There is a set of plates, bowls and cups that you love, but it's even better to make your own in a process we call "ceramic." Finding a nice service in a store is fine but being able to give your touch to an everyday object is priceless. Here's how to get started!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Creating an Object
Step 1. Are you preparing to create a functional or just decorative object?
Depending on your needs, it might be better to use a lathe to create a bowl, while for a decorative piece you might better make it by hand. You could create a clay sculpture as long as it is largely concave and you create an air vent during the firing process.
Step 2. Imagine the purpose, size, shape and color of the object you would like to create
"Ceramics" is a very vague term; there are dozens of different methods you can use to make your creation. To obtain each product, several artistic elements must be considered. Go to your nearest craft store and see what resources you have available to help you understand what your finished item will look like.
Start thinking. If you want to stick with small items, beads, decorative boxes and animals can be a good start. But only the sky is your limit with vases, plates, pots, dishes and wall decorations
Step 3. Choose the type of clay to work with
Once you understand what you want to create, you will be able to choose the material to use. That thermosetting (or fimo) does not need to be cooked. But it's a bit more expensive, so maybe you'll want to stick with the smaller creations. If not, there are low temperature and high temperature clays that guarantee different results.
- Low-temperature clays are great for bright colors and detailed decorations. But they don't get along too well with water; so, if you opt for this type of clay, find a waterproofing paint.
- High-temperature clays don't get along very well with bright colors, but they are durable, waterproof, and can be easily textured. The glazes could move during cooking and therefore the images could be confused.
Step 4. Decide the best method for your project
You have several options you can choose from:
- Lathe: it is the best choice for round and symmetrical objects. Requires an oven and some skill. It's fine for large and small items, but clay is difficult to rework if you make some initial mistakes.
- Freehand modeling: suitable for small objects. The method is quite simple: start with a small amount of clay that you can work in the palm of your hands. Shape it with pressure and heat. Use a damp sponge to smooth the surface.
- Colombino modeling: suitable for processing hollow and non-symmetrical objects. You can create interesting texture and decorations by spreading one layer on top of the others (or rolling them). Instead of using a block of clay, you simply stack the strings or rolls to give a shape. They join together creating a surface.
- Plate modeling: suitable for processing flat objects. Put the sides of the clay into a shape and, as it dries, it shrinks at the base while retaining its shape.
Step 5. Shape it
This depends on you and your skill level. If you have a lathe, great. If you don't have it, you can use other methods. If pottery is a completely new topic for you, seek out a professional or watch some online videos; it is an art that certainly requires skill.
Some types of clay are not suitable for reworking once they have been molded. So when making your choices, be careful, your clay may not give you a second chance
Part 2 of 2: Cooking
Step 1. Put the ceramic in an electric oven
Raise the temperature up to 450 ° C for 12 hours. This will produce "bisque" or "unglazed" pottery. This first firing removes physical and chemical water, so that the piece can be glazed without turning back into mud and crumbling. In the world of ceramics, temperature ranges are referred to as "cones".
Let the temperature cool down and remove the ceramic 48 hours after it has completely cooled
Step 2. Paint your object with enamel
Keep in mind that the nail polish runs. If you want more precise lines, paint with "bisque dye" and then cover with clear glaze.
- If your surface isn't smooth, use 100 grit sandpaper or the side of a chef's knife to do the same thing. Then pass a sponge over the entire surface of the object to remove the dust left by the sandblasting to provide a smooth surface on which the polish can adhere well.
- Enamel takes on different shapes. You can wet it, brush it, sponge it or engrave it, to begin with. You can buy it in both liquid and dry form. If you want to be a true professional, you can also create it yourself.
Step 3. Heat the ceramic to melt the glaze and waterproof the object
Depending on the clay, the size of the object and then the glaze, you may need an oven that reaches 1150 ° C.
During the night, heat the oven to a very low temperature. Spend two hours at a low temperature (raise the temperature to no more than 90 ° C per hour) and then two hours at medium temperature (raise the temperature to no more than 150 ° C per hour). Then, finish at a high temperature (raise the temperature from 150 ° C to 200 ° C per hour) until it reaches the necessary temperature
Step 4. File the bottom of your object
It may have been placed on the bottom of the oven in an inappropriate position which caused it to lose its flat bottom. Make it smooth so it can stand straight without wobbling on a surface like a table or shelf.
