Making your own Oriental-style clay art dinnerware with a potter’s wheel is both easy and satisfying. To begin with, you will need stoneware clay, a potter’s wheel, pottery tools like a sponge, wire clay cutter, rib tool, needle, foam mat, rolling pin, a square hump mold, two glaze colors, a Sumi-e brush, hot wax, rubber gloves, and a kiln.

To begin, make the mugs by cutting off about a pound of soft, stoneware clay with a wire tool. Using the Oxhead kneading method, wedge the clay onto the foam mat then form the clay into a ball. Put the clay in the center of the wheel and pat it down by hand to stick it to the wheel head. Turn the wheel on and center the clay by hand, opening the clay ball and pulling it into a cylindrical shape. A wet sponge is used as needed during the process, and the a tool is used to shape and define the mug. When completed, cut the base of the mug from the wheel and set it aside. Then create the mug handle by rolling out 1/4 pound of the clay into a ball, and form it into a carrot shape. Holding the clay in one hand, wet your other hand and pull and form a hole between thumb and finger, drawing downward in quick strokes. When the correct length is reached shape the handle as desired and set it aside. When both mug and handle are leather hard, score the spots on the mug where the handle will be attached with a needle tool and apply slip slurry to them. Then score both ends of the handle and apply slip to them as well. Attach the handle to the mug by firmly pressing it into place and then use the sponge to erase undesired marks left on the clay surface. Allow the mug to dry for a week.

To make square clay art plates, cut about five pounds of clay with the wire tool and place it on a foam mat. Using a rolling pin, press the clay from the middle outward, alternating horizontal and vertical rolling to form it into a square shape as you roll. When the clay is 1″ in thickness, flip it over and then continure to roll it until it reaches 1/4″ to 3/8″ thickness. Gently lift the slab of clay from the Read the rest of this entry »

Polymer clay art is colorful, beautiful and unusual. Artists of all ages enjoy working with polymer clay to create jewelry, sculptures, picture frames, boxes and a variety of unique pieces. After polymer clay is properly prepared and shaped, it is baked to create the finished product.

Polymer clay is not the typical clay found in our earth. This unique compound was developed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in 1930 to create an unforgiving, pliable medium for artwork. When unbaked, it can be stored for up to two years or more. It does not shrink and colors remain vibrant during the baking process.

You can buy it in a rainbow of different colors and textures including granite, neon and translucent. Durable pieces made from polymer clay can be polished, painted, sanded or drilled so you have countless design options. It can be mixed with glitter and mica powder to create sparkling metallic effects.

The basic items you need to get started are polymer clay, an oven, your hands and a great idea. Let’s consider the tools you can use to make incredible creations. Some beginners use a designated toaster over or kitchen oven to make their creations but there may be safety issues to consider. A specially designed oven provides the perfect temperature control for baking your creations and is the safest option. A Polymer clay roller machine is used to roll thin sheets for wrapping and creating polymer clay transfer projects with Read the rest of this entry »