ALL OVER PATTERN APPLICATION
The "all over" patterns of today
open up a whole new realm of decorating for your ceramic pieces. On a rounded surface such
as the heart box shown here, a little extra heat helps mold the decals to the contours of
your piece.
Your piece must first be cleaned, fired, glazed, and fired again before it is ready for the decal application.
For the planter and watering can, apply black glaze to all areas that will not have a decal applied. All areas you plan to place the decal pattern, apply clear glaze. Fire the glaze to 06. Measure the areas for placement and cut the decal pieces to size. I like to cut them just a little larger. If your piece is large you will need to match the print before cutting. Where the final seam comes together, overlap the two pieces of decal. Use a straight edge as a guide and cut through both layers of the decal. Peel away the excess and the edges should butt up against each other perfectly. If the decal needs to be trimmed, use a very sharp blade to ensure a nice even edge.
The heart box takes a little more patience. Apply clear glaze to the entire box and fire. On the back side of your decal sheet, use a pencil to trace around the top of the box. Cut this piece out about one inch larger than the pencil mark all the way around. Now cut a strip the width of the edge of the bottom of the box. Make sure you allow a little extra length for over lapping. Cut this piece in two. Fill both pieces of the heart with hot water, and let it stand for a few minutes. Fill a container large enough to hold your decal with warm water.
First immerse the portion of the decal that will fit the top of the box. It will roll up
in the water. As the decal releases from its backing, it will start to unroll. It is now
ready to apply to the warm box top. Slid the decal carefully onto the piece. Working with
a damp sponge, start from the center of the decal and wipe towards the edges to remove all
water and air bubbles. Because the piece is warm, it will allow the decal to stretch over
the rounded edges. Use your damp thumbs and a decal squeegee to remove all creases in the
decal. Turn the decal under the edge of the piece. Use a sharp knife to cut away the
excess. Cut out just enough in small "V" shapes to allow the decal to lie flat.
When you are satisfied that there are no air pockets or water left under the decal,
continue with the sides of the bottom of the box. Start your strip at the "V" in
the heart and bring it to the tip. Start a second strip on the other side of the
"V" and bring it to meet the first strip at the tip. Overlap the strips at the
tip. Smooth out all creases. Now carefully cut down through both pieces. Pull back the top
strip, peel off the strip underneath. Now seal the top strip down securely to the piece.
If needed, use a sharp knife to make a nice straight edge with your decal. Check to make
sure there are no bubbles, creases or uneven edges, and allow to dry thoroughly. Fire to
cone 015.
At your local craft store, purchase some gold braid, roses, and other attractive trim. Use any all purpose glue to apply in a pleasing manner.
I borrowed this picture from an article I wrote for Ceramics Arts & Crafts Magazine published in July 1997. You can see the fold of the magazine down the center of the basket. For the picture frame, lay the frame, face down, on the decal and trace a line around the oval opening. Also draw lines to enable you to fit the length and width of this piece. Use a sharp scissors to cut out the oval for the frame opening and make small (about 1/4") cuts around the opening for ease in fitting. Immerse the decal in warm water and then slide it carefully into position. Work the water and air bubbles from beneath the decal. Cut tiny "V" shapes in the corners to facilitate the fitting. Fire in the usual manner. By the way, the sweet young girl is our grandaughter, Ashley Boven.