Stencil and masking techniques in slip

This describes how to put down paper stencils to create imagery on clay. Using layers of slips and under glaze. The image and design shown is the property of the artist Vaughan Smith and all rights are reserved under copyright laws. Using this technique developed by me in 1983 I have created both functional tableware and large sculptures, as shown in this video. I hope revealing this technique will encourage other artists to create their own imagery and artwork. When the pandemic is over we may teach this technique in workshops at the studio here in Nova Scotia. Clay and raw materials including water content are different in chemistry, depending on your location, so testing is important to insure good fit between the different layers of slip, clay and glaze. The issues if not addressed include crazing and shivering which can pose a danger, especially the shivering. Leaving paper stencils on is especially dangerous, food or drink can cause blistering of the glaze/slips and release sharp particles into the contents of the pot.

[@jsdhornby]

Absolutely stunning work. I've been a professional potter for 50 years and I've never seen such incredible, time-consuming artistry. Thank you so much.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome. I rarely make these pieces now.

[@JudyHensley-xn5gu]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@sonjaduplessis7315]

Vaughan you are the very best of the best! Well done🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@cynthiakammann7368]

Incredible video! Thank you for so clearly demonstrating your technique.

[@isabelkramen6533]

Amazing! Your technique and you cats! wow!

[@alexissokal3033]

they are absolutely beautiful 😍

[@lisayates4230]

Amazing! This must take a lot of Practise! Lisa from Michigan

[@deetessmann2510]

Very thoroughly presented... thank you.

[@julipolito7761]

Unbelievable! Beautiful, Vaughan! Thank you for sharing.

[@chrisdawson3859]

I have watched many of your videos but I have watched this particular one about 6 times!!!!! Love this!!!!! Thank you for sharing your technique!!!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@jackiemorrison6024]

Love watching you work, Ive learned so much from you

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@morgandalgal]

I am so pleased to have many of your stencil work. Love this medium!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I am sure they will be sought after in the future.

[@taniatownsend8309]

Utterly charming. Thank you for your mentoring largesse Vaughan!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you. The finished glazed pieces will be unpacked from the kiln this weekend.

[@shreya1959]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!Love it!! Thanks so much for sharing Vaughan!!!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@Christinecedar]

Always a delight for me, watching you Vaughan, demonstrating one of your expert pottery techniques. Your artwork is most beautiful. Thank you for sharing. 🐰⭐️

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks Christine

[@vanivelamati3380]

Beautiful very time consuming and memory testing technique. Thank you for sharing.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@danielaMorescalchi]

Fantastic lesson, and artistry, thank you. And I'd resubscribe all over again for the cats.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@CaroleMatheson]

Thank you Vaughan. I think you an amazing all round potter!! Thank you so much. 😊

[@janlewis9099]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful technique.It's interesting seeing how the layers work with perspective. Thanks again.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@M3rVsT4H]

Thanks Vaughan, this is inspirational. I will definitely give this a go.

[@neildeelangton3235]

Thank you as always for sharing and taking the time to show your wonderful work.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for watching so much.

[@jimmers00]

Oh my gosh, I've never seen anything like this before. I've seen folks use stencils or negative space stencils but the way you use the technique to make the whole scene, with different colors, is so awesome. GREAT stuff. Bravo.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for appreciating it so much.

[@StitchyMcyarnpants]

I came across your video because I've just taken up pottery recently and wanted to learn more about paper resist. You technique is amazing and I really enjoyed this video, in no small part because of the sheer commitment your cat has to napping through the entire thing. As you continued to layer in the houses and cows and then sheep, I realized that it was starting to look familiar. When you said to go looking for your pieces, I went right to my kitchen. Lo and behold, I have a small lidded jar from 2005 with a yellow striped cat jumping over the rooftops with your signature on it! I've been using this as a salt cellar for almost 20 years now. I love it and I loved this video. Thank you for sharing the technique, I've often looked at it and wondered how it was made. I believe you also made a set of tiles for my cousin around that time, she had them in the shower of her home in Brooklyn.

