Well, Good News!  My mosaic bistro table pieces were loaded into the kiln today to be fired! WooHoo!  It took several steps to get it there:

The first thing I had to do was cut out the pieces using a needle tool along the pattern lines I had already traced on the slab of clay.  I wrapped it up and again let it setup until the next class.

Then came the "fun" part.  I took each piece and began smoothing the top and the edges, laid it on a pattern the same size as my table, traced around it with a pencil in the exact place it should go, and then numbered both the piece on the back and the tracing on the paper.  When I was done I had an exact map of my table with corresponding numbers so I would know where every piece goes.  I have to admit I did panic a couple of times doing this but took a deep breath, called Kathryn, and we found where I was.

  Beginning of the map             Smoothed pieces                 Finished map

I had to let it dry for several days and then today I smoothed the pieces one more time and placed them on the kiln shelves just like they will be on the table so they will fire properly.

It takes a total of 24 hours for them to be fired;  about 12 hours to reach the 1900 degree temperature and then about 12 hours to cool down.  I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight because I can't wait to see it!!!! 

Next blog will be about painting it...I have a great idea for this! 

See you then,

Debbie