This video shows how I prepare slip for slip trailing by sieving it, then I use a red bulb syringe slip trailer to apply the slip. (If you don't have clay slip in a bucket from throwing, just put some in a blender with water to make it into a milkshake or smoothie consistency.) Slip trailing can be done with many different tools, and I like the two trailers I show in the video. Old mustard and ketchup squeeze bottles, hair color applicator bottles, or even a ziplock bag with the corner cut off all work great!
The red bulb slip trailer is available from Highwater Clays here:
hhttps://highwaterclays.com/products/red-bulb-slip-trailer
The Xiem Slip trailer is available from many retailers, including my local one I usually patronize- Cornelle Studio Supply:
http://cornellstudiosupply.com/product/xiem-1oz-precision-applicator/
The MudTools ribs are my favorite ribs- here I use the red one to get the slip through the sieve. Here is a link to the mudtools ribs:
http://www.mudtools.com/product/shape-0-polymer-ribs/?v=7516fd43adaa
And, here are a couple of links for the Tailsman Test Sieve:
http://cornellstudiosupply.com/product/talisman-sieve-60/
or for other sizes: http://www.axner.com/talisman-test-sieve.aspx
Slip can be applied in many various thicknesses or consistencies. Similar to icing in application. You could even use a bag with a decorating tip! If you use the same clay body for the slip, you shouldn't have any problems! I usually apply my slip trailing while the form is leatherhard. If you apply it while the form is bone dry, sometimes you may have some chipping off of the trailed portions.
The clay body I am using is Laguna B-mix with grog, mid-fire cone 5/6.
For a tutorial video on HOW I threw the enclosed spherical shaker try this link:
https://youtu.be/U1hE4xctHCQ
I am a high school ceramics teacher at William Mason High School in Mason, Ohio. Mason is the largest high school in the state of Ohio. I have been teaching high school ceramics for 18 years now, and I love it! I began making videos for my students several years ago to help them with their projects. I was amazed and delighted that they have reached a much larger audience beyond my students!
For a list of my FAVORITE TOOLS, check out this link to a Googledoc with lots of my favorites on Amazon using my associate links! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XbYPQjjJnHrQG5xyWGMHZkEcZj5N8VnUAbFZdJRrRmU/edit?usp=sharing