Paint your own pottery art ceramics

Pretty Plate

Potter's glaze ceramic plate.

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 5:17 PM 30 comments

NCA Ceramics & Pottery Page

NCA Ceramics & Pottery Page:

Pottery and Ceramics

There are many discussions about the definitions of pottery, porcelain, earthenware, ceramics and china. For those of you who wish to understand the process of production or manufacture and the materials, we have defined the basics and provided the resources to get you started or help you develop new techniques or ideas for your craft.

Ceramics means the art of making any article of clay, as in its original and true meaning. Americans use the word to cover all the silicate industries where the burning process is essential in production. Pottery or Earthenware is opaque, somewhat porous, non-vitrified ware. Porcelain is clear ware with a body which is non-porous, non-absorbent, or vitrified. To be true porcelain, a piece should show the shadow of your hand when held before light. When a piece of porcelain is struck, there is a clear, bell-like tone. China is another name of porcelain, so used because true porcelain was first made in China. Bone China is a form of porcelain that contains bone ash, made from calcined cattle bones, for added translucency and whiteness. Today, China has become a generic term for almost any dinnerware.

The creation process starts with Clay. There are different kinds of clay and other minerals are added to impart desired qualities to the finished product. Clay and these other materials are mixed with water to make Slip. Then the impurities are removed, the water pressed out, the clay is dried, the air expelled. Now the clay is ready to be shaped. This is called Forming. The making of a piece of clay into an object.

There are several common methods. Casting is where the slip is poured into plaster molds. The plaster draws moisture out of the clay so the ware can be handled when it is unmolded, commonly called greenware. Throwing is forming a piece of ware by hand, on a potter's wheel. Jiggering is a process for making plates and other fairly flat items. The clay is placed on a form that represents the top of the piece, pressed down and spun. A template representing the outline of the underside of the piece is placed against the clay and finishes the shaping.

The term Body is usually used when referring to the color and composition of the clay. Keep in mind that the color of a piece of ware can be in the body or on it. Bisque ware (also biscuit ware) is any clay ware that has been hardened through a first firing. Embossed ware has a raised or molded decoration produced either in the mold or formed separately and applied before the first firing. Sprig is a molded piece of clay applied to the greenware with slip.

Slip trailing is another decoration method. Slip (a liquid clay) is applied to the greenware through a tube or nozzle, much like icing a cake. The Gadroon Edge is an in-the-mold decoration, usually found on the edge or rim of an item, that resembles a braided rope. Pate-sur-Pate (French) was first employed in China during the eighteenth century. It is the successive application of semi-fluid clay to build up a design in slight relief.

The base clay is often the determining factor for how a ware is named. Redware is made from a clay with a high amount of ferrous oxide, which gives the body its red color and usually has a lead glaze. Terra Cotta (from the Italian meaning "cooked earth") is a hard, semi-fired, absorbent clay used for both decorative and construction products. The colors can range from grayish to dark reddish-orange, light ot medium reddish-brown, or strong brown to brownish or deep orange.

Yellowware the body color varies in hue from ecru to mustard and is made from a naturally occurring clay. White ware is pottery or porcelain with a white body, so called to distinguish it from Redware or Yellowware. White Granite has ground stone used in the body. The color varies from creamy white to bluish or grayish-white. The process makes the ware harder and stronger than earthenware. White Granite is also referred to as White Ironstone, Pearl China, Pearl Granite, Porcelain Granite, Flintware and Opaque China all commercial names intended to inspire confidence in the strength of the ware.

Stoneware is made from some clays which have some impurities in them so that they burn to a dark color. Will stand a relatively high temperature and burn to a dense hard body, as hard and non-porous as china, but lacking the light color, delicacy, and translucency. They are usually covered with a salt or lead glaze. Vitrified is a glass-like, non-porous ware which has been fired at a higher temperature than earthenware and contains silica, which makes a body non-absorbent.

