How to make a Ceramic Clock

Here are some simple tips to go along with the video. Feel free to ask questions for clarification!

It is important to compress your slab before texturing. This step also smoothes the surface so that the impressed textures show cleanly.



Using a large piece of paper below your slab allows you to slide it onto a bat without bending the clay. This will help avoid warping as the clay dries.



I create my own unique textures by carving patterns into a printmaking block. You can find linoblocks and gouging tools at most art stores.



You can use any type of circle template. This is a needle point frame I picked up at a craft shop. Using a hollow template is beneficial so you can see the pattern as you arrange it in a pleasing way.



When the slab is leatherhard, use a drill bit a size larger than the bolt in the clock mechanism. This will allow the clock part to fit after the clay shrinks through the firing process. Don`t worry if it is slightly too large since a washer is included with the mechanism to cover the hole upon installation.



Rasp the edges of the slab to clean any burrs that were left from cutting with the pintool. This will also create a sharper 90 degree edge.



Choose a glaze that accentuates the relief textures. My Waterlily glaze is formulated to puddle a smoky blue color in the recesses of the texture. Remember to glaze the side edge to create a professional finish.



Clock parts can be found online or at many craft stores. Ensure that the centre bolt is tall enough to fit the thickness of your slab. Most mechanisms have a built in hanger or come with a hanger attachment piece so the clock can hang easily from a nail.

Custom Wedding Gift

It is always exciting when I have clients with great taste and good ideas! Here is a custom order clock perfect for those newlyweds. Whether it is 9 am or 9pm, this clock always gives you a gentle reminder to fill you time with love!

New Design

Wow! Where does the time go? Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about my little blog. I have been busy in the studio designing and coming up with some great new ideas.

I was inspired by some photos I took in Mexico last spring. I was fascinated by these little birds that would hang out on the beach with us. They would strut around and then tilt their head straight up into the sky. They would remain in that pose for quite a while, seemingly worshiping the sun - or that could have been my imagination since I was escaping from a hard cold Canadian winter at the time... In any case, I took a lot of photos of those birds just because the shape and silhouette was so clean and emotive. I knew I could do something with these images but it took me a full year to come back to them.

So here is the start of my new ceramic clock line. I am hoping to play around with this idea for a while so you will be seeing more in the future.
















Here is a little trick I discovered when trying to making round holes for the clock part to fit through. I raided my tool box and experimented with hand drilling holes with actual drill bits. My favorite size is 3/8 and the bit is great because it actually carves out the the clay. The shape doesn't distort like it would if you just pressed into the clay. I love my tool box!

Clockworks

Here it is! I have finally finished my first ceramic clock. This is just a small 5 1/2 inch face but it is working smoothly for my first prototype. The sky is the limit now! I was a bit concerned about the shrinkage rate and warping issues of the clay but I shouldn't have worried.

I love clocks without numbers. Numbers are really quite redundant because everyone can tell time from the location of the hands. I think my next version will have numbers in the wrong location or maybe 13 hours marked off just to confuse everyone. I have a few just waiting to be glazed so I should have several in my Etsy shop soon.

OH, btw, I have been adding a lot of fabulous clay blogs to my link list at the sidebar. Check them out and I'm sure you will find some more favorites!