About Ceramic Mold Making Supplies

Ceramic making is favored by many crafters to create such things as pottery, figurines, dishes, bowls and other objects. Ceramic making has evolved from the cultures of the Greek, Roman, Mayan and Persian eras that were skilled in pottery making; some of their artworks can be seen in museums today. Many crafters make ceramic pottery for their own use and to sell online, at antique stores and at other venues. There is a learning curve to making ceramic pottery to become skilled at it. But there are easy methods available to beginners.

Ceramic pitcher

Methods

Teacup set

Ceramic pottery making includes three methods: the hand-building method, the thrown method that uses a potter's wheel, and slip casting. What you would like to make will determine which method you use.

Hand-Building Clay

Clay

Building by hand uses a lump of clay that is kneaded, rolled and sculpted into a finished piece. The methods used in hand building include pinch pot, coiling and slab making. Each wording is slightly explanatory. Pinch pot involves pinching the clay as you form it. Coiling is the rolling of the clay into long snakes, which are laid one on top of the other and then pressed together. The slab method is clay rolled out into slabs and cut into shapes.

Potter's Wheel

Cups

Throwing clay uses a potter's wheel. This is not recommended for a beginner, unless that beginner is attending sessions with someone who is already experienced in this method. The clay will likely fly off the wheel when it is turned on or will collapse if too much water is applied during the molding process.

Liquid Clay

Clay slip

Using a mold with liquid clay is slip. The slip is poured into molds and allowed to dry. This is a common method used in mass production.

Tools

Birdhouse with details

All methods require final touches done with tools such as a stylus, cleaning tool, spoolie, acrylic paint and various sized brushes. The stylus is pointed with a tiny ball on the tip and is used to put details in the clay. It is best to have a smaller and a larger stylus for different details. The cleaning tool's blade is triangular on one end and a curved scoop on the other end for cleaning the dried clay before firing. A spoolie is like a mascara wand and will clean the fine areas. Purchase acrylic paint and brushes to paint the clay after firing. Glazing is necessary for pottery items that will hold water. Glaze will seal the porous pottery. A finish spray is required as well. Some finish sprays will make the finished product look like porcelain.

Miscellaneous Tools

Storage Containers

Other supplies you may need are plastic basins with lids to store supplies, a water basin for rinsing brushes, paper towels and newspaper to mop up spills and keep the work area clean, a natural or synthetic sponge for smoothing the clay while it is wet and an apron to protect clothing. Cones are used in the kiln to determine the temperature. Kilns are ovens that are used primarily for mold making to heat the clay and bake it. Some crafters use their kitchen oven as well. Stilts are used to elevate the object off the shelf while baking to keep it from sticking to the shelf. Use a kiln wash to coat the shelves before baking to keep the objects from becoming stuck to the shelves.

References

• mister art
• pottery magic

Resources

• Ceramic Art Space Supplies