Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Make A Statement Using Ceramics

Express your personality with ceramics.


The art of ceramics involves taking a raw material, such as clay, and sculpting it into a shape. The shape is painted or decorated in some fashion, and then heated to a high temperature to preserve it.


Making a statement with ceramics can be simple and fun. Many towns and cities offer ceramic classes with pre-made sculptures for you to paint and decorate. You can create a bold or demure statement by choosing the ceramic piece that suits you best.


Instructions


1. Find a ceramic shop in your area that offers classes and sign up. Or go to a local craft store or chain that sells ceramic sculptures.


2. Choose a ceramic piece that represents your personality or a message you feel strongly about. You might have a favorite animal, such as a ladybug or horse, or may choose a special vase or mug to express your creativity.


3. Wipe the chosen piece clean and dry. Select paint colors representative to your ceramic piece. Apply one or two coats of paint to the ceramic piece as a base.


4. Get creative. Use flashy color to help your ceramic piece stand out. Paint freehand shapes or a written message on mugs and vases. Don't worry about being perfect; the idea is to express your inner artist.


5. Apply a coat of glaze over your finished piece, if you are painting at a ceramic shop. The shop owner will place the finished piece in a pottery oven to fire it (set the paint into place.)


If you paint your ceramic piece at home, allow the paint to fully dry. Finish your piece with one or two coats of finishing spray (according to the directions).