The Kiln is an oven-like structure for firing the greenware, glazes and decorations. These are not fired together, as each requires different firing temperatures. The Glost Kiln is used for firing glazed pieces, decal-decorated pieces, the firing is not as hot as the bisque firing nor as long. The Firing is a process of heat treatment of clay based products for the purpose of securring resistance and permanency of product, it is also called burning.

Art Pottery and Ceramics are ornamental ware either hand decorated by the artist or glazed with a special controlled effect. In the strictest sense, pottery and ceramics made and decorated by hand. Where casting is used the mold was made by the artisan. Various techniques of glazing for the finishing design will cause very different results and is a matter of choice to the artisan.

The Under Glaze is used if designs or colors are put on the bisque before it is glazed. Print and paint is where the outline of a design is printed on bisque and filled in with color by hand. It is a popular decorating method, giving the artist wide creativity in design and color.

Glaze is a mixture of mineral substances, either transparent or colored, which will melt and harden on the surface of the clay body during the glost-firing process. The purpose is to cover the ware to make a porous body nonporous, secure greater permanency or to beautify an object.

Overglaze, when decorations are applied to the ware after the glost-firing, they are known as overglaze decorations. The colors are apt to be brighter and sharper. You can identify overglaze decorations by running your finger over the ware from the background to the decorations. If you feel a change in texture, it is an overglaze.

Engobe is a white or colored slip used as an intermediate layer between the body of an article and the glaze. Sometimes a white engobe is used over colored clays so that the ware appears to be made of white clay.

Matte Glaze is a flat, non-gloss finish, sometimes rough. Crackle also Craquelle is a glaze that intentionally has minute cracks in the surface finish which are caused by the uneven contraction of glaze and body. It gives a ware an interesting finished texture. Lead Glaze contains lead oxide and creates a very shiny finish.

Salt Glaze is created by throwing salt into the kiln where it vaporizes and combines with the silica in the body of the ware, producing a shiny glaze. Dipping is a process of covering a bisque body with a glaze by immersion in the liquid, either by hand or machine.

Decorating the ware can be accomplished by adding decals, lines, designs, decorative highlights or banding. Gilding is the application of precious metals such as gold or platinum (which represents silver).

Lining is a decorative process where a thin line of gold, silver or a color is applied to the ware by hand. If a wide line is applied it is called Banding. A decoration is achieved by scratching through a surface of slip or glaze to the body underneath, it is called Sgrafitto. The surface beneath is often a different color and sometimes a Sgrafitto design is filled in with a color.

Parian is unglazed porcelain (bisque ware) intended to resemble marble. Sponge Ware is where the color is applied with a sponge or rag in a random or precise pattern.

An artisan has unlimited methods of applied decoration to any ware they create. Many create a design or method that is unique to represent their own style and creativity.




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posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 7:44 PM 1 comments

JHPottery Tutorial Page

JHPottery Tutorial Page

Pottery Tutorial
A beginners guide to the art of ceramics
by John Hester
The "Pottery Tutorial" is designed for the beginner as a step by step guide to making ceramics. This guide is designed to give you the most basic techniques and some tips. Each Guide has illustrations as well as text to explain each step. Because of space requirements, glazing techniques are not yet covered in this tutorial; but my suggested list of related sites has some great examples of how to glaze.

Pick from the following choices, or start at the beginning of the tutorial.


Making Pinch Pots
Making Coil Pots
Making Pressed Coil Pots
Making Slab Pots
Throwing on the Wheel - 4 Steps
Making and Attaching Handles
To go back to the JHPottery Home Page

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 7:18 PM 4 comments

Painting Tips at All Fired Up! - A Pottery Painting Studio

Painting Tips at All Fired Up! - A Pottery Painting Studio:

Tips & Ideas

CLEAN BISQUE IS HAPPY BISQUE! Please make sure your hands are washed. Food, lotions, natural oils, etc., can cause problems if they get on the pottery. Avoid greasy snacks while painting. Remember to sponge your item before drawing on it or painting. We also suggest you not pick up the bisqueware until you are certain of your selection. Excessive handling can damage pottery.

Pen and pencil markings will burn off during firing. These can be used to sketch your design. Do not sign your piece with pen or pencil, as these will disappear.

