How do I make ceramics?

Question

My Dad and i want to make ceramics from scratch. Please answer with step by step or please leave a URL to another page! Thank you so much!

Answer 1

I suggest that you look for local classes in ceramics.  Buying all the equipment to do it your self is too expensive.

Try a class before making the investment

Instruction in a class is a good way to learn

I have been taking classes where

The clay is mixed from bags of powder

There are 3 standard mixed clay bodies

Students gather clay from the bucket and wedge the clay to get the air out

Clay can be thrown on a wheel, rolled into slabs, fed through an extruder, and hand built or sculpted

Some people do a combination of techniques

The clay is permitted to air dry before it is bisque fired.

After it is bisque students glaze the pieces.  There are class glazes but students are encouraged to mix there own glazes and to test tiles to check the properties of the glazes.  Some dip the glazes, some spray the glazes, some brush the glazes or combine techniques

I do some sculpture that I paint after it is bisque - I use an acrylic paint and don't have it high fired

After it is glazed the pieces are high fired

I prefer taking classes to having all the equipment.  Having a kiln takes special consideration with fire insurance.

Answer 2

I'm not sure how much from scratch you want to do ceramics.

I grew up in the ceramic industry, are you looking to make your own molds or to buy either new or used ones. One thing you will need is a kiln, by the way, they are not cheap.

If you want to email me, I can give you more specifics. And if you plan to start with simple handbuilding in pottery, you need to decide if you are going to use stoneware or one of the lower firing clays.

I noticed you did not have an email to contact you.

You need to give more specifics, ceramics is a huge and growing industry.

however you might take a look at this site:

http://www.duncanuniversity.com

This company has been in the ceramic industry for over 50 years.

http://www.paragonkilns.com

http://www.ceramicshop.com

I think this will at least get you started in the right direction.