June 2004 Polymer Clay Polyzine Gourd Tutorial

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Polymer Clay Polyzine Copyright 2000-2004 Raleigh, NC ISSN 1534-1038 All Rights Reserved.

	Marking a Gourd With a Laser Level: A Tutorial By Mary Sophia Novak


Cutting a level top off an irregular object like a gourd presents certain difficulties. In my first gourds, I drew a freehand line around the neck of the gourd. However, when I cut along this line, I found that my cuts were never parallel with the base of the gourd. If I sat the gourd on a table, it was very apparent that the opening at the top was slanted at an uneven angle. The best method that I have found to guarantee a perfectly level cut is to use a laser level. First, I position the gourd on a flat surface so it rests on its natural base. (Many gourds are like Weebles -- they rock back and forth, but eventually they'll settle in a balanced, upright position.) Next, I decide what height I want to make my cut. I elevate the laser level (using books or other flat objects) so that it lies flat at the desired height, with its beam pointing at the gourd. Using a marker or pencil, I mark the point where the laser beam hits the gourd. I then swivel the gourd a bit and continue marking until I have marked the entire circumference of the gourd. My gourd is now marked and ready to cut. Inspiration!