail shows when the piece has been glazed in a dark color?

[@autumnarcher]

She answered this question on her site! "The decoration on these pieces is done at the greenware stage, when the clay is still leather hard, meaning it is still malleable but will hold its form. Once the pieces are thrown on the wheel, they are trimmed and finished, and then coated with a range of different colored slips - ranging from a red iron to a dark blue, to a soft green. Once this layer of slip dries, I use my slip trailing tool to trail on patterns of ferns, spirals, and other nature-inspired designs. This slowly dries and then the pots are loaded into the kiln for bisquing. Each piece is glazed in a glossy clear, and then fired for roughly 20 hours to cone 10 reduction, reaching roughly 2480*F. After a two day cooling period, the kiln is unloaded and each pot is sanded before being packed for its new home. All of this collection is dishwasher and microwave safe."

[@tresealarson5708]

In your video on slip trailing, I didn’t hear you say “what” your slip was made from and if you were to add colorants what those would be? Thanks! Oh! Yes thanks for sharing …great easy explanation and your background in pottery experience!👍

[@ZinniaRAWR]

Thank you for this! :)

[@berrylim610]

May I know how to be sure it will not drop off?

[@oregonpottersassociation]

Sorry for the delayed response! I wrote to Nicole and this is what she said: The hydration of the slip as well as the dryness level of the pots is crucial for the slip to not drop off. Generally I slip trail onto leather hard pots, and the consistency of the slip is something like pancake batter. If the pots are too dry or too wet, or the slip is too wet/liquid, then it will be difficult for the slip to adhere to the surface - either dripping off as you slip trail (if the pots are too wet or the slip is too wet) or cracking off at a later stage (I have usually found this will happen if the pots are too dry). Experimentation is key to find what works for you!

[@Paintbug]

Thank you! I love the idea of practicing first.

[@suzysanxter8903]

Thank you for your tips!

[@oregonpottersassociation]

Thanks for watching!

[@monkshillpottery]

I think I just saw my answer…. Essentially slip on slip with a clear over glaze. Thank you. Do you paint the color layers on or pour?

[@monkshillpottery]

Excellent video. However… How do you get the color contrast etc? The white on green or blue, is the top glaze just breaking over the slip?

[@Atliermia]

Have you use Airpen to apply slip.

[@oregonpottersassociation]

Nicole says: I have never used an Airpen, but would be interested in trying it out!

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

Thanks for sharing!

[@debifoster5386]

If you’re slip trailing at the leather hard stage like demonstrated on the video, then how did the for instance, the bowl have white fern, slip trail and the rest of the ball was a dark blue?

[@oregonpottersassociation]

Hi Debi: I could take a guess, but it might be best to write directly to Nicole - she gives her contact info towards the end around 18:30

[@autumnarcher]

She answered this question on her site! "The decoration on these pieces is done at the greenware stage, when the clay is still leather hard, meaning it is still malleable but will hold its form. Once the pieces are thrown on the wheel, they are trimmed and finished, and then coated with a range of different colored slips - ranging from a red iron to a dark blue, to a soft green. Once this layer of slip dries, I use my slip trailing tool to trail on patterns of ferns, spirals, and other nature-inspired designs. This slowly dries and then the pots are loaded into the kiln for bisquing. Each piece is glazed in a glossy clear, and then fired for roughly 20 hours to cone 10 reduction, reaching roughly 2480*F. After a two day cooling period, the kiln is unloaded and each pot is sanded before being packed for its new home. All of this collection is dishwasher and microwave safe."

[@monkshillpottery]

Excellent video. However… How do you get the color contrast etc? The white on green or blue, is the top glaze just breaking over the slip?

[@littleflower.business]

Can you explain how you glaze the piece so the slip trail shows when the piece has been glazed in a dark color?

[@autumnarcher]

I know this is an old comment but I went to her website and she explained how she achieves that look "The decoration on these pieces is done at the greenware stage, when the clay is still leather hard, meaning it is still malleable but will hold its form. Once the pieces are thrown on the wheel, they are trimmed and finished, and then coated with a range of different colored slips - ranging from a red iron to a dark blue, to a soft green. Once this layer of slip dries, I use my slip trailing tool to trail on patterns of ferns, spirals, and other nature-inspired designs. This slowly dries and then the pots are loaded into the kiln for bisquing. Each piece is glazed in a glossy clear, and then fired for roughly 20 hours to cone 10 reduction, reaching roughly 2480*F. After a two day cooling period, the kiln is unloaded and each pot is sanded before being packed for its new home. All of this collection is dishwasher and microwave safe. "

[@littleflower.business]

@@autumnarcher Thank you so much !💗💗