Creating a handmade dinner plate is an enjoyable and rewarding project. Follow these simple steps to craft your own unique piece:
1. Prepare the Clay: Start by cutting out your clay using a template then place the clay on a mould, ensuring it is positioned relatively in the middle.
You can read more about preparing your clay, tools for hand building, templates and moulds in our previous blog, post how to create a pottery tumbler part 1-2.
2. No pottery wheel required: This method we are using eliminates the need for a wheel, making it easily accessible for anyone.
3. Smooth the Clay: Use a tool to smooth the clay, ensuring an even surface for your plate.
4. Clean the Edges: With a mud tool, tidy up the edges of the plate, giving it a neat and finished appearance.
5. Easy to make: These plates are easy to make you can use a plaster mould or utilize a regular plate from your kitchen. If using a plate, cover it with glad wrap to prevent the clay from sticking.
6. Allow for Drying: It is crucial to ensure the clay is completely dry before removing it from the plaster mould. Premature removal may cause the plate to warp. Patience is key in this step.
7. Pop Out the Plate: Once the clay has dried sufficiently, gently flip plate over using a board and carefully lift the mould away.
8. Refine the Interior: Clean up the interior of the plate, ensuring a smooth surface.
9. Tidy the Edges: Take the time to clean up the edges of the plate, giving them a clean and professional finish.
10. Dry slowly: Cover the plate with a bag and leave it in place until it has completely dried. This step helps retain moisture during the drying process, and keeping drafts away from pot preventing uneven drying.
By following these straightforward instructions, you can hand build your very own dinner plate, whether you choose to use a plaster mould or an existing plate from your kitchen. Enjoy the process, and soon you’ll have a beautiful and functional piece to showcase at your dining table.
Happy potting! 🤗
