How to Make Handmade Ceramics

Creating handmade ceramics is a fulfilling and creative process that allows you to produce unique and functional pieces of art.

To start, this is what I use:

• Clay

• Pottery wheel

• Various shaping tools

• Kiln

• Glazes and brushes

Prepare the Clay:

Begin by wedging the clay, a process that removes air bubbles and ensures a consistent texture. This is crucial for preventing cracks during firing, and distortion while throwing.

Shaping the Clay:

Using a pottery wheel, you can create symmetrical and uniform pieces. Centre the clay on the wheel, and use your hands to shape it as it spins. (this merits its own few posts)

Drying:

Once shaped, let your piece dry slowly to prevent cracking. This stage is known as leather-hard, where the clay is firm yet workable for final adjustments.

Trimming:

Once leather is hard, the clay is shaped and carved to form its final form before going bone dry.

Bisque Firing:

After drying, fire your piece in a kiln at a lower temperature. This is called bisque firing and it removes any remaining moisture, making the piece ready for glazing.

Glazing:

Apply glaze to your bisque-fired piece. Glazing not only adds colour and decoration but also creates a waterproof surface.

Glaze Firing:

Fire the glazed piece in the kiln at a higher temperature. This second firing vitrifies the clay and glaze, creating a finished ceramic piece.

Making handmade ceramics is a journey of creativity and skill. With practice and patience, you can create beautiful, functional art pieces. Each step offers an opportunity to express your artistic vision.