We have stencils, stamps, sponges, design books and clippings for your use. Please ask if you have any questions about their location or how to use them. The stencils work best if you draw them with pencil and then paint them in. Please replace these tools when you have finished with them. This includes washing and drying any materials if necessary.

We encourage you and your children to be gentle with the brushes. They are our most important tool and should be used only to apply paint to the pottery. Do not use them to paint on the tables, chairs, walls, or each other. Never place them with their bristles down in the cups. Leave all used brushes out of the cup so that you can wash them in the sink when you are finished.

Sponging is a wonderful technique. It is easy and the end result is beautiful and quite professional. Good for all ages & abilities. Samples are around the studio.

Our "paints" (technically known as underglazes) are water-soluble. You may rinse your brushes and sponges in the bowls of water. Should you need fresh water, please help yourself at the sink. Remember, a half-full bowl is sufficient for rinsing and will allow for less spillage on the way to and from your table.

The paints can be layered. It is easiest to put a dark color on top of a light background. Vice versa requires many coats of paint.

One coat of paint will be almost see-through with visible brushstrokes. It takes three to four coats of paint to become opaque. As a color intensity reference, the tiles on the trolley were done with three or four coats.

When you have completed your masterpiece, please take your pallet, brushes, water bowl and any other tools to the sink and carefully wash them. Please dry and replace stencils, stamps, etc. Good karma to those who clean thoroughly!

Pottery (ceramic) painting is the same as any other artistic medium; it takes practice. Start small and be appreciative of the hand-painted quality of your work. Enjoy the process.

What is the thing I should be most aware of while painting my pottery? The number of coats of paint makes all the difference in the world in how your piece looks! Make sure you think about the finished product before you start. If you want a translucent, "brush-y" look, then paint one or two coats. If you want a fully opaque, solid color, then you need three to four coats. This leads to the next question ...

How many colors do I get? Our studio fee includes one pallet of paint with six spaces. If you use up all six "shots" of paint and require more, there is a charge of $1 for each additional "shot" of paint. Again, think about your design before you pick colors.

What happens to my pottery after I have completed painting? All your "paints" must completely dry, usually overnight, before we can begin to glaze the pottery. We dip one half in the glaze, let it dry to the touch, and then dip the other half. The glaze must thoroughly dry and then the pottery piece is carefully loaded into the kiln. The firing cycle is approximately 18-20 hours, depending upon how full the kiln is. Which leads to ...

When will I get my pottery back? The process takes about four days. If we have been very busy, then the system backs up and it may take longer. In early December, and around other holidays, the process can be as long as two weeks. (Plan ahead!) Your pick-up date is noted on the receipt you receive at check out. After 3 pm we advance to the next day in calculating pick up.

Can I leave an unfinished project here? No, we have had to abandon this service. (Some pieces were left for nearly a year!) Also, we just don't have the space anymore. Sorry. We will gladly wrap up your piece and you can come back another day to finish. Please, no exceptions.

To improve your painting skills, sign up for one of our classes.

