Making ceramics can be an exciting and rewarding hobby or profession once you understand the basics.

The method you choose for making ceramics will determine the type of clay you use and whether you will need a kiln.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started with ceramics, from choosing your method and clay to understanding the firing process.

Methods of Making Ceramics

1. Oven-Baked, Air-Dried, or Polymerized Clays

- Oven-Baked Clays: These clays can be hardened in a standard kitchen oven. They are convenient for small projects like jewelry and ornaments.

- Air-Dried Clays: These do not require any baking and harden naturally when exposed to air. They are also ideal for small decorative items.

- Polymer Clays: These are versatile and come in bright colors. They can be baked in a standard oven and are great for detailed craft projects. However, they tend to be more expensive than other clays.

2. Stacked Standard Clay

- Handbuilding: This method involves manually shaping the clay into desired forms. It requires a kiln for firing the finished pieces. Basic tools like a rolling pin, newspaper or cloth, and household items are sufficient for this method. Clay for handbuilding is inexpensive, making it accessible for beginners.

- Coiling, Slab, and Pinch Pot Techniques: These are specific handbuilding techniques that involve different methods of shaping the clay.

3. Wheel Throwing

- Using a Pottery Wheel: This method involves shaping the clay on a spinning wheel. It requires more skill and practice compared to handbuilding. A kiln is necessary for firing the pieces made on the wheel. Wheel throwing can produce more uniform and symmetrical pieces quickly.

- Learning the Technique: Books and videos can provide guidance, but hands-on practice is crucial. It’s recommended to take classes if possible to avoid frustration and improve your skills efficiently.

Choosing the Right Clay

Once you’ve selected your method, the next step is to choose the appropriate clay. The choice depends on whether you will be kiln firing your pieces or using other methods.

1. Kiln-Fired Clays

- Earthenware (Weak Fire): Best for bright colors and detailed work. It is fired at lower temperatures, making it less durable and not fully vitrified (not waterproof unless glazed). Suitable for decorative items but not for functional ware like dinnerware or vessels for liquids.

- Stoneware and Porcelain (Medium and Strong Fire): Fired at higher temperatures, these clays become very strong and vitrified, making them suitable for functional ware. Stoneware and porcelain are durable and can withstand higher temperatures, making them ideal for dinnerware and cookware.

2. Non-Kiln-Fired Clays

- Oven-Bake Clays: Available in many colors and can be baked in a kitchen oven. Ideal for crafts and small projects.

- Air-Dry Clays: Convenient for those without access to a kiln. Suitable for small sculptures and decorative pieces but less durable than kiln-fired clays.

Firing Your Ceramics

1. Kiln Firing

- Types of Kilns: Electric kilns are more common for beginners due to ease of use and control. Gas kilns are used for reduction firing, which can affect the colors and texture of the final piece.

- Firing Temperatures: Earthenware is typically fired at lower temperatures (around 1830°F or 1000°C), while stoneware and porcelain require higher temperatures (up to 2372°F or 1300°C) to fully vitrify.

2. Oven Baking

Polymer Clays: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for baking times and temperatures. Usually, this involves baking at low temperatures (around 265°F to 275°F or 129°C to 135°C) for a specified time.