Nicola Spencer, Ceramic figure painted with enamel, with paper doily., 11/5/2012. Photo: Nicola Spencer. I’ve been trying out different ways to present my ceramic figures in preparation for our degree show install next week. I painted the small shelves that I prepared but was too hasty in waiting for them to dry so the paintwork isn’t very neat! By using paper doily’s on top of the shelves this adds to the presentation and also hides unsightly paint scuff marks.