Pottery To-Go Tips

Plan your design!! You may use a marker or regular pencil (not mechanical) to sketch your designs.  It is okay to use marker on top of a basecoat just be careful not to scratch into the paint.  It might look strange but the marks will burn off during firing. Also don’t bear down to hard as it can cause surface scratches.

A few painting pointers…

1 coat will look like watercolor and 3 coats will be more opaque.  Layer your colors from light to dark.  For example, a pale yellow basecoat with a dark blue design on top is ideal.  White will show upon the darker colors but needs 3 coats applied.  Any parts not painted will remain white.  Typically, you may sponge off mistakes with the exception of darker hues.  White paint will not cover mistakes. Make sure you let the glaze fully dry in-between coats.  If the paint is not fully dry when you are putting on the next coat it will just move the paint around and not give you any coverage. 

Hand Prints-

When doing hand prints it is best to have the tile, plate, platter on a solid surface like the table, or floor.  It helps if you have two adults to help in the process.  Feet prints are much easier for newborns because their instinct is to close their hands and make a fist.  Paint the foot or hand liberally and have one person holding the child and the other guiding the foot or hand to the item being printed. Firmly press without hurting the child and then remove the foot or hand from the item straight up not at an angle to prevent smudging.  Remember to paint your base coat if you want it before doing the printing.  Also remember the tip of light to dark. 

Seek Help!

For further help check out our Instagram and facebook videos along with other makers and creators. These are all great resources for creative and technical help.

Greg’s Pottery (my Mentor) has a lot of great examples, tips and tricks!

Duncan Ceramics and Duncan PYOP Has a lot of good information.

Lastly you can always reach out to me for any questions! Some day we will have events where we can get more hands on!

Please do not use any paints or glazes other than the glazes supplied. Bring your newly painted items back to the pick-up location for firing!  Failure to return this kit in 30 days or with missing supplies, will result in an additional charge upon return.  Thanks for your understanding!