Paragraph 2 Process: Making a Clay Leaf Platter
You may have seen large clay platters in the shape of a leaf for sale at Chatuchak Market. They are popular because they are big enough to hold fruit or other objects, and they lend a natural touch to any table. Actually, it’s not hard to make your own leaf platter, if you are interested in pottery and have access to a kiln. (1)________________ is to get some clay that’s been prepared for use in pot-making. Take some and knead it, pressing firmly with both hands, for about 10 minutes. This is to eliminate lumps and air bubbles, which can cause your creation to explode when it’s fired in the kiln. When the clay is ready, take a rolling pin and roll it out on a large stone slab so that it’s a uniform 1 cm in thickness. Next, take a large leaf with a distinctive pattern of veins on it (rhubarb or banana leaves work well for this.) Lay it ribs down on the clay, then press gently with your hands. Pressing too hard can cause the clay to split, so be careful. (2)________________, trim the clay around the edges of the leaf, and stretch the edges gently upward so that the platter will have a slightly concave or bowl-like shape. Peel off the leaf, and put crumpled newspaper underneath the upturned edges to support them. Cover the platter with a sheet of plastic with small holes in it, so that the clay can dry slowly for a day or so. (3) _________________, the platter needs to be fired and glazed. Place it in a potter’s kiln and fire it at about 900 degrees Celsius. The following day, paint on a colored glaze and fire it a second time. While a green glaze connotes freshness, a yellow, red or brown one will create an autumnal effect. Whatever color you choose, you’ll have a useful and surprisingly life-like leaf platter, either to keep in your own home or to give to others as a memorable gift.