15121 Kercheval ** Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230 ** 313-822-7445

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 7:10 PM 2 comments

Painting Tips - pottery, ceramics painting - Claytime Pottery Painting Studio

Painting Tips - pottery, ceramics painting - Claytime Pottery Painting Studio


Design and Painting Tips …
That will help you transfer your ideas from your imagination onto your piece.
Once you have chosen your bisque ask yourself the following questions before settling on a design:
- What room will it go in? - Will the item have to blend in with its surroundings? - What is its function? - Who will it be for? - Does the shape restrict or dictate the method of decoration? - Are there elements you must include, such as name or date?
Your piece can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be. Pencil marks will burn off in the kiln, so you can draw your design with a pencil first. Some simple design techniques include:
- Tracing – Tracing a pattern you like from a book onto the bisque with carbon paper. - Stenciling – Lay the stencil over the Bisque and fill the stencil in with a brush or sponge. - Stamps – Form stamps are dipped in color and then pressed onto the bisque. These stamps are ideal for children.
Always choose your colors by looking at our fired tiles because colors look very different in their raw unfired state. These tiles can be found on our paint table.
Gently wipe your piece with a wet paper towel in order to ensure that your piece is dust free.
Light colors should not be painted over dark colors as they will bleed through during the firing. However, you can paint the darker color around the area that is to be painted light or you can use a stylus to scrape out the dark paint and then fill it in with the lighter one.
Puffy Paint is in small tubes and is squeezed onto the piece, it is not brushed on. It comes in a variety of colors and gives a raised effect on your piece. It is ideal for dots, flowers, lettering and other decorative work. The colors of the puffy paint will show up over dark colors.
If you do not like something you have painted, quickly wipe it off with a damp paper towel.
GOTO HOME PAGE
Claytime Pottery Painting Studio 748 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, Nova Scotia (across from Clearwater Lobsters) ph 443-6300 / fax 443-5621

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 6:59 PM 1 comments

Paint your own pottery (studio pottery painting)

Studio Pottery Painting Call (248) 544-2234 (Royal Oak, MI) or (248) 347-1225 (Novi, MI):

Studio Pottery Painting - Creative Arts Studios

A Pottery Barn of Ideas

Be your own Picasso! Painting your own pottery is as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Select your piece of pottery. We have hundreds of shapes from dinner plates and coffee mugs to picture frames, vases, piggy banks and jewelry boxes.
2. Choose your design and colors. Don't worry if you consider yourself artistically challenged. We offer expert instruction and have tons of ideas and design tools to assist you on your creative adventure. If you can pat a sponge, press a stamp or trace a stencil, you can make a professional-looking piece of pottery.
3. Paint away!
We will glaze and fire your masterpiece making it shiny, food-safe and ready to take home in a week.
All paints are non-toxic and all dinnerware items are food-safe.
Unlike plaster, our earthenware and stoneware pieces are functional, giving children as well as adults a sense of accomplishment.
Cost: Studio fee + Cost of pottery
Our $8 studio fee is a per person fee that covers the cost of paints, glazing and firing. The studio fee for children under 12 is $6.

Create outside the box
Looking for something creative and fun to do? Come to the Creative Arts Studio to create your own masterpiece in an inspiring and comfortable environment. We are a do-it-yourself art studio that offers pottery painting, wheel throwing*, hand-building with clay, mosaics, beading, and glass painting.

The Creative Arts Studio offers affordable, alternative entertainment. Our bright and cheerful studios are the perfect place to celebrate any special occasion from birthday parties to bridal showers. It's also a great place to bring a date, or just spend some quiet time creating a unique work of art for the home or to give as a personalized gift.

Don’t worry if you consider yourself “artistically challenged.” We offer expert instruction and have tons of ideas and design tools to assist you on your creative adventure. No experience is necessary, and we welcome all ages. Classes and workshops are offered. All of our paints are lead-free and non-toxic.

The Creative Arts Studios will have a retail area in the front of the store where customers may purchase original artworks, accessories, and art kits to go.

Put a little art in your life!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Need Help? Got A Question?

Call: (248) 347-1225 Novi Store

Call: (248) 544-2234 Royal Oak Store

Email us

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 6:38 PM 0 comments

Birthday Parties and Events Studio Pottery Painting

Birthday Parties and Events Studio Pottery Painting Call (248) 544-2234 (Royal Oak, MI), (248) 347-1225 (Novi, MI):
Birthday Parties and Events - Creative Arts Studios
Paint your own pottery

Hold your next birthday party, bridal shower, fundraiser or corporate event at The Creative Arts Studio. Private party rooms are available.

