Clay Samai

CLAY SAMAI

The colours had faded and it was worn out. The 9 yrs of use and shifting from Kolkata, West Bengal to Guwahati, Assam to Indore, Madhya Pradesh n finally Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (Places in India) had taken a toll on its charming texture. It had dilapidated and was about to be put in the store as junk when an art attack stuck me.........without further delay I came to its rescue and here I have something....to present to you in a whole new AVATAR......

This required only a few things as listed below:

1.Samai (Long Lamp).  You can surely substitute this with any diya/old pot/ flower vase lying around in the corner of your house.
2. Oil Paints.
3. Ceramic Powder.
4. Fevicol
5. Water
6. Cones made out of old plastic bags.
7. Design to work upon.
8.Warnish
9. Petrol/ Kerosine to wash off the used brushes.

After you arrange for the things listed above, the process ahead is fairly simple but this project definitely requires loads of patience and concentration.

Paint the samai/diya/ pot/ flower vase using the oil paint. Ensure fine strokes of flat brush to give a symmetrical look. You can also use two shades of colours on the base to give a more dynamic look. Make sure that atleast two coats of paint is applied. Wait for a day or two so that the coatings are completely dry. Once this is done apply warnish on the complete base to ensure durability and shine to your final piece.

You can utilise the time taken by the paint and warnish for drying up to finish making the cones required for ceramic cone work.

For this, mix ceramic powder with fevicol in a proportion to give out a fine paste. Avoid lumps. Add in water to liquify. Put this paste into the cones made out of plastic bags. You can add different shades of water colours to this paste. I have used silvery glitter to give a shimmery look.These cones should look something like-

Once these two things are ready, you can either trace out the design on the samai/diya or pot or have a free hand. I am personally a free hand person coz it doesnt restrict my creativity to one particular design. However,this doesnt leave a chance for an error. 

So, here's my clay Samai. Traditionally, you can place a diya on its top. Below can be another way to decorate your drawing room :)  

Awaiting your valuable comments, feedback n questions......