Disk Ideas
Using the MKM Decorating Disk
This tool is designed to simplify and speed up the process of doing symmetrical decoration on any form.
The MKM Decorating Disk™ is a set of two (even and odd divisions) 15½ inch sturdy transparent Mylar sheets. Use the concentric circles on them to quickly center your piece. Colored radial lines indicate even divisions (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) on one sheet, and odd divisions (3, 5, 7, 9) on the second sheet. The secret is the holes. Along the radial lines are holes that allow you to mark through the disk to the soft, leather hard, or bisqued clay below. Simply put a disk on top of (or underneath) your pot, center it using the concentric circles, and make your marks through the holes that lie along the radial lines in the sheet.
Use the disks to:
• Make square, hexagonal, or other sided plates.
• Set the initiation points for patterns in halves, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, 8ths, 9ths, or 10ths.
• Make your add ons (handles, spouts, dents, etc.) or cut-outs perfectly symmetrical each time.
• Alter the rim in 3rds, 5ths, 8ths, or 10ths (etc.) around a bowl or plate.
• Set the corners for a rectangular or other shaped jar or lid.
• Do complex symmetrical spiraling.
• Measure cut outs in the foot of your pots very quickly.
• Center and make cut out lids quickly and easily.
• Set up symmetrical patterns like quilt squares, stamping and other decoration.
A smaller 4 inch model DD-04 is also available. The smaller size is useful for decorating smaller items and interiors of bowls, etc.
The secret is the holes! Small holes located at the intersection of the concentric circles and radial lines allow the user to actually mark right through the disk. You can mark you pot without having to move the disk first. This is what makes the disk so functional.
It is easy to make square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other sided plates using the MKM Decorating Disk. After throwing a plate or bowl and waiting until is is leather hard first trim the foot on the form. Then center the disk right on top of the plate or bowl and mark out the corner points of the shape. Without even turning it over use either a flexible ruler or a piece of cardboard to connect the corner marks and then cut along the edge of the ruler or cardboard.
When Altering while wet place the disk right on the wet clay and mark through the holes to the clay below. Then remove the disk and move out the corners in whatever fashion you choose (I usually use my finger.) When the clay is just a little stiffer, the disk can be put back on the form and the corners refined, adjusted, or just placed slightly more accurately.