DIY POTTERY – Hand-Building

Make a Tile

Make handmade tile using slabs of clay. Experiment with texture and glaze to create a pieces as unique as you. No pottery wheel required!

GET IT FIRED 🔥

This project needs to be fired in a kiln to use. Find a firing studio.

Time

15 Minutes

Skill

Beginner

Age

Ages 8+
GET READY

SUPPLIES + TOOLS

  • 2lbs of Clay (low, mid, or high fire)
  • Workspace Cover: Non-stick surface
  • Needle Tool or Clay Knife
  • Ruler
  • Rolling Pin
  • Glazes and Underglazes
  • Optional: Rolling pin guides, surface decoration tools, heat gun, underglaze transfers, stencils, stamps
  • Safety Gear: Heat-resistant gloves, protective eyewear

PREPARATION

Prepare Your Workspace

  • Set up a clean, non-stick surface.
  • Arrange all tools and supplies for easy access.

Prepare Your Clay

  • Cut and wedge the clay.
  • In humid environments, use a heat gun to firm up the clay, ensuring safety with heat-resistant gloves and eyewear.
MAKE IT

INSTRUCTIONS

➊ Roll and Texture the Clay

  • Roll the clay to about 1/4"-1/2" thickness using a rolling pin. Roll in different directions and flip the slab in between.
  • When working with slabs, be careful not to stretch the slab or cut out pieces. Handle the slabs as little as possible, using a light touch when shaping and smoothing.
  • Apply underglaze transfers or use stencils rolled into the clay. If using stencils, consider painting underglaze on the stencil for added color.

➋ Measure and Cut Your Tiles

  • Trace and cut out your tiles. This can be a hand-drawn shape, cut with a clay knife or needle tool--for a more organic look--or carefully measured with a ruler for something more uniform.

➌ Smooth the Edges

  • Using a wet finger or damp sponge, gently smooth out the edges of your tiles. After your tiles have had some time to dry, you can flip them over to smooth the bottom and back of the edges.

➍ Add Decoration

  • To make your tiles truly unique to you, consider adding decorations. This can be done with various stamps or hand-drawn.
  • You can hand-draw and carve designs into your tiles once your clay has dried out slightly.
  • Be careful not to let your clay get too dry! This can make the clay brittle and hard to carve.

➎ Glazing Options

  • Consider underglaze with a clear overglaze or layering different glazes for unique effects.
  • Apply glazes according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Safety and Best Practices

  • Keep your work surfaces and tools clean and wet to avoid dust. Wear a dust mask if working with dry materials.
  • Wear protective gear when using a heat gun.
  • Let the pieces dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. If you need to pause while working, cover your pottery with a wet towel or plastic wrap to keep it moist.
  • Follow all kiln safety instructions for bisque and glaze firings.
LOVE IT

CLEANING AND CARING FOR HANDMADE POTTERY

Handmade pottery, with its unique charm and character, requires special care to maintain its beauty and functionality. Here are recommended guidelines to ensure your pottery stays in excellent condition for years to come.

Cleaning Handmade Pottery

General Cleaning:

  • Use warm, soapy water to gently wash your pottery. Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can dull the glaze or damage the surface.
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching.
  • For unglazed areas, a soft brush can help remove dirt without damaging the pottery.

Removing Stains:

  • Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply it to stained areas and gently rub with a soft cloth.
  • Rinse thoroughly after stain removal.

Dishwasher Use:

  • While some pottery is dishwasher safe, hand washing is always preferred to prevent chipping and preserve the finish.
  • If using a dishwasher, place pottery in a secure spot where it won't knock against other items.

Caring for Your Pottery

Avoiding Thermal Shock:

  • Do not subject pottery to sudden temperature changes (like taking a dish from the refrigerator and placing it in a hot oven).
  • Warm up pottery gradually if it needs to be exposed to high temperatures.

Microwave Use:

  • Ensure the pottery is marked as microwave safe.
  • Avoid microwaving pottery with metallic glazes or decorations.

Storing Pottery:

  • Stack items carefully to avoid chipping.
  • Place a soft cloth between items if stacking is necessary.

Repairing Damaged Pottery:

  • For chips or cracks, consult a professional for repair, especially for valuable or sentimental pieces.
  • DIY repair kits are available, but be aware that repaired pottery may not be food safe or hold liquids reliably.

Special Considerations

Food Safety:

  • Check your pottery for cracks, poorly sealed joints, deep texture in areas where food/drinks will touch. Cracks can leak and/or allow moisture into the body of the clay. In addition, cracks and deep texture can harbor bacteria which can make you sick.
  • Check for sharp edges, points or bubbles from glaze. Be careful when checking sharp areas to avoid cuts.
  • For mugs, ensure the handle and mug are fully attached and are not weakly joined. Handles that are not properly joined, are thin or weakly constructed can break under the force of a filled cup causing injury.

Displaying Pottery:

  • Keep pottery out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Avoid placing pottery in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

Longevity Tips:

  • Treat handmade pottery with care and respect; it’s not just a functional item but a piece of art.
  • Regularly inspect for any signs of wear or damage.

Remember, handmade pottery carries the touch and spirit of the artist. Proper care will ensure it remains a cherished part of your collection for years to come.
SHARE IT

We're sure you love your handmade tiles! Share your project using the hashtag #smashedstudioproject and earn points to use toward your next purchase.

1. Roll a Slab

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2. Add Texture

Watch Video