Positive and Negative Printmaking on Clay

Goals & Objectives

Step 1

Draw your design onto the adhesive craft foam sheet using your pencil, pen, or permanent marker.

Step 2

Peel the backing off the adhesive craft foam and stick it to one of the thicker craft foam sheets.

Note: For younger students, they will need to cut out their design with scissors before sticking to the thicker craft foam.

Step 3

Smooth the surface of a moist slab and check to see if it is large enough for your project. Apply Casting Slip to the underglazed newsprint.

Step 4

Use an X-Acto knife to cut on the lines, cutting through the top layer of the craft foam, but not the thicker craft foam.

Step 5

Remove some of the shapes and press them firmly to the second piece of thicker craft foam to create your positive and negative design.

Step 6

Mix Velvet Underglazes with water to create a wash. It should be the consistency of watercolor.

Step 7

Draw in areas you would like to add color (pencil marks will burn off during firing). Use an AMACO Fan Brush to add the Velvet Underglaze Wash.

Step 8

Take your AMACO Ceramic Printing INK and place a small glob on a flat surface. Roll out the INK so the brayer is completely covered.

Step 9

Roll the inked brayer onto your printing plate.

Step 10

Place your printing plate face down and press firmly to transfer your design to the tile. Lift up carefully to avoid smearing. Alternate printing plates for the positive/negative design.

Step 11

When the tile is completely dry, sponge or brush on 1-2 coats of LG-10 Clear Transparent glaze and fire to cone 05.