[@Vsmithpots]

We used to live in the Hudson Valley, I was a founding member of the Hudson Valley Pottery Trail. We moved here in 2011. I would guess there are thousands of my pieces around NYC, we sold through the Museum OF American Folk Art where they featured us in the windows once a year. Also The Clay Pot in Brooklyn. Good luck using stencils, it is a very time consuming process.

[@lorashelley5390]

Vaughan, this is absolutely stunning!! I always knew your work is spectacular and requires a lot of work but to see just how much work all of the layers are?!!! Just wow!! 🧡

[@Vsmithpots]

Hi Lora, nice to see your work pop up on Facebook. We miss High Falls, especially in a winter like this one, grey, foggy, lots of rain. Only one snow storm this winter and it melted in 2 days. Of course if we get hit by blizzards these days will look darn nice. Be safe, say hi to the Highfalonians from us.

[@kimazz1]

Thank you, feeling inspired!!

[@wcouch8]

Had to watch twice ... the first time I was distracted by the adorable cat and the second time to learn the technique. 😀

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I sometimes have to do things twice because of them, but they are worth it.

[@carolgage7614]

Beautiful work. Although way beyond my skill level I love watching your process. A Master Potter you are so thank you for sharing as it is very generous of you.

[@Vsmithpots]

Glad to be of help.

[@sheilacarroll3981]

Thank you for sharing this time consuming technique you developed

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome

[@fruitlessbeast]

Really enjoyed seeing this, especially after seeing your other posts where you remove them. Always like what you share, so thanks for taking the time!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@gabriela.j10]

Me too, i can watch for hours and still enjoy it!

[@nln1897]

I love this! It's relaxing just to watch. It turns out amazing.

[@Vsmithpots]

The large pieces at the end of the video were physically demanding just holding my arms up in the air trying to remove all the stencils. Some of them were 85cms tall.

[@clifforddalton3067]

Amazing video Vaughan, thank you

[@Vsmithpots]

My pleasure!

[@pjd2709]

I love your stenciled pottery they are gorgeous.

[@mikestewart6517]

Even before firing I can see why a museum of folk art would want to include some of your wonderful pieces in its collection. Be happy, be well.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@rebeccawright3247]

Wow! That was fun to watch. Thank you for sharing your techniques and years of experience :)

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@sidheo3741]

his videos are so nice. he talks in that way older gentlemen do, going off on tangents about where he sold his pottery and stuff- its like im sitting at the worktable with him. very cool technique, i can see why you dont make them very much anymore though.

[@kbee1735]

I’m very grateful that you showed us how to do your type of stencils! Thanks for sharing your talents and artistry... if I ever get across Canada to your area I’ll be sure to drop by. 🤗🇨🇦

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks and stay safe so travelling will be possible again.

[@pen146]

Thank you, Vaughan. Wow your talent and patience are so impressive.

[@BrokenArrowPottery]

So amazing! I love to watch this process. Truly original. Thanks!

[@Vsmithpots]

I have done this technique since 1983 and for me it is not my favourite any more but it is still rewarding when I remove the stencils.

[@BrokenArrowPottery]

@@Vsmithpots I understand. They are absolutely worthy of museum recognition! Each one is a one-of-a-kind.

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

Absolutely beautiful pots, thankyou for sharing.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you for watching.

[@321ReadysSetG0]

Yes there are machines that will cut out shapes you design on a computer then transfer info to machine but it so much more impressive knowing you have hand cut each one. Your work is a joy to see. Thank you for sharing the process, it's more detailed and involved than I thought.

[@Vsmithpots]

That is why I do not enjoy this process any more.

[@MysticFIREFLY]

love watching you - thank you for being an educator online..... watching from Manitoba. I cut out stencils as well, use cereal boxes - and create floral designs - i paint stair runners, and walls......its alot of fun

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, it does sound like fun.

[@claudiawolter6633]

Thank you so much for all your hard work. I enjoyed watching how you do this. Thank you again .

