One of the most fascinating phases of ceramics is porcelain lace draping. Lace draping is a dying art. Many ceramicists are afraid to tackle the delicate art, due to the high burnout rate as a result of incorrect processing of fabric prior to firing; this is a common occurrence for many who have tried the art.
The porcelain (or china) figurines that are made in American today are basically the same as the old European figurines we have all admired for so many years. To use lace and other absorbent materials is not an new idea. The difference comes from the American clay formulas and the designs, which are inclined to be in line with the America we know so well. Figurines may now be designed as a beautiful addition to any home, regardless of décor. It need not be limited to the French drawing room. The modern figurine in porcelain, many well become the heirloom of the future.
To begin a figurine: slip, which is porcelain in it's liquid state, must be poured into a mold, which is generally cone shaped. When the slip turns leathery, it is removed from the mold. Then the arms, torso, head and sometimes legs are attached to the coned shaped base. When the form, now called greenware, is dry; mold seams are removed, fingers are separated, hair is carved, and other detailing is done before it is fired to bisque.
Fabrics, which are 100% cotton, including all lace used by Marla J, are then processed with the porcelain slip. This step can lead to the success or disaster of a piece when it is fired. The porcelain coated fabric is then used to drape the figurine to achieve the desired affect. The pattern or color of the fabric is non-consequential because the glazes will determine the colors of the dresses, coats, hats, etc. The coat that you see on the figurine to the right was made from a white, striped with pink, green, blue and yellow flannel baby blanket that had belonged to Marla J's brother, when he was a baby. The key to remember is that the fabric was 100% cotton. the color of the fabric was unimportant. While others have said they used polyester and other synthetic fabrics incurring no problems, this is a practice not employed by this artist.
Glazing and additional firings will be done, until Marla J determines that the doll is finished.
The doll at the right, designed and created by Marla J, took "Best of Show," which is the single top honor awarded, at the Phoenix Ceramic and Doll Show in 2000.
Patience, care and neatness are the essentials in draping.