Big Box Store Pottery Trends You Can Create at Home
Big box stores are stocking up on trending clay creations of vases, textured platters, detailed bowls, and more. But nothing can compare with the beauty of clay pottery handmade at home.
At DiamondCore® Tools, we’re highlighting the top box store pottery trends and how you can recreate them yourself, with some extra added love and attention to detail. Let’s take a look at the trendy pottery inspiration below!
Earth Tones
Whether displayed as standalone statement pieces or incorporated into a curated collection, pottery in earthy tones adds a touch of organic charm and tranquility to homes, inviting a sense of harmony and balance into the living environment.
Earth tones in pottery create a sense of warmth and connection to the natural world, bringing a grounding, calming presence to any space.
From the rich, deep hues of terracotta to the soft, muted shades of sand, clay, and sage greens, earthy pottery colors reflect the beauty of the earth's natural palette. These tones complement various interior styles, from rustic and bohemian to modern and minimalist.
Try It For Yourself
- Select Your Clay
- Choose a clay body that fires to the earthy tones you desire. Terracotta clay, for example, naturally produces warm reddish-brown hues when fired.
- Experiment with Glazes
- Explore different glaze combinations to achieve earthy tones. Mixtures of iron oxide or manganese dioxide can create rich browns, while oxides like copper or cobalt can produce greens or blues reminiscent of natural landscapes.
- Test-Firing
- Before applying glazes to your pottery, it's essential to test-fire small samples to observe how the colors develop in the kiln. Adjust glaze recipes or firing temperatures to achieve the desired earthy tones.
- Hand-Build or Wheel-Throw
- Depending on your preference and skill level, hand-building or wheel-throwing techniques can be used to shape your pottery. Hand-building allows for more organic and textured forms, while wheel-throwing offers precise and symmetrical shapes.
- Incorporate Natural Textures
- Add texture to your pottery by imprinting natural materials like leaves, twigs, or shells into the clay before firing. These textures enhance the earthy aesthetic of the pottery and create visual interest.
- Consider Firing Techniques
- Experiment with different firing techniques, such as reduction firing or wood firing, which can enhance the earthy tones of your pottery by interacting with the clay and glazes in unique ways.
- Finish and Display
- Once fired and cooled, finish your pottery pieces by sanding rough edges and adding additional decorative elements. Display your earthy-toned pottery as standalone focal points in your home to bring a touch of nature indoors.
Textured Surfaces
Crafting pottery with textured surfaces allows for a tactile and visually engaging final project. From subtle imprints to bold and abstract designs, textures on pottery add a dynamic dimension to any space.
Whether carving intricate patterns, creating repetitive designs with DiamondCore’s Clay Impression Stamps, or experimenting with unique glaze applications, adding texture to pottery creates depth and character.
How to Make It in Your Pottery Studio
- Select Your Clay
- Choose a clay body suitable for the texture you want to create. Some clay ideas include options that are more conducive to texture due to their plasticity and firing characteristics. Many artists prefer earthenware stoneware clay for its durability and versatility.
- Prepare Your Workspace
- Set up your pottery wheel or work surface with the necessary tools and materials. Ensure you have a variety of texture-making tools on hand, such as clay impression stamps, ribs, carving tools, or objects such as leaves and shells that you’ve gathered.
- Prepare the Clay
- Wedge the clay thoroughly to remove air bubbles and ensure uniform consistency. Then, either hand-build your pottery or center the clay on the wheel if you're throwing.
- Add Texture
- Experiment with different techniques to create texture on the surface of your pottery. You can press textured objects directly onto the clay, carve intricate patterns using carving tools, or impress textures using stamps or rollers. Get creative and explore various combinations of techniques to achieve unique effects.
- Refine and Detail
- Once you've added texture to your pottery, take the time to refine and detail the surface. Smooth out any rough edges or inconsistencies, and enhance the texture by adding finer details or additional layers of texture where desired.
- Allow to Dry
- Allow your textured pottery project to dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. Depending on the size and thickness of your piece, this may take several days to a week or more. If necessary, cover loosely with plastic to slow down the drying process.
- Bisque Firing
- Once completely dry, bisque fire your pottery in a kiln to a temperature suitable for your clay type. This firing removes any remaining moisture from the clay and prepares it for glazing.
- Glazing
- Apply glazes to your textured pottery, accentuating the texture and design elements. Consider using contrasting glazes or layering multiple glazes to enhance the depth and visual interest of the textures.
- Final Firing
- Fire your glazed pottery in an electric kiln to the appropriate temperature for the glazes. Follow the recommended firing schedule for your specific clay and glaze combination to achieve the desired results.
Functional Art
Functional art seamlessly blends aesthetics with practicality, transforming everyday objects into captivating pieces that serve a purpose beyond decoration. Whether it's a stunning mug that doubles as a work of art or a beautifully crafted vase with intricate designs, functional art elevates the basic into the extraordinary.
Each piece is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of you, the artist.
How to Create Functional Art Pieces
- Conceptualize Your Design
- Begin by brainstorming ideas for functional art pieces that inspire you. Consider how you can infuse artistic elements into everyday objects such as cups, large pots, vases, or bowls.
- Sketch Your Design
- Once you have a concept in mind, sketch out your design to visualize the form, proportions, and details of your piece. The sketch will serve as a roadmap for the creative process.
- Incorporate Artistic Elements
- Infuse your functional art piece with artistic elements such as intricate patterns, textures, colors, or sculptural forms. Experiment with techniques such as carving, painting, sgraffito, Mishima, or sculpting to add visual interest and depth to your creation.
- Focus on Functionality
- While prioritizing artistic expression, ensure your functional art piece remains practical and usable. When designing functional objects, consider size, ergonomics, durability, and usability.
- Experiment and Iterate
- Embrace experimentation and iteration as integral parts of the creative process. Don't be afraid to explore new techniques, materials, or design concepts to refine your functional art piece and bring your vision to life.
- Pay Attention to Detail
- Pay close attention to detail as you work on your functional art piece, refining and perfecting each element to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality. Strive for professional craftsmanship and quality in every aspect of your creation.
- Test and Evaluate
- Test the functionality of your art piece to ensure that it effectively performs its intended purpose. Evaluate its usability, comfort, and practicality, making necessary adjustments or refinements to enhance its functionality.
- Continue to Evolve
- As you gain experience and confidence in creating functional art pieces, continue to evolve and push the boundaries of your creativity. Embrace new challenges, explore different mediums and techniques, and let your imagination soar as you embark on your journey as a functional ceramic artist.
Grab The Tools You Need to Stay On Trend
Ditch the big box stores and start creating your own earthy, functional, and textured ceramic art. Remember to tag us on Instagram and Facebook to show off your latest creations. We can’t wait to see what you design. Happy creating!
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