I start with a 25 pound block of wet clay and cut pieces off with a wire.
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By turning the handle, the rollers flatten the clay as it is fed through.
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This is when the mark of the Roycroft Renaissance is impressed into the wet clay.
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Each tile is dipped into a glaze.
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Although I repeat themes, each painting it original.
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Pound it into shape. I try to flatten the clay so that it is just a bit thicker than what my finished tile will be.
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The wet clay is measured and cut to size with a needle tool.
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To help the tiles dry evenly and somewhat flat, I place sheetrock on top and stack them.
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The excess is sponged off.
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The tiles are loaded into the kiln again and fired a second tie but at a much higher temperature.
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The clay is then laid on the slab roller.
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Each tile is then placed on a piece of sheet rock.
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One they are dry, it is time for them to be bisqued fired. This will take 4-5 hours then at least 24 hours to cool.
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I paint with oxides and stains on to the base glaze.
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After the kiln has cooled for at least 24 hours, I can open it and see the finished work.
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