How to Make a Microphone Out of Clay

Make a clay microphone to use for decorative purposes.

Build a decorative or pretend microphone for an art project or to display in a room with a musical or entertainment theme. Clay makes a suitable material for objects that need to be formed into specific recognizable shapes. Build a clay microphone with earthenware clay, which often is used for pottery. Build the microphone and finish it with glaze or paint.

Things You'll Need

• Earthenware clay
• Canvas cloth
• Toothpick
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Kiln
• Pottery glaze
• Paintbrush
• Acrylic craft paint

Instructions

1. Lay a canvas cloth over your workspace to protect it.

2. Knead a lump of earthenware clay to remove the air bubbles.

3. Break off a piece of clay about half the size of your fist. Roll the clay into a ball.

4. Roll another piece of clay into a cylinder shape that is slightly thinner at one end.

5. Score the cylinder shape on the thicker end with a toothpick.

6. Score one side of the clay ball. Stick the scored edge of the cylinder shape onto the scored part of the ball. This forms the basic shape of the microphone.

7. Poke the toothpick into the ball several times, only deep enough to leave an indent, to cover the entire visible part of the ball with tiny holes. This process will make it look more like the speaking end of the microphone.

8. Add details to the microphone, such as a power button and any bands that wrap around the speaking end or handle. Hand-form small pieces of clay to make these details. Press them in place on your microphone.

9. Allow the microphone to dry in the open air until it is completely hard and has a chalky finish.

10. Sand away any imperfections. Smooth the handle with fine-grit sandpaper.

11. Fire the microphone according to the kiln's specifications or at 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 hours.

12. Apply glaze to the microphone with a paintbrush to color it the way you want. Glazing requires a second firing in the kiln. If you would rather paint the microphone than use the kiln again, use acrylic craft paint.

13. Place the microphone back into the kiln. Set the temperature according to the glaze packaging. The temperature requirements should be followed exactly for the best color results. Set the kiln for 16 hours again. After you turn off the kiln, let it cool for about 48 hours before removing your microphone.