Bead Chat Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 39

4. Method One Stack the cut snake sections side by side and squeeze together gently. Starting at the top of the grouping slice the tissue blade carefully toward you just under the surface of the clay. Gently set these cuttings aside for later use. Repeat this step again and again until the entire stack has been sliced through. 5. Method Two Stack the cut snake sections on top of one another and squeeze gently to form a cane. Use the tissue blade to cut down in very thin sections, set the slices aside until the whole can is cut. 6. Run a cube of clay in neutral color through the pasta machine on a medium setting to form a small sheet. Apply the cut slices to the sheet. 7. Run through pasta machine slowly on the thickest setting, reduce the thickness and run the sheet carefully through as many times as desired. 8. Apply the sheet to a clay base cutting away any excess. Alternately you can use a shape cutter and cut a shape directly from the sheet. Smooth edges, drill holes for beads as needed or insert wires or bails before baking according to manufactures directions. 9. Once completely cooled sand if needed and seal if desired. artisanwhimsy.net 39