Everything starts with an idea.
Big, small, vague, elaborate… whatever, it really helps in the beginning of a work cycle to have an idea of here you’re headed.
Although I generally enjoy straying from the plan after I’m in the thick of it.
There’s the plan… and then there is the Jazz. You still have to know the tune to improvise on a theme.
I cut out a stack of paper stencils at a time using a jewelers saw and bench pin. This gives me enough pieces to play with without being stingy. I create a well taped up folder of newsprint sandwiched between two sheets of plastic.
While the clay is still wet, I use a spray bottle and sponge to build up a paper stencil design.
This is an excellent exercise in playing with positive and negative designs.
Sponge on the slip. 
After the slip has had a bit of time to setup, peel away the paper to reveal the design.
Tada! Here is one of the finished designs!
If you want to see a compressed video of the entire process, click below…