Kids' Creative Art Adventures & Birthday Parties
- 8 person minimum (special arrangements can be made for groups larger than 30)
- use of private party room for 1 hour*
- all materials to complete masterpieces including glazing and firing if applicable
- party hostess who will provide one hour of supervised instruction
- set-up and clean-up!
- special commemorative plate for birthday boy or girl
*Party room may be rented out for $25 for an extra hour to celebrate. You are welcome to bring in food. We have a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and paper products for your use.
Pottery painting (ages 4-14)
Monet Package - $14/child Children can select a ceramic piece $8 and under.
Renoir Package - $20/child Children can select a ceramic piece $14 and under.
Beading (ages 8-14)
Princess Party - $18/child Girls will create a necklace and bracelet set.
Bracelet in a box - $20/child Partygoers will bead a bracelet and create a jewelry box to hold their treasures. Jewelry box may be painted (on pottery) or made with mosaics.
Mosaics (ages 8-14)
Mad about Mosaics � $16/child includes choice of jewelry box or picture frame. Partygoers get to take home their project along with a bag of grout and instructions.
Hand-building with clay (ages 8-12)
From Mud to Masterpiece - $24 per child. Children will learn the art of hand-building with clay and then decorate their creations with greenware paints. Due to the need to fire the clay twice, turnaround time is 2 weeks.

Adult Creative Art Adventures
Adult After Hours Parties (15 people or $400 minimum)-Arrangements may be made to hold your event outside of regular studio hours.
Looking for a new way to spend a special day? The Creative Arts Studios may be the perfect place for your event. We’ll provide a unique experience for you to have fun and express your creative side
Birthday Parties
Bachelorette Parties
Bridal and Baby Showers
Date Night
Ladies Night Out
Corporate Team-Building
Family Gatherings Fundraisers
Adult Pottery Painting or Mosaic parties (no minimum)-Regular studio fees apply.Adult After Hours Parties (15 person minimum)-Arrangements may be made to hold your event outside of regular studio hours.
How it works:
Reservations: a $25 non-refundable deposit and a signed party contract are required for all parties or group events.
Food and drink: You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink. We have a refrigerator, freezer, microwave oven and paper products for your use. Phone numbers for pizza deliveries are listed below.Pickup: Party host is responsible for picking up all pottery and distributing masterpieces to guests.
Special information for children’s partiesNon-painting partygoers: To better service your party, we ask that party guests be dropped off and picked up at designated times. Congested door entrances and hallways make it very difficult for our staff to do their job.Host’s Responsibilities: It is the host’s responsibility to keep partygoers in the party room. In the event that a partygoer breaks an item, the host is responsible for the cost of that broken item.Party Favors & Decorations: As a courtesy to all studio members and for the safety of all, The Creative Arts Studio does not allow piñatas, noise-making devices, or bouncy balls. If you bring in balloons, we ask that children do not run through the studio with them.Food: For children’s parties, we recommend that your party begins with the creative activity. Grease and oils from food will likely cause glaze defects on pottery.

Pizza Delivery and Bakery Information.

The following pizza places deliver to our Novi location.
Cottage Inn: 10 mile and Meadowbrook (248)380-4900
Dominoes: 10mile and Meadowbrook (248)349-9101
Jet’s:Novi, Royal Oak Studio, Cities in Michigan MI:

