3 TIPS to Get Started in Ceramics

You discover that pottery is a trend, an ancient art that is making a comeback for its endless creative and utilitarian possibilities and a beautiful and durable finish. It seems very easy, but you go to the store and you find a long list of clays, materials, and tools. In addition, they tell you that ceramics must be fired in a kiln. So, you don't know where to start and you think that ceramics are not really your thing. Nothing could be further from the truth! Follow these 3 simple TIPS to make pottery from scratch:

1. What kind of clay do I need?

You will find different clays on the market. We start with self-hardening clay (you don't need a ceramic kiln). These clays are very easy to use and are intended to create decorative pieces, but they cannot be used as tableware or as a container that must hold liquids. We recommend PLUS and COLORPLUS clays from SIO-2®.

If you dare to go a step further, you will find clays that need to be fired in a ceramic kiln (be careful! the domestic oven will not work for us). Firing clays are ideal for any use and type of piece: a cup, a flower pot, a plate, a figure, etc. Once fired, the natural clay becomes ceramics, so it can hold liquids and lasts forever! We recommend the clays from the SIO-2® Hobby Ceramics range, which are "all-terrain" clays ideal for getting started in ceramics.

2. If don't have a ceramic kiln, what do I do?

We suggest two solutions:

a) Use a self-hardening clay. As we have explained, we recommend PLUS and COLORPLUS clays from SIO-2®.

b) Find a ceramic kiln. Check the list of workshops and centres that offer a firing service (in Spain). You only must ask for the price of the firing; they will take care of the rest (prices usually depend on the size of the piece).

3. What tools do I need?

To start, we recommend the SIO-2® pottery tool kit, which contains the basic tools to get started with clay modelling and have fun creating your piece. Find out how to use the tools in the blog “How to Work with Clay”.

The SIO-2® pottery kit is ideal for getting started, as it includes everything you need: self-hardening clay, basic modelling tools, and a glossy glaze for a professional finish. It also includes a detailed dossier with three essential techniques and ideas for creating ceramics at home.

We hope that these 3 simple “TIPS” will help you get started. Welcome to the pottery world!