Many people find great joy in the creation of pottery, a decoration made of clay.
While some simply carry out the craft as a hobby, others earn a descent amount of money from their sculpted creations.
Pottery can consist of everything from handmade figurines and ornaments to complex wheel spun vases, statues, and bowls.
One way of making pottery pieces is to purchase clay from a craft store, spin the clay on the wheel to smooth it, shape it, place it in the oven to harden, and then paint it.
There are several different types of clay that can be purchased and used.
Six basic types are Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain, Ball Clay, Fire Clay, and Kaolin.
Earthenware is a porous, iron clay that is fired at low temperatures.
Stoneware is a mixture of clays that is fired at high temperatures.
Porcelain is a mixture of clays and minerals that are fired at extremely high heat that turns white.
Ball clay is from rare mineral that has the tendency to shrink when heated.
Fire clay withstands heating well and can be used to create more complex items.
Kaolin is a pure, white clay that can be fired at high temperatures.
Although the art of pottery displays talent in homemade novelties and items, the authenticity can be made even more domestic by using a made from scratch clay recipe in your products.
Homemade clay is easy and fun to make.
It is also more cost efficient, which increases any earnings from your work or makes your hobby less expensive.
Most basic recipes can easily be carried out by adults and children together for sculpting a variety of pottery creations.
Consider the recipes below for great homemade clay.
Recipe 1- Air Harden Pottery Ingredients: * 2 Cups Water * 3 oz Sugar free Lemon Gelatin * 2 Cups Flour * 4 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar * 1 Cup Salt * 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil Directions: * Bring the water to a boil in a pot over heat.
* In a separate cooking pan, mix the flour, gelatin, cream of tartar, and salt.
* Pour the boiling water into the pan of the flour mixture.
* Add the vegetable oil to the mixture.
* Stir all ingredients over medium heat until a ball of clay forms.
* Place the ball on a plate for about five minutes to cool.
* Once cool, knead the ball of clay.
* Use the clay to create a pottery sculpture.
* Allow the piece to harden for at least 24 hours (may take longer depending on the density of the project and the atmosphere).
* The clay can then be painted if desired.
* Store any unused clay in an airtight container or bag.
Recipe 2- Bake Pottery Ingredients: * 2 Cups Flour * 1 Cup Salt * 1½ Tablespoons Oil * 1 Cup Water Directions: * Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
* Shape and form sculpture.
* Bake in oven at 250 degree Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes to one hour to hardened clay.
* Allow pottery to cool.
* Paint and shellac if desired.
If you do not wish to paint the pottery once hardened, food coloring can be added to both recipes if desired.
Enjoy making your clay & creative pottery making!