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Hello, my name is Ana. With many years of experience creating handmade ceramics and pottery and selling them on online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon Handmade, I've gained a wealth of knowledge that I'd like to share with you.
Showing posts with label Functional pottery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Functional pottery. Show all posts

Saturday, January 28, 2023

DIY Ceramics: How to Make Your Own Ceramic Pieces at Home Step By Step

 Ceramics is a fun and creative hobby that allows you to make your own unique pieces of art. Whether you're a beginner or have experience with pottery, making ceramics at home is a great way to express your creativity and explore your artistic side.

What tools you will need to start making pieces:

1.A table

2.Clay

   2.1. Choose the type of clay

   2.2.Wedge your clay

   2.3. Decide what thecnique you will use to mold the clay

         2.3.1. Handbuilt

         2.3.2. Coil building

         2.3.3. Pinch building

         2.3.4. Slab building

         2.4.4. Throwing

         2.4.5. Press Molding

         2.4.6. Slip Casting

3.Basic tools

   3.1.Needle tool, a potter's rib, a sponge, and a cutting wire

   3.2.Rolling pin and sticks

4.Potters wheel

5.Decorative paint and glazes 

   5.1.Slip

   5.2.Underglaze

   5.3.Oxide stains

   5.4.Glazes

   5.5. Acrylic Paint

6.A kiln

7. Pugmill

 

Unglazed ceramic pieces

 

One of the best things about making ceramics at home is that you don't need a lot of expensive equipment to get started. All you really need is some clay, a few basic tools, and a kiln. You can find clay at most art supply stores or online, and you can purchase or make your own basic tools, such as a needle tool, a potter's rib, and a cutting wire.

Before you begin making your own ceramics, it's important to understand the basics of working with clay. Clay is a natural material that is made essentialy of silica, alumina or magnesia or both, and water and other particles. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes, and it can be decorated and glazed to create a variety of different effects.

When working with clay, it's important to keep it moist and wedge it until it is smooth and pliable. In addition to the potter's wheel, you can use a variety of techniques to shape the clay, such as coiling, and pinching. Once you have the desired shape, you can then decorate the piece with textures, impressing, sgraffito, wax resist, and brushwork (using slip, oxide, or underglaze).

Once your piece is complete, it will need to be fired in a kiln. This is a process that hardens the clay and makes it durable. You can fire your ceramics in a variety of different ways, including using a gas or electric kiln or even building your own kiln. In the beginning, you can also opt to fire your pieces in a community studio.

Making ceramics at home is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. With a little bit of creativity and patience, you can create beautiful and unique pieces that will last for years to come.

 

Handmade Ceramic Bowls, Slab Built, With Vintage Lace Texture, Painted With Undergale And Glazed With A Glossy Transparent Glaze

 

Friday, January 27, 2023

Ceramic Cufflinks: The Perfect 9-Year Anniversary Gift for Men

 

A 9-year anniversary is a significant milestone in any relationship, and finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. If you're looking for something unique and meaningful, being pottery and willow the traditional symbols of nine years of marriage, consider handmade ceramic cufflinks. These cufflinks are not only stylish but also functional and durable, making them a great gift for any man.

Hand Painted Blue Evil Eye Cufflinks
Hand Painted Blue Evil Eye Cufflinks

 

Ceramic cufflinks are a unique and elegant gift that will add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. They are made with high-quality materials and are handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring that each pair is one of a kind. The intricate details and textures of the ceramic material add a touch of personality to any outfit, and they can be worn on formal or casual occasions.

blue star initial cufflinks and gift box with a blue ribbon
Custom Blue Star Cufflinks
 

Handmade ceramic cufflinks are also a functional gift that can be worn every day. Unlike other cufflinks that are made with fragile materials, ceramic cufflinks are durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. They also come in a variety of colors and designs, making it easy to find a pair that suits the recipient's personal style.

In addition, buying handmade ceramic cufflinks supports local artisans and keeps traditional techniques alive. By purchasing handmade ceramics, you are not only getting a beautiful and functional object, but you are also supporting an artist and a craft.

In conclusion, handmade ceramic cufflinks are the perfect 9-year anniversary gift for men. They are unique, elegant, and functional, and they are a great way to show your loved one how much you care. Plus, by supporting local artisans, you are also giving back to the community.

Top Selling Pottery Styles: From Hand-Thrown to Hand-Painted Ceramic Sculptures

 

Pottery is a beautiful and versatile medium that can be used to create a wide variety of functional and decorative pieces. However, not all types of pottery sell equally well. Here are 5 types of pottery that tend to be popular with buyers:

  1. Hand-thrown pottery: Hand-thrown pottery is pottery that is created on a pottery wheel by a skilled potter. This type of pottery is often considered to be more unique and authentic than mass-produced pottery. Hand-thrown pottery can include everything from simple bowls and mugs to more complex pieces like vases and teapots.

    Handmade Pottery Terracotta Utensil Holders With Transparent Glossy Glaze And Hand Painted White Leaves Decor, Have Some Wood Utensils On them And Cinamon sticks And Anise Flowers laying on the ground
    Handmade Pottery Utensil Holder


  2. Rustic pottery: Rustic pottery is pottery that has a rough, natural look to it. This type of pottery is often made from natural materials like clay, and it can have a variety of different finishes, including a raw, earthy finish or a more polished finish. Rustic pottery is often used to create pieces like planters, candle holders, and other decorative items.

    Hand Built Rustic Ceramic Bowl

     

  3. Functional pottery: Functional pottery refers to pieces that are designed to be used in the home, like dishes, cups, and bowls. These pieces are often made from high-quality materials and are designed to be durable and easy to use. They can be used to serve food and drinks, or simply to decorate the home.

    set of 3 matte blue nesting pottery bowls
    Handmade Pottery Bowl Set

     

  4. Hand-painted pottery: Hand-painted pottery is pottery that has been decorated by hand. This can include simple designs like stripes or dots, or more complex patterns like flowers or animals. Hand-painted pottery is often considered to be more unique and special than pottery that has been decorated with decals or transfers.

    rustic low relief ceramic tile hand painted with bright colors
    Hand Painted Lighthouse Tile

     

  5. Ceramic sculpture: Ceramic sculptures are pottery that are more sculptural in nature. They can range from small figurines to large installations. These pieces are often unique and can be considered as a piece of art.

     

    Handmade Stoneware Octopus Sculpture

Ultimately, the types of pottery that sell best will depend on the preferences of the buyers. However, by understanding what types of pottery are popular, potters and ceramic artists can make informed decisions about what types of pieces to create and how to market them. It's important to note that each artisan should focus on making the pieces they have more skills to make and enjoy the most, as this will result in higher quality and more unique pieces, which will in turn attract more buyers.