[@Vsmithpots]

I enjoy making the work but throwing and glazing is now my love.

[@claudiawolter6633]

I know what you mean. I was doing lanterns, firing Raku and it took a lot work. I would poke holes so the geewnman would show up when they lighted the lantern he was holding a torch. I made so many of them.

[@claudiawolter6633]

Sorry I see a mistake the word Green man

[@lync8472]

OM GOODNESS that was a fantastic lesson. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Vsmithpots]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@suebielecki473]

YOU ARE AMAZING!!!

[@kavyarajsingh1963]

Woww amazing incredible piece..so much hard work whoa

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you, stay safe.

[@elizabethringus9738]

Love these designs!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you. I will post the kiln unpacking this weekend.

[@dianeyennie2337]

Fascinating! Very entertaining and educational !😄😍

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@jatinrawat8430]

Amezing sir.I salute u

[@triciac1019]

I can't believe you ever came up with that technique. It is so creative, amazing and beautiful! What a lot of tedious work!

[@Vsmithpots]

I only make these pieces a few times a year now. Too much work.

[@triciac1019]

@@Vsmithpots you have such patience. I can't even imagine doing one of those. I think I would lose track of what I was doing.

[@clsybear]

Another wonderful video. As you mentioned very tedious and labor intensive work but your pieces are so beautiful

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks. Stay safe.

[@meztesh1997]

Thank you for sharing this marvelous work. God bless you & keep you in health.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks and stay safe.

[@carolynpollack1083]

That's so cool. You've basically painted your scene back to front. Something else for me to try to do.

[@satanspell9]

You are Amazing, Love your bowl.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for appreciating it.

[@karen-mariemondrup4969]

WonderfulI, love your work. Thanks

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks.

[@marialezica4879]

Me encantó su trabajo. Admiro su paciencia, meticulosidad y creatividad. Congratulations from Uruguay .

[@Vsmithpots]

Gracias y mantente a salvo ahí abajo.

[@nancylarose3592]

I appreciate the time and effort you've put into this interesting design technique..it reminds me of batik; dying of fabric using wax...Your work is appreciated and impressive.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, stay safe.

[@stuhaysman135]

Very lovely technique and very intricate! I’m not as artistic as you sadly, but am certainly going to give this a try with stripes and geometrical shapes on some of my footed plates (Kandinsky style). Thank you 🙏

[@Vsmithpots]

One of my students made quilt pieces that were amazing but hours of work.

[@kalieris]

Lovely work. (And black kitty looks like he’s waiting in line for the comfy bed. 😁)

[@Vsmithpots]

He is a perfect studio cat, as is Ploubelle.

[@sallyweiner4180]

Wow nice process and art!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks. Just a bit tedious.

[@alexcochrane4151]

Thanks Vaughan, I love the peaceful quality of your video. I watched it before running a workshop in paper stencils, which I have used for years now, but recently had shivering problems, re-looking at your video, I see what could have been the problem: I enlisting the dryer in the process. I noticed you start with the bowl very wet which would help avoid the shivering. It was nasty shock to get it.

[@Vsmithpots]

Yes the clay has to be very soft to accept liquid slip. The old and new layer have to melt together.

[@potteryworks]

So cool!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@nexussever]

I love the cow stencil with "Fox" written on the paper.

[@leighrobison9388]

Ty!!!! Beautiful!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for watching.

[@dem3406]

Parabéns 👏👏👏 Grande mestre.

[@Vsmithpots]

Obrigado por apreciar o esforço. Feliz Primavera.

[@agnesturpin4604]

Amazing!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you, it is eye opening at first view when you try this technique.

[@pamelagilliland109]

I wondered how you did these designs .. thanks for sharing it was fascinating I watched it twice 👍🏻

[@Vsmithpots]

Mystery solved.

[@pottersjournal]

So great to see this, listen to and understand the technique it's development, application, materials, chemistry and mental aspects needed and the stories of how you've used it, places and people it's taken you to. Back to the beginning now, as you didn't really give it all to us. Why did you collect the 1980's phone books and how many are there?

