CLICK here for Colored Clay Workshop Video # 3 to learn all about making striped canes
STRIPES
![](../_Media/dock-cec_med_hr-4.jpeg)
![](../_Media/rocks-vertical_med_hr-4.jpeg)
It’s easy to notice the obvious ones but often we miss the unusual or subtle ones.
STRIPES
When you are creating a striped cane, ignore any ideas of limitations. Make a stripe however you want.
The very simplest idea is to stack your colors with a bit of slip between them.
![white](../_Media/white_med_hr-2.jpeg)
These stripes are made with the same colors, difference is mixing up colors and adding white.
![3 stripes](../_Media/3-stripes_med_hr.jpeg)
Patterns added to stripes below
![mixed](../_Media/mixed_med_hr.jpeg)
Below uses the whole skinner blend, alternating sides.
![skinner](../_Media/skinner_med_hr.jpeg)
![](../_Media/stripe-with-extrusions_med_hr.jpeg)
Add some extruded coils to a stripe and see what an interesting pattern you create.
![](../_Media/2-bg-vesselscl-_med_hr.jpeg)
Two sets of stripes but who would look at these vessels and have their first thought be - striped pots!
![](../_Media/hokitika_med_hr.jpeg)
![](../_Media/cut-stripes_med_hr.jpeg)
This ocean image inspired these stripes.
![](../_Media/img_6025_med_med_hr.jpeg)
If you want to mix up the colors or thicknesses, do it before you start stacking them.
This way you are sure of the color shifts you are creating.
![orange](../_Media/orange_med_hr.jpeg)
Layers do not have to be precise. They can also be stacked free form for a loose wavy pattern. Once again, slip use is optional and depends on what look you are going for.
![](../_Media/81665dd7-ea60-44cf-b76b_med_hr.png)
If you want to cut them into exact thicknesses for distinct stripes you need to let them set up a bit so they can hold their shape.
NOTE*** When storing your striped patterns you should place them on end as shown above. If you stored these stripes horizontally the bottom layer would soon be squashed into a flat line by the weight of the clay pressing down on it.
If you want soft, subtle stripes simply roll your piece of clay thin and fold it like a towel.
![](../_Media/drape---final_med-2_med_hr.jpeg)
I cut the patterned loaves by placing the loaf on a level surface between a pair of rulers. I pull the cutting wire towards me while resting it on the rulers to control the thickness of the slice.
![](../_Media/img_0677_med_med_hr.jpeg)
If you keep a selection of rulers on hand you can quickly slice any thickness. You can also mix the thicknesses to have an angled slice.