Supplies for Ceramic Christmas Trees
Celebrate the holiday by making your own ceramic Christmas tree. You can use the tree as a Christmas decoration or you could give the ceramic tree to a loved one as an early Christmas gift. Before you start making your ceramic Christmas tree, make sure you have all the supplies you will need to complete your project.
-
Mold
-
Choose a mold for your Christmas tree. Clay goes into a casting mold to harden. There can be as many as three molds in a Christmas tree: one for the base, one for the tree itself and a mold for an extra section on a large tree.
Clay
-
Ceramic Christmas trees are made from a mixture of clays and minerals. Determine which type of clay works with the type of mold you want to use for your Christmas tree. China clay (kaolin) is considered the richest clay form form. It is pure white and stays that color even after drying. Ball clay is a metamorphosis of kaolin from swampy areas--while it is not as white, it is harder. Fire clay works well in high temperatures. Earthenware clay--also called potter's clay--is good for low-firing. Stoneware clay is cheap, but this type of clay is gray or brown. Porcelain clay is heat-resistant and beautiful but it is difficult to work with since it tends to crack while drying.
Pre-made Trees
-
Purchase a ceramic Christmas tree in its basic state if you do not want to work with molds and clay. Scrape off and smooth out the rough edges before you decorate the Christmas tree.
Smoothing Tools
-
Crafters use such tools as a ceramic knife to gently scrape sharp edges on the ceramic Christmas tree. Use a ceramic sander after using the knife to smooth out the rough areas. Use a ceramics sponge dipped in water to gently go over the rough areas, matching the texture to surrounding areas.
Glaze
-
Glaze is a silicate coating that is fused to clay with heat. It is a thin coating of glass that protects the ceramic Christmas tree and offers a shiny, pleasant-looking veneer. The color of a glaze depends on how hot the oven gets, so read the directions on the labels carefully. General types of glaze include glossy, clear, colored, matt and textured. You can add snow or shadows as desired. Individuals who are uncertain about heating their ceramic tree so the glaze bakes on can sign up for ceramics classes so their work can be heated under professional supervision.
Tree Lights
-
Add some shine to your ceramic Christmas tree with small tree lights. Some molds come with holes in them so you can easily add lights.
-