Serving:
Algonac, Allen Park, Allenton, Almont, Anchorville, Ann Arbor, Armada, Attica, Auburn Hills, Avoca, Azalia, Belleville, Berkley, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Bridgewater, Brighton, Brownstown Township, Canton, Capac, Carleton, Casco, Center Line, Chelsea, Chesterfield, Clarkston, Clawson, Clay Township, Clifford, Clinton Township, Cohoctah, Columbiaville, Columbus, Commerce, Davisburg, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Detroit, Dexter, Drayton Plains, Dryden, Dundee, East China, East Detroit, Eastpointe, Ecorse, Emmett, Erie, Fair Haven, Farmington Hills, Farmington, Ferndale, Flat Rock, Fort Gratiot, Fowlerville, Franklin, Fraser, Garden City, Goodells, Gregory, Grosse Ile, Grosse Pointe, Hadley, Hamburg, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Harrison Township, Harsens Island, Hartland, Hazel Park, Highland Park, Highland, Holly, Howell, Huntington Woods, Ida, Imlay City, Inkster, Jeddo, Keego Harbor, Kimball, La Salle, Lake Orion, Lakeland, Lakeville, Lambertville, Lapeer, Lathrup Village, Leonard, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Luna Pier, Macomb, Madison Heights, Manchester, Marine City, Marysville, Maybee, Melvindale, Memphis, Metamora, Milan, Milford, Monroe, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, New Boston, New Haven, New Hudson, Newport, North Branch, North Street, Northville, Novi, Oak Grove, Oak Park, Oakland, Orchard Lake, Orion, Ortonville, Ottawa Lake, Otter Lake, Oxford, Pearl Beach, Petersburg, Pinckney, Pleasant Ridge, Plymouth, Pontiac, Port Huron, Ray, Redford, Richmond, River Rouge, Riverview, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Rockwood, Romeo, Romulus, Roseville, Royal Oak, Ruby, Saint Clair Shores, Saint Clair, Salem, Saline, Samaria, Shelby Township, Silverwood, Smiths Creek, South Lyon, South Rockwood, Southfield, Southgate, Sterling Heights, Sylvan Lake, Taylor, Temperance, Trenton, Troy, Union Lake, Utica, Van Buren Township, Walled Lake, Warren, Washington, Waterford, Wayne, West Bloomfield, Westland, White Lake, Whitmore Lake, Whittaker, Willis, Wixom, Woodhaven, Wyandotte, Yale, Ypsilanti.

Need Help? Got A Question?
Call: (248) 347-1225 Novi Store
Call: (248) 544-2234 Royal Oak Studio
Email us

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 6:17 PM 1 comments

Studio Locations and Hours Studio Pottery Painting Call (248) 544-2234 (Royal Oak, MI) or 248-347-1225 (Novi, MI)

Studio Locations and Hours Studio Pottery Painting Call (248) 544-2234 (Royal Oak) or 248-347-1225 (Novi): "The Creative Arts Studio of Novi (formally known as Ready, Set, Paint!) opened in November of 1999. In December of 2003, the Creative Arts Studio of Royal Oak opened in downtown Royal Oak. This studio includes a 400 square foot Clay Room equipped with state of the art potter�s wheels. We�ll show you how to take your creation from mud to masterpiece!
Now Open! What's New Click Here

NEW Summer Art Camp 2004
Studio Locations and Hours - Creative Arts Studios

Winter Studio Hours
Novi Studio
*We will be closed on Mondays
New Hours
*Mon: Closed
Tues: 11am-6pm
Wed: 11am-6pm
Th-Fri: 11am-8pm (Note: we will be closing at 7:00pm if there are no
painters)
Sat: 11-5pm
Sun: 12-5pm (Note: we will be closing at 4:00pm if there are no
painters)


Driving Directions and Maps
Creative Arts Studios of Novi
26064 Ingersol Drive
Novi, MI
(248) 347-1225
Located in the Novi Town Center
Royal Oak Studio
*We will be closed on Mondays
Tues: 11am-6pm
Wed-Fri: 11am-9pm
Sat: 11am-10pm**
Sun: 12-5pm
Driving Directions and Maps
Creative Arts Studios of Royal Oak
114 W. Fourth Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Call: (248) 544-2234 Royal Oak Store
Located in downtown RO
Parking structure �


*Schedule: We will be closed on Mondays except for Martin Luther King day (Jan. 19th), and for winter and spring breaks.
**Saturday 6pm-10pm Adults Only, Royal Oak Store.
Adult After Hours Parties (15 people or $400 minimum)-Arrangements
may be made to hold your event outside of regular studio hours.






Create� o"

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 6:02 PM 1 comments

Compliments of www.CreativeArtsStudios.com


Painting Ideas

Express yourself through color and design. Enliven your surroundings by creating the perfect accent piece to complement a room. Coordinate kitchen and bath accessories such as tiles for the splashbacks, fruit bowls, coffee mugs, soap dispensers, etc. Paint a special set of dishes for the holidays for yourself or to give as a personalized gift. Paint items for decorations for any occasion or to enhance a room to reflect your personal style and taste.

Since items are fashionable as well as functional, children, as well as adults, will have a sense of accomplishment. Turn ordinary items into extraordinary works of art. Options are endless, limited only by your imagination.

