| Making large objects from clay takes a lot of | | | | Don't make the holes too close to the edges, as |
| patience, sweat and dexterity, but making tiny | | | | they can easily break. |
| pieces of jewellery can be another challenge | | | | Painting |
| altogether. For those of you who have decided to | | | | This requires good eyesight for the fine details |
| venture off into this delicate art form, here's a | | | | and a steady hand. Under glazes are the only |
| few tips to get you started and keep you on the | | | | type of colour to use as they can withstand the |
| path to making some fine, wearable pieces you | | | | high temperature of firing. The only drawback is |
| can be proud of. | | | | that you cannot see the exact colour until the |
| List of Supplies: | | | | final firing, so this will take some trial and error. |
| Small sponge | | | | Use a fine, sable watercolour brush and add one |
| Wooden rolling pin | | | | colour at a time to build up to the final picture. For |
| Hole cutter | | | | those who have taken any watercolour or oil |
| Cutting wire | | | | painting classes, the same techniques apply going |
| Pottery knife | | | | from light to dark. |
| Fine sable watercolour brushes | | | | Firing and Glazes |
| Metal findings (for earrings and brooches) | | | | Now it's time to put it in the oven and wait for |
| Face mask (for firing) | | | | the glorious results. Be aware that the fumes |
| Be Prepared | | | | from firing are deadly, so extreme caution must |
| You want to make sure you have everything at | | | | be used to avoid gas poisoning. After firing it with |
| your finger tips so that you don't have to run to | | | | the colors painted on (4 times), apply glaze on top |
| the store midway and come back to a hardened | | | | and use a wet sponge to wipe off any drips at |
| un-useable lump of clay. You can find supplies at | | | | the bottom of the piece. A clear glaze can be |
| most pottery stores. Greenbarn Pottery Supplies | | | | used or a mother of pearl luster adds depth and |
| in Surrey, BC is one of my favourites. | | | | brilliance. I usually paint on 22K gold luster to the |
| The Right Clay for the Right Job | | | | edges, using a fine brush, however this can be |
| Porcelain is the best type of clay to use for | | | | very expensive - a 10 gram bottle is $270. |
| jewellery because of its refined quality. It is | | | | Attachments |
| smooth, pure and becomes very hard after being | | | | It goes without saying that hypo-allergenic metal |
| fired at 2200 degrees. | | | | is the only kind to use for attachments, especially |
| Shaping Techniques | | | | earrings, for health reasons. Always apply your |
| It can be a fun exercise to pound away at your | | | | attachments after the final firing. The best glue to |
| clay and throw great lumps to vent your | | | | use for brooches is Goop Houseware Glue. It |
| frustrations, but for jewellery, a more delicate | | | | takes 24 hours to cure. |
| touch is required. | | | | Support and Reading |
| After rolling the clay to about 1/8 inches thick, | | | | Making pottery alone in my studio is very |
| use your pre-shaped cutter to press down and | | | | therapeutic and relaxing for me, I can get very |
| create uniform shapes, just like making cookies. | | | | absorbed in the process. However, for those who |
| Or for the more adventurous types, make your | | | | prefer to learn and exchange ideas in a group |
| own shapes using dry hands, and a small sponge | | | | situation check out the Potters Guild of BC at . |
| to smooth out the edges. Using a picture for | | | | You will find workshops, networking opportunities |
| reference always helps but remember to make | | | | and discussion board, all very helpful for those |
| the pieces slightly larger to allow for shrinkage. A | | | | starting out. |
| word of warning: thin shapes can be broken very | | | | A great magazine filled with pictures, articles, |
| easily. For example, the thin legs of animals should | | | | contests and suggested reading is Ceramics |
| be avoided. For a look at some effective shapes, | | | | Monthly. Many potters send in tips they've learned |
| take a look at the animal pins on my website at | | | | along the way and it's a good magazine to see |
| Making Holes | | | | some incredible pieces. This is meant to inspire, by |
| Now that you have your shapes ready, it's time | | | | the way. Be patient, keep practicing and before |
| to put in holes for earrings, necklace chains or | | | | long you will be presenting friends and family with |
| brooches. This can be done by using hole cutters | | | | your beautiful treasured creations for many |
| of varying sizes, found at any pottery store. | | | | special occasions to come. |