Quick Video: Surface Design with String 

Here is an impromptu little surface design test. If you try, this use a pony roller to imbed the string better into the clay before applying the slip. I was just testing it out. Painters sketch out an image before starting a painting to plan things out. This is the potter's version of a sketch. Something super fast to test out a new technique. This gives you information on how to approach the real thing. I was able to figure out using a rib was not the best choice for getting the string to stay. I would not use the heat gun for the real thing either. I would let the moisture evaporate out more naturally. Even though I love to speed things up, that is not always the best choice. If nothing else, clay teaches us patience.
Music: www.bensound.com/royalty-free...