There is no right or wrong way when painting. It’s an expression of yourself and your ideas. Build your confidence by practicing on smaller ceramic pieces. Soon you’ll find that your own painted pieces are more beautiful and much less expensive than store bought items; moreover, they will be more special to you.

Find sources of inspiration in wallpaper, wrapping paper, fabrics, and nature. Look at leaves, flowers, berries, vegetables, shells, animals, fish, etc.

Painting Events

Birthday parties, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Graduation parties, Bachelorette parties, Corporate outings/team building activities, Office parties, Family Gatherings, Friend’s night out, Girl’s night out, Women’s luncheons, School field trips, Christmas ornament painting parties, and Scout Troop gatherings.

Tips for painting with our special paints available on our online shop

Our special paints can be “fired” or baked in a domestic oven. The paints are non-toxic and conform to ASTM D4236. However, they should not be used on surfaces that will come into direct contact with food. Therefore, it’s important to paint the surfaces which will not come into contact with food, such as the outside of the item. It is also important to leave a 1” space below the edge of drinking cups.

Correcting mistakes
If a piece is freshly painted, simply wipe away the mistake. If the paint is already dry, it will be much more difficult to remove. Paint can be scratched off carefully with a razor blade.

Once you receive your order, clean the surfaces you will be painting with vinegar for the best results. Do not mix or thin the paints with water. Once you’re done painting, you can bake the ceramic pieces in your oven or you can let them dry by themselves.

Baking ceramic pieces in oven

The paints we provide on our online shop are special paints which can be baked in any domestic oven. For best results, let the pieces dry 24 hours after painting them. Next, bake the pieces in your oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 1/2 hour. Your items should be dishwasher safe; however, we recommend handwashing all pieces to make them last longer.

Air drying ceramic pieces

Let the ceramic pieces dry for 7 days. They will not be dishwasher safe. Also, do not soak the ceramic pieces in water.

Paint your pottery studio painting tips

In our paint your own pottery studio, you will paint with underglaze paints. After painting, we will glaze your ceramic pieces and then fire (bake) them in a kiln at extremely high temperatures.

Correcting Mistakes
If the paint is a lighter color, you may use a damp, clean sponge and then wipe off the mistake. However, darker colors may show shadows. If the mistake is very small, you can wait until the paint is completely dry and erase it with a pencil eraser.

Decide on the type of ceramic piece you will paint. Next, decide on the design you will paint on the piece. Wipe your pottery piece down with a damp sponge to remove any dust. Use a number two pencil to trace or draw designs on to your piece. The number two pencil marks will burn off in the kiln when we fire it. Lastly, begin painting.

Painting Tips and Techniques

Preparation
Wash your hands. Dirt, lotions or oils may prevent the paint from properly bonding to the painting surface.

Stencils
To avoid paint from bleeding underneath stencils, do not use with a paintbrush. Instead, trace the stencil design with a pencil, then paint inside the traced design. Or use a sponge lightly dipped in paint and lightly pat color onto stencil.

Stamps and sponges
Use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of paint to the stamp or sponge. Or you can dip the sponge or stamp directly into the paint, and then blot one time on a paper towel before applying the sponge or stamp on to the pottery.

Transfer pattern
Trace Pattern onto transparent tracing paper. Tape pattern to your ceramic piece. Next, place Red Saral Graphite Paper under traced pattern. Lastly, trace over the design with your stylus.

Painting
Use a brush smaller than what you think you need for greater control. Remember, the brush gets bigger when it is loaded with paint.

To minimize appearance of brushstrokes, apply two-three generous coats of paint. (Let paint dry in between application of coats.) Again, to avoid the appearance of brushstrokes, do not water the paint down.

The first coat creates a transparent/watercolor look. Two-three coats create an opaque finish (allow the paint to dry between each coat). More than 3 coats may cause problems!

Paint in the same direction. (N-S and S-N, not N-S and E-W)

Begin painting with the lightest colors and work towards the darker colors. Save black for the end. Paint dark colors on a light background, but don’t paint light colors on a dark background.

