Creating a clay plate at home is a rewarding experience, blending creativity with functionality. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with clay, this guide will walk you through the process of hand-building a plate, focusing on simplicity and achieving beautiful results. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right clay to the final glaze, ensuring your plate is both aesthetically pleasing and food-safe.
To begin, you’ll need to gather your tools and materials. The type of clay you choose is crucial; stoneware is often recommended for its durability and versatility. Once fired, stoneware is strong, non-porous, and capable of holding liquids even without glazing. It’s also suitable for various sizes, from small plates to large vases. Other good choices are porcelain, which is known for its elegance and translucency, or earthenware, which is softer and best for a rustic look. You’ll also need a rolling pin to create even slabs, a banding wheel for easy access to all sides of your plate, and cutting tools to shape the clay. A fettling knife, scraper ribs, and a wooden mallet are also helpful for refining the shape and texture of your plate. Don’t forget essentials like sponges for smoothing, a wire cutter for slicing clay, and an apron to keep clean.
Hand-Building Techniques
The slab-building method is perfect for beginners. Start by wedging your clay to remove air pockets and ensure a uniform consistency. Then, roll out a slab to your desired thickness. Slab mats can be used to prevent the clay from sticking to your work surface. Once the slab is rolled, use a template or freehand cut a circular shape for your plate. For the rim, you can either leave the edges straight or create a raised edge by attaching a coil of clay around the circumference. Dirty Girls Slab Bevel Tool can make joining your slab seams much stronger. Ensure the coil is securely attached by scoring and slipping – scratching both surfaces and applying a bit of water or slip (a creamy mixture of clay and water) before joining. Smoothing the coil into the base will create a seamless transition. Alternatively, you can drape the clay slab over a hump mold or press it into a slump mold to achieve a desired shape. These molds provide structure and help maintain consistency, particularly useful when making multiple plates. Discover more about mastering altered forms in pottery, which can add unique character to your plate designs. Also consider how to practice eco-friendly pottery.
Drying, Firing, and Glazing
Proper drying is critical to prevent cracking and warping. Clay shrinks as it dries, typically between 5% to 15%. Uneven drying can cause stress, leading to cracks. Dry the plate slowly and evenly, ideally in a shaded area. Covering the plate loosely with plastic can help maintain moisture and prevent drafts. A good practice is to place a layer of rags or paper towels between the clay and its plastic cover to trap condensation. Drying on wire racks or pegboard to allow air flow. To reduce chances of cracking, it can help if the rim does not dry faster than the center. Once the plate is bone dry, it’s ready for bisque firing. This initial firing hardens the clay and makes it easier to handle for glazing. Follow your clay manufacturer’s recommended firing schedule. After bisque firing, you can apply glaze. For a food-safe plate, choose a glaze specifically labeled as such. Glazes that come into contact with food must be chemically sound and not leach metal oxides into the food. Apply the glaze evenly, following the manufacturer’s instructions – dipping or brushing it on. Finally, fire the plate again to the glaze’s recommended temperature. This firing melts the glaze, creating a smooth, durable, and food-safe surface.