[@Vsmithpots]

The paper today is supposed to break down easier, decompose in landfills. It is a straight forward technique, just very time consuming and I found customers do not want to pay what the pieces demand.

[@berndmullrr760]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful art. Greetings from Denmark

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks Bernd, Denmark looks beautiful. We enjoyed watching the "The Bridge" on Netflix, also "Rita".

[@berndmullrr760]

Well, the view from your workspace is absolutely enviable ;-)

[@cyndien5011]

Beautiful pottery

[@shelleydoxtdator753]

I’m mesmerized - lol, could be very calming for sure

[@shelleydoxtdator753]

That was fascinating!!! Thank you 😊

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you

[@k.ishiwata7564]

Looks cute!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@kimburnham7317]

Nice job on your videos!

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@raquelolivari3385]

Un genio!!!👏👏👏

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@carolcullar9266]

Lovely! Restful to watch. Thoroughly enjoyed this! Would loved to have seen the fired product!

[@Vsmithpots]

They will be out on Saturday and I will do a kiln unpacking video on them.

[@carolcullar9266]

@@Vsmithpots Excellent! I look forward to seeing the unloading!

[@TheAppeell]

Спасибо! Очень интересно)

[@Vsmithpots]

Thank you.

[@rosieparmley1874]

Thank you for sharing. 🥰

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks for watching.

[@lucienereis7055]

unbelievable!!! 🥰🥰

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Wonderful artwork Vaughan. After 2,000 hrs. and Poubelle is there until the end. Just the short note in the beginning about sealing the edges will help me on the one layer stencils I do. Thanks!

[@Vsmithpots]

There is always something to learn. I made thin Morandi style bottles today.

[@Vsmithpots]

Hi Freddie, the shelves arrived yesterday. So cute. I started bat washing them because the porcelain style clay has been sticking to mine. Mine are now 2 years old and getting quite shiny. The surface must get some fluxing from the clay and glaze over many firings. Thanks again.

[@freddiemoretti8456]

@@Vsmithpots Whew, glad to know they made it, and you are welcome. Should help keep the test kiln floor clean of spills. I took your tip on bat washing the supports. The next time I am throwing I will be sliding my pots off the wheel to see how that works out too. Cheers and be well...Freddie (My new KZbin signoff)

[@Vsmithpots]

@@freddiemoretti8456 I bat washed my advancer shelves today. The B-mix keeps sticking to the shelves. I started my oatmeal tests today. I should have them out by Monday.

[@claudiawolter6633]

Interresting to see how you layer. Thank you.

[@Vsmithpots]

You are welcome.

[@cidaoliveira590]

Belíssimo!

[@tuyetmai7919]

❤❤❤thank you so much

[@susyward6978]

I had a late lunch and should be pulling handles now,. However, notification of this video popped up so I’m here until it finishes 😂

[@Vsmithpots]

I try and watch videos while I am working in the studio too. It can be distracting but stimulating.

[@yvonnetucker1416]

THANK YOU

[@cableknitter7346]

Stayed for the catnap(s)... stenciling was cool too, though!

[@horacebomar613]

Great video as always. What an incredible technique and what patience you must have. Thank you for sharing your process. Have you saved any of your older pieces over time? I did look on ebay and other sites and have found several of horses and cats so far. Cheers.

[@Vsmithpots]

We kept many. As people downsize I imagine lots of artwork will make it to the second hand markets.

[@radhasreedhar4381]

wow!!!

[@bonniemoore7757]

Thank you for generously sharing this technique! Also, I'm very impressed with sleeping abilities of the tabby cat! Could a heat gun or drying tool be used to speed up the drying time between slip layers, or would that make the paper stencils curl?

[@Vsmithpots]

I tried that but it made the slip layers flake off after firing. The layers have to have time for the clay layer to physically bond.

[@dougchinn1610]

No, just watch and Pat the cats while waiting for the drying process. Step 2, camera pans to tabby cat sleeping. Learnt new techniques today.

