BEADING Technique– Gold, Aqua, or White: After the first firing of a piece, the background color or/and design was applied and fired. Then the itchin tool was used to apply very small dots of slip onto the surface of the piece where the artist envisioned them to create or enhance the design. It required a very small metal tip be used. This technique required a high level of skill to ensure the dots were evenly spaced AND were all applied in a uniform height. A stencil might have been used to guide the artist but a great deal of precision was still required. After the firing to set the clay, each dot would be painted. If the dots were painted in gold it was called “Gold Dot.” If covered in aqua coloring, it was called “Aqua dot.” The aqua dots simulated bubbles of water. There are even dots colored in white enamel. There are also pieces that have different sizes of gold dots, like some that feature lavender and white mums and green leaves.

MEMBERS, for more information, go HERE.