smountainceramics

Take Away Clay Kit

__Clay Kit__

TECHNIQUES

____IDEAS____

Need a family activity:
MAKE at HOME clay kits from S.mountain ceramics in Faulconbridge.

Cost is $75 including:
* Bisque ware firing
* Single colour Glaze firing
* Instructions and ideas for a range of projects
* Tool kit
* 1kg of stoneware clay.

Postage and handling can be arranged
Can’t leave home? I offer FREE local delivery to 2776 to 2777 and free pickup.

FAQs:

How do I get my hands on one of these clay kits?

WELL - you simply contact me - website, email, DM, PM mobile - whatever suits. I can send you EFT details or you can pay in cash. An online shopping cart will be coming soon so you can buy directly on the website without leaving the comfort of your lounge chair.

How do I get it?

I will locally deliver or if out of area I can post. P/H costs apply. You can always source a Kiln/ceramic studio near your house for firing if required.

What do I need to start?

NOT MUCH - A cloth or wooden board to work on, a rolling pin or tube/bottle, tiniest bit of water to cleanup your clay or if it dries slightly - BUT NOT TOO MUCH!

What do I do when I’m finished making?

CONGRATS! You’ve made a clay baby or two. So lovingly set them aside somewhere safe and gently wrapped in a plastic bag to dry out slowly for two weeks. Then once the colour of the clay starts lighten it is drying out and the clay colour will lighten. You can ever so gently wrap it up in cloth or bubble wrap and deliver to my studio. You can pick a glaze or give me a colour and I will pick one for you (I’m pretty good at that you know). I will let it dry COMPLETELY and then fire it once (Bisque Firing) and Dip glaze and put it back in the kiln for a final glaze firing.

Is the clay ok for mugs and can I put it in the dishwasher?

YEP! It sure is and can go into the dishwasher are the glaze firing.

Is the clay toxic?

NOPE! All clay is non toxic but in saying that, don’t eat raw clay, that’s just silly!! The glaze that is use are Foodsafe as well That’s important to know as in the old days many glazes contained lead and that stuff is voodoo.

How long will the clay stay malleable/ damp/moist/user friendly?

As long as it has moisture in the clay it is workable and all clay can be rehydrated with a little water spray. However, I would recommend you keep your clay sealed tight in its storage bag for up to 3 months. If it starts to dry give it a bit of a spray over the course of a week and it will rehydrate.

Can I post my work to you for firing?

NOT THE BEST IDEA, as it is extremely fragile, I can post it back to you in a secured package. Drop off at my studio is best or look up a local ceramic studio for firing.

How do I get my pieces fired?

SIMPLE drop them off to my studio, packed in a little box with your Bisque Ticket filled in and labelled. I will ensure they are completely dry before they go into the kiln for bisque firing.

Can I chose colours and patterns for you to glaze my work?

NOPE - sorry this is a dip glaze service only, single colour to make it lovely and functional

How long will it take?

WELL, patience is a virtue, particularly in clay making
Drying time varies from 2/3 weeks weather depending and firing can take up to a week depending on the kiln schedules. I will contact you for pickup when the pieces are ready.

Why should I pray to the kiln gods?

As makers know, enjoy the experience ‘cause making doesn’t always turn out the way you see it on Instagram’. Things can happen - ceramic pieces can explode (very dramatic I know but it does happen), they can crack, pieces can fall off if not attached firmly by scoring and using slurry and sealing the edges, blowouts can occur, glazes are a whole other story - crazing, cracking, blistering, lifting… such a joy is this craft that it takes years and years to work though these issues. It can be devastating but resilience is the key. SO fingers crossed and we shall pray to the Kiln gods each time the kiln is turned on.

Bisque Ticket and Glaze Colours

Included in your kit is a Bisque Ticket. Fill this out before you drop off your pieces. You can choose your glaze colours. I have also included the colours below for you to see in more detail. Your pieces will be given a wax base coating and then dipped into the studio glaze colours.

BISQUE TICKET