This is how I was taught to make the bone china carnation flower.  There are many ways to make spiky flowers but this is how I was taught to make it at Coalport.  Some people think they look like pinks or cornflowers, but I was always told they represented the carnation flower.  I call it ‘the spiky one’.

You make the centre and petals separately and put together at the end. You can just make 3 extra petals and make these your center for a slightly different look.

Click on the images to see a larger image

Make the Centre

 

 

1. Roll a piece of china into a long sausage shape and then press down one side to make it flat ready for the comb, see image.  (Please note image only shows half with pressed down section.. make sure you press the whole length)

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Then use the side of the comb with the thinnest bristles and drag away from the clay. (Again image is only showing have the section combed, do the lot)

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Then roll up the clay to make the centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Put aside.

 

 

 

Making the Petals

 

 

1. Make a hammerhead shark shape and make sure its like a wedge and only very thin at the top edge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Then use the wider tooth section of the comb and drag for about 4mm towards the edge.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Then lift the section up and make an M shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Make about 6-8 and set them aside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.Ready for assembly.

 

 

 

 

 

Putting Together

Stick the petals around the centre.

 

 

Once dry they are fired in a kiln to 1230C.