[@marmonmondelaers7190]

Greetings from Belgium. Thanks for sharing great tips & tricks. I love your work! When do you plan another video of your oatmael glaze? I also use oatmael glaze from the book ‘Mastering Cone 6 Glaze by RR & JH’ and mine is darker (manganese).

[@Vsmithpots]

I tried that oatmeal too. When the weather warms up I plan on doing one, my glaze shed is outside.

[@rondacorkhill1654]

You got a mention in clay buddies regarding your various testing of Randy's red.

[@Vsmithpots]

Thanks, I hope they get good results.

[@marie-chantalrobert6631]

Bonjour merci pour votre partager de vidéo manifique vous être un maître.

[@Vsmithpots]

Merci d'avoir regardé

[@maurad5378]

Hi! Such beautiful work! I’m learning so much! Would you tell me what clay body you used for the light colored slips? Your bowl is a darker clay. I want a white slip for going over darker clay bodies but don’t know what to use. Would I need a lighter clay body in the same firing range, temperature? Thank you so much! Love your kitties!

[@Vsmithpots]

The slip is Robin Hoppers from "The Ceramic Spectrum". He has one for Cone 4 max and another for up to cone 10.

[@jjazzbel]

Thank you, Vaughan. That is beautiful. Do you ever stencil on bisque ware?

[@Vsmithpots]

No just on greenware.

[@tgoodpottery-teresagood3539]

I grabbed the 2004 horse plate off eBay! Super cool!

[@Vsmithpots]

I noticed two horse plates on etse dated 2000.

[@tgoodpottery-teresagood3539]

@@Vsmithpots just arrived in perfect condition yesterday. ;) beautiful and inspiring! I’m going to try your technique soon with some simple templates to learn.;)

[@Vsmithpots]

@@tgoodpottery-teresagood3539 Congrats, good luck playing, apparently there is a stencil cutting machine available at Michael's crafts. That makes it a lot easier than the way I do it.

[@coldfire05]

Vaughan, glad I discovered your channel, I really enjoy your videos as well whilst I work in my studio. I do have a question regarding if you happen to leave a paper stencil in. Won't this just burn away during the bisque firing?

[@Vsmithpots]

Yes it will burn away and leave an air pocket which will crumble away and leave rough edges, or worse it remains sealed and after glaze firing it will crumble and leave sharp bits in the food or drink.

[@coldfire05]

@@Vsmithpots thank you very much

[@peggymary]

love your work but cant figure out how to buy from your website. I want to buy one of the blue nova scotia mugs. thanks for your wonderful, very instructive and inspiring videos. I'm a "Sunday" potter and have learned so much form you.

[@Vsmithpots]

I don't have a retail store on the web site. If you see a piece you like you can screen shot it and send the image to my email address at [e-mail]

[@dianeyennie2337]

Can you see the original stencils? When placing the roofs, etc? Looks pretty tricky!

[@Vsmithpots]

It is hard to see them so I shine a light across the piece and catch the edges.

[@taniatownsend8309]

Damn! My head just exploded!😜

[@Vsmithpots]

My brain hurts when I do the ones with lots of stencils, I try to avoid doing them these days.

[@potteryworks]

Great video Vaughan, could you brush the slip on the backs of the stencil then put them on? Thank so much for scaring. I would pulling out my hair🤪

[@Vsmithpots]

Yes, my wife does that along with texturing the surfaces.

[@toniledford2640]

Holy Cow!

[@damonmanni]

Hi Vaughan - Just beautiful work. Do you ever paint/deco using oxide washes? I searched KZbin but I did not find any by you. I would be honored if you could make a video in your usual manner. Cheers!

[@Vsmithpots]

I have done it a little decades ago. I never felt good about the results. I concentrated using underglazes and slips. When I used oxides I did it on a majolica glaze and it bled into the glaze leaving furry edges. I still have some of those pieces.

[@dianeyennie2337]

The first time you brush over the first stencils, are you using plain clean water or water with a little of the original clay mixed in?

[@Vsmithpots]

plain water.