MODELLING IN GUTTA-PERCHA.
Gutta-percha modelling is generally used to imitate Barbotine pottery. It is very easy to do, and the materials are comparatively inexpensive. Where possible buy the gutta-percha in sheets about one-fourth of an inch in thickness.
Boiling water must always be at hand. Modelling tools are useful but not necessary; as large pins, such as those made for Macramé work, will generally answer for any moulding. Oil paints, brushes, and a bottle of amber enamel are also needed, and a pair of pliers for holding the petals, leaves, etc., and fastening them together will be found useful. If you cannot get gutta-percha in sheets dip a piece in boiling water for a few seconds and roll it out with a heavy round ruler, taking care to wet both ruler and drawing board with a sponge to prevent sticking. Cut out the petals and leaves roughly with a pair of scissors—the exact number with which it is intended to form a group; put these again into boiling water, and then roll out to the desired thickness. Avoid getting them too thin, or, when painted, instead of their having the appearance of china, they will be more like tin. Recut them to the shape and thickness required, and with a small ivory or bone paperknife (also wetted) draw in the markings lightly and gently, so as not to cut the material (if the gutta-percha is too hard, put it again and again into boiling water); mould and bevel the petals and leaves upon the fingers, as in leather work,
