Ceramics 101


If you've ever browsed a gift shop, you know how beautiful ceramics can be.  In addition to figurines, the art of ceramics can be employed to create dishes, tiles, flowerpots, and much more.  And if you're willing to invest in some tools and equipment, you can create your own ceramics at home.  Here we will discuss the basics of ceramics.


Types of Ceramic Clay


Ceramics can be made out of three basic types of clay:

* Porcelain - This is a very strong ceramic medium created by mixing several different types of clay.  It is white, smooth and translucent when fired and glazed.  Porcelain is sturdy and non-reactive, so it can be used to make dishes that may be used in the oven and microwave.

* Stoneware - Stoneware is another fairly strong type of clay, but it is less refined than porcelain.  It may be brown, buff or white in color.  If glazed, it may be used for food storage.

* Earthenware - This type of clay is fired at lower temperatures, and unlike porcelain and stoneware, is porous.  Earthenware also chips and scratches more easily.  A popular type of earthenware is terracotta.


Making Ceramics


The first step in creating ceramics is molding the clay, being careful not to overwork it.  Once it is in the desired shape, it must be allowed to dry.  It is important for it to dry evenly, so if there are small handles or other details that may dry more quickly, wrap them in plastic to slow their drying.

When the clay dries to the point where it resembles leather, you can carve designs into it if you so desire.  You can find ceramic tool sets that include carving tools at your local craft store or online.  Once you're done carving, allow the clay to dry completely.  If it is still wet when fired, it could shatter.

Firing is done in a kiln, and the temperature used varies according to clay type.  Pyrometric cones can be placed in the kiln to indicate when the piece has received the proper amount of heat.  Proper heating is imperative.  If under or overfired, the piece may drip, bubble, or change colors.

After firing, the piece may be painted with paint that is made especially for ceramics.  Once dry, three coats of glaze should be applied to protect the paint (unless a matte finish is desired).  The piece must then be fired again.

You can make lots of things out of ceramic clay.  Ceramics are fun to create, and they make wonderful gifts.  And if you don't want to invest in a kiln, most ceramic shops will fire your pieces for you.  So if you love the look of ceramics, you can try your hand at them without spending a lot of money.

Ceramics the Whole Family Will Enjoy


It's so rewarding to make a ceramic piece from scratch.  There's just something spectacular about watching it go from raw clay to a beautiful, finished product.  It makes it hard to stop at one piece.

Getting the whole family in on the creation of ceramic groupings is a great way to bond while making something together.  If each person does one or two pieces, you can end up with a nice collection or scene.  Or some members can do the shaping and firing, and the others can do the painting.


Here are some ceramic projects that the whole family can participate in and enjoy:

* Nativity scenes - One of the most popular kinds of ceramic groupings for Christmas, a nativity scene is a great family project.  Once the actual pieces are done, you could build a wooden barn together and add hay for added authenticity.

* Halloween groupings - There are all sorts of possibilities for Halloween.  You could do a group of trick or treaters with different costumes, some whimsical ghosts, bats or spiders, or jack-o-lantern candleholders with different faces.

* Pottery - Kids are often intrigued by pottery wheels, so why not let them try their hand at using one?  They may need a little help, but they can make simple pieces fairly easily.  Creating a pottery grouping with coordinating pieces could be a great family project.

* Wall hangings - Groups of ceramic wall hangings make lovely decorations.  Each family member could create one with a favorite quote or a hand-carved design on it.  How about having each person carve a picture of his or her favorite animal or flower?

* Coasters and trivets - Coasters and trivets are quite simple to make, and they're really useful.  Making a set as a family is a great project if you have young children.  Handmade coasters and trivets also make nice gifts, so make several sets for the holidays.

* Refrigerator magnets - This is another easy project, because it provides a great deal of freedom.  As long as the ceramic piece isn't so heavy as to weigh the magnet down, it doesn't have to be perfectly flat and doesn't matter what shape it is.  Take pictures while the family is making them, and when the magnets are done, hang the pictures up with them to remind everyone how much fun it was.


Ceramic groupings and sets are fun to make, and they're even more fun when you get the whole family involved.  Even young children can create simple ceramic pieces.  Whether you're making them to give as gifts or keep around the house, a ceramic set made by your entire family will always be a source of fond memories.


Ceramic Gift Ideas


Walk into any discount store or gift shop, and chances are you'll see some ceramics.  This is especially true around holidays.  Ceramics make great gifts for just about anyone.

When you make the ceramics yourself, they become even more special.  You can tailor each piece to the recipient's tastes, making things that they will find useful and incorporating their favorite colors and motifs.  Here are some ceramic gift ideas to get your creative juices flowing.


* Pottery - Flowerpots, vases, pitchers and other pieces of pottery make wonderful gifts for decorative or utilitarian purposes.  They may be created with the aid of a pottery wheel, but it's not necessary.  It is entirely possible to fashion such items using only your hands.

* Dishes - Ceramics make wonderfully sturdy plates, saucers and cups.  Porcelain is a good clay choice for these types of pieces, because once glazed it can be used in an oven, microwave or broiler.  It is also dishwasher safe.

* Stepping stones - Ceramic stepping stones make great gifts for summer birthdays.  They can be carved and painted to create ornate designs.  You can also press other embellishments into them to make them even more unique.

* Banks - Piggy banks are classic gifts for kids and kids at heart.  But if the intended recipient doesn't like pigs, you can make a dog, cat, frog, or dolphin bank, or any kind of bank you can imagine for that matter.

* Bathroom sets - Matching toothbrush holders, cups and soap dishes make excellent housewarming gifts.  They can be painted to match any décor.