Brush care
Don’t let brushes stand in water. Rinse all of the paint off of brushes. Clean brushes with a mild detergent. Reshape bristles and air-dry standing up.

Materials:

Brushes

#0 or #1 Liner Brush
#1, #6, #8, or #12 Flat Brush
#3, #4, #6, or #8 Round Brush
#4 Angle Brush
#2 Round Scrubber
#4 Angle Brush
Long Detail Brushes
Large Round # 7 Brush
Painting palette
Water container
Paper towels
Transfer paper
Tracing paper
Pencil
Scissors
Transparent tape
Stylus
Stencils
Stamps
Sponges

Have Fun! For more info visit www.CreativeArtsStudios.com

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 4:50 PM 1 comments

Yahoo! Groups : pottery-painting-ideas

Yahoo! Groups : pottery-painting-ideasPottery Barn of Painting Ideas, paint your own pottery!
Painting ceramics is fun and easy!

Formally Ready Set Paint now Creative Arts Studios of Novi and Royal Oak, MI.

Have your own Pottery Barn of Painting Ideas, your Kid s will love it.

Paint a gift for someone. Personalize a gift for Birthdays, Christmas, Hanukah, Easter, Passover, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Graduations, Weddings, Anniversaries, etc.

Have a party! Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Bachelorette Parties, Corporate Team-Building,
Share your ideas here and learn from others. This list provides a
FREE REPORT: Receive a FREE electronic copy of some of the hottest, most powerful painting tips from the studio of Creative Arts Studios! These tips will improve your painting immensely. Arm yourself with this knowledge by receiving these FREE painting tips today!

Painting ceramics is fun and easy!

http://www.creativeartsstudios.com/
248-347-1225 - Novi, MI -
248-544-2234 - Royal Oak, MI
creativeartsstudios@yahoo.com

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 8:39 PM 2 comments

Ready, Set, Paint - Paint your own pottery/Contemporary studio

Ready, Set, Paint - Paint your own pottery/Contemporary studio: "Ready, Set, Paint! opened in November, 1999. Ready, Set, Paint! offers fun, affordable entertainment for people of all ages, proving that everyone can be an artist! No experience is necessary. We provide a bright, cheerful place to celebrate a special occasion, bring a date, or unwind after a long day.
Our studio offers plenty of natural light and warmth of natural wooded furniture making it the perfect environment to create an original design for the home, or to give as a personalized gift.
Ready, Set, Paint! offers hundreds of unfinished pottery pieces ranging from mugs and plates to picture frames and canlesticks. Since pieces are functional, children, as well as adults, will have a sense of accomplishment. All paints are non-toxic, and all dinnerware items are food-safe. We offer additional items on our online shop.
Here's how it works:
� Select your pottery.
� Decide on your colors.
� Paint, sponge, stencil, stamp, or splash the design on your piece.
� We glaze and fire your piece.
� Then you can pick up and enjoy your shiny masterpiece in just a few days!
A $6-$8 studio fee covers all painting materials, glazing and firing. You purchase your pottery. We host birthday parties, scouts, field trips, bridal showers, corporate outings, women's night out, etc. Contact us at 248-347-1225 or readysetpaint@yahoo.com.

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 8:32 PM 2 comments

Creative Arts Studios Paint Your Own Pottery Royal Oak Novi MI

Creative Arts Studios Paint Your Own Pottery Royal Oak Novi MI: "The Creative Arts Studio of Novi (formally known as Ready, Set, Paint!) opened in November of 1999. In December of 2003, the Creative Arts Studio of Royal Oak opened in downtown Royal Oak (servicing the Detroit area). This studio includes a Clay (mud) Room equipped with state of the art potter�s wheels, a 300 square foot private party room for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, etc. It also has a large open seating area for work on paint your own pottery, mosaics, beading and glass painting. No experience is necessary. We�ll show you how to create your own masterpiece! Our studio also offers a retail area for orignal artwork, jewelry, purses, art kits to go and customized painting! Now Open! "

posted by Creative Arts Studio @ 6:29 PM 1 comments