I am often asked how I make ceramics, below is a general summation of the steps I take.

 

The Craft of Ceramics involves several stages. Each process is equally important and requires experience and practice to achieve the desired results.

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Step 1 - Pouring the mold. Ceramic molds vary in size, shape, weight and price. Liquid clay, "slip" is poured into the molds and is left to sit until the desired thickness of the piece is achieved. The length of time the slip must remain in the mold depends on several factors - the constitution of the slip, the size of the mold, the dryness of the mold and surrounding environment.

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After the desired thickness is achieved, the excess slip is poured off and the mold is left to sit until the pieces has hardened enough to stand on its own. The time required until the piece can be removed from the mold also varies depending on the size of the mold and the other factors indicated above. It can take up to 10 hours or more for larger pieces before they are ready to come out of the mold. Once ready, the mold is then taken apart and the piece is removed and left to dry. Many pieces involve multiple molds. Each part of the piece is removed from its mold and they are crafted together while still damp.

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Step 2 - Cleaning the greenware. After the piece has completely dried, seam lines are removed and additional details are sketched into the greenware. Now there are options for the next step.

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Step 3a - the greenware is painted with an underglaze product then fired in the kiln. (Each kiln firing can take between 4.5 to 6 hours, plus a cool down time of approximately 10-12 hours).

Step 3b - the greenware is fired in the kiln.

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Step 4a - the bisque is glazed then fired again.

Step 4b -the bisque piece is painted with an under glazed product then glazed, then fired again, or the bisque is glazed only then fired again; or the bisque is stained (painted) or other non-fired products are used to decorate the piece.

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Step 5a - over glaze products may be used on glazed pieces and detailing products.

Step 5b - stained pieces are sprayed or painted with a sealer.

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As you can see, each piece requires a large investment of time. Also, the materials and supplies to create the piece can be pricey - the cost of molds, slip, finishing supplies, and the cost of operating the kiln.

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I create ceramics for the love of the craft rather than financial gain. My time investment is not returned, but the satisfaction of brining a piece to life is very rewarding.

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Along with a large time investment, the equipment requires a huge amount of space. I have some molds that are over 75 pounds once they are filled with slip, they are big!

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If you would like to learn more about crafting ceramics, please contact me about our Paint Parties or Classes.

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Happy Crafting!

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Carole

 

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