* Picture frames - You can make beautiful frames out of ceramic clay.  A basic frame is quite simple to make, and it's easy to add carvings, paint and other details to make it extra special.

* Figurines - You can make virtually any type of figurine you can imagine with ceramic clay.  Coordinating sets are great for holiday ensembles.

* Christmas ornaments - What's a Christmas tree without handmade ornaments?  These make great early holiday gifts.  You can personalize them for couples celebrating their first Christmas together and new babies for a wonderfully memorable gift.

* Jewelry boxes - It's always nice to receive jewelry and trinket boxes, and it's especially nice when they're made by hand just for you.  The inside can be left unglazed and lined with felt to protect valuables.


Making ceramics to give as gifts is fun and thoughtful.  And if you're making them for the holidays, you can fire several pieces together, saving time and energy.  Even novice ceramic enthusiasts can make nice looking pieces with a little practice.  With some thought and creativity, it's completely possible to cover everyone on your gift list with handmade ceramics.


Ceramics for the Holidays


Holiday decorations are favorite projects of crafters everywhere.  Whether you love to sew, decoupage, woodwork, or crochet, there are plenty of projects out there for any holiday you celebrate.  You can decorate your own house, then make more projects to give as gifts.

Figurines are the first things that most people think of when one mentions ceramics, and they're also one of the most popular.  But there are lots of other things you can create for the holidays.  Here are some ideas:


* Christmas ornaments - Ceramics make lovely Christmas ornaments.  Porcelain is especially nice.  Why not decorate your entire tree in coordinating porcelain ornaments?  You could make simple ball ornaments and paint them using the same colors in various patterns, or you might make snowmen, reindeer or elves with different accessories.

* Holiday-themed coasters - Coasters are useful and easy to make, and they can be decorated for any holiday.  They could feature jack-o-lanterns for Halloween, turkey or cornucopia motifs for Thanksgiving, or Santa and his reindeer for Christmas.

* Flowerpots - Fall and winter flowers make beautiful decorations by themselves, but they look even better in handmade flowerpots.  Painting them in the colors of the season will complement the flowers and create a beautiful centerpiece.

* Stocking hooks - Ceramic is the perfect medium for stocking mantel hooks.  Porcelain and stoneware are heavy and sturdy enough to support a stocking full of goodies.  You can make them just like you would any figurine, but add a base and press a hook into the center of it.

* Gingerbread houses - A gingerbread house makes a whimsical addition to your holiday décor.  Leaving the center hollow and adding a small light bulb creates a lovely effect.

* Plaques - Ceramic plaques are wonderful for any occasion.  For Thanksgiving, you could add a verse about being thankful.  For Christmas, you could add a fun poem or a few words about the meaning of the holiday.

* Holiday scenes - Grouping figurines together to create elaborate holiday scenes makes a great holiday conversation piece.  For Halloween, you could create a group of trick or treaters.  For Thanksgiving, you could make a scene with pilgrims and American Indians.  And for Christmas, a nativity scene or grouping of elves would be nice.

* Holiday candy dishes - Candy is a staple during the holidays, so why not make a ceramic holiday-themed candy dish to hold it?  You could make a plain dish and paint it with a holiday motif, or you could mold embellishments such as leaves for Thanksgiving or bows for Christmas to go around the edges.


There's no limit to the decorations you could make for the holidays with ceramics.  From the purely decorative to the beautiful and useful, there are plenty of projects to choose from.


Ceramic Tools and Supplies


Ceramic clay can be used to make all sorts of beautiful creations.  Vases, bowls, figurines, and ornaments are just a few of the projects one could do.  The thought of making ceramics is intimidating to some, but it's not as complicated as many people think.  If you have the right tools and supplies, you can get started in no time.  Here's what you will need:


* Clay - Ceramics are fashioned out of one of three types of clay:  porcelain, stoneware or earthenware.  Porcelain and stoneware become harder and stronger when fired than earthenware.  All three types may be used for cooking and food storage if they are glazed.

* Pottery wheel - If you plan to make pottery, you might want to invest in a wheel.  This makes creating uniform pieces much easier.

* Tools - There are many types of tools available for use in ceramics.  There are tools for carving, cutting, and clean-up.  There are also special paintbrushes designed for painting ceramics.  Which tools you need will vary depending on how you decorate your pieces.

* Sponges - If you paint your ceramic pieces, they will need to be carefully cleaned after the first firing.  Small, dampened sponges are great for removing the ceramic dust from the piece.

* Paint - It's important to use a paint that is designed for use on ceramics, because paints that aren't may not stand up to the intense heat used in firing.  Acrylic ceramic paints are available in a wide array of colors and look great on the finished product.

* Glaze - Glaze seals and smoothes the surface of the piece, and may add color and shine.  It is crucial to use a glaze that is matched to the type of clay you use.  Even different brands of the same clay type may react differently to the same glaze.  An employee at your ceramics shop can help you choose the right glaze for the clay you're using.

* Kiln - This is the most expensive item required for making ceramics.  It is a special type of oven that can reach temperatures up to about 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.  They may be gas or electric, and are insulated with firebrick or ceramic fiber.  If you're not sure whether you plan to pursue ceramics beyond a few pieces, your local ceramic shop might fire your pieces for you.


Ceramic tools and supplies may be found at a ceramics shop or online.  Some craft stores also carry certain supplies used in ceramics.  You can save money by buying some supplies in bulk, but if you're just interested in trying it out, it's best to buy small quantities.  If you want to continue, you can always buy more.