Medieval tiling - How to do it!
First slice your blockWith a section of clay about three times the desired end product, whack it down to size. Whack don't roll it. The curved side ensures the bat can easily be lifted, Towards the end - when about 3/4 inch thick - the flat can be used.
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Make your woodcutThe depth of the cut here is about 3ml. The size of the block will be the size of the finished tile when wet. It will shrink a bit in the firing.
Below are the tools used then and now in the making of tiles. |
Place your woodcut centrally under the clayUnder? Yes, drape the clay over the block and whack it a few times to force the clay down into the design. Then turn it over carefully and slice the edges to match the block.
The last stage is to make a clay edge and pour the cream-consistency buff clay into the mould thus made. Allow to dry and scrape it down until the design appears. Then fire it. |