Would like to make some 6" long, 1/4" wide by 1/4" thick bars (some straight, some curved) in opal powder, so I can have a range of colors from one end of the bar to the other (starting to play with powders - having fun

Have read that powder shrinks a lot in firing, but haven't been able to find a percentage figure.
Could you please suggest how deep to make the mold so I can pile the powder high enough?
Thought cutting some slots in a Ceramaguard plate would be quick, but is probably not deep enough.
Many thanks for your help, seachange