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Ceramic flatware adds a playful, earthy touch to your kitchen or can function as an artistic highlight in your living space. If you’re interested in creating your own ceramic flatware, whether it’s measuring spoons or serving utensils, designate a flat work area where you can carefully shape your clay. In this workspace, use your fingers to roll and shape your ceramic spoon, then refine the shape of the spoon’s bowl and handle. Once satisfied with the size and form of your ceramic spoons, you can embellish them and place them in the kiln!
Steps
Forming the Spoon
Choose a well-ventilated workspace with a flat surface. Locate a spacious spot in your home where you can manipulate clay, such as a table or countertop. Prior to beginning, ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows or using a fan to circulate fresh air in your workspace. Since many ceramic clays and glazes contain silica, a partially hazardous substance, it's important to maintain good airflow while working.
- For added safety, consider wearing a mask to protect your face and nose while handling ceramic clay.
Roll out a clay cylinder measuring 6 inches (15 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. Begin with a generous amount of ceramic clay on your work surface, then tear off a sizable portion using your fingers. Smooth the clay by rolling it across the flat surface until it reaches dimensions of approximately 6 inches (15 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. If you prefer a larger spoon, extract a larger section of clay from the mound.
- If aiming for a standard piece of flatware, consider extending the clay by 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm).
- Any type of ceramic clay can be used for this project. When purchasing clay from an art supply store, check if it’s labeled as low-fire, indicating it requires lower kiln temperatures later on.
Shape a shallow bowl using your fingers to craft a flatware spoon. Begin molding one end of the clay cylinder with your fingers, forming the base into a rounded bowl shape. Employ short, uniform motions to shape the spoon's bowl, ensuring the rim is at least 3-5 millimeters thick.
- If the clay is water-based, keep it moistened with water during the molding process.
Utilize measuring utensils as a guide for crafting your own measuring spoons. Once you've rolled the clay into a cylinder, press the measuring spoon into one end of the clay to create a distinct, rounded impression. As you shape your utensils, manipulate and smooth the clay around the outer edges of the measuring spoon. Form a consistent rim with the clay, ensuring the bowl of the spoon maintains even thickness.
- Ensure the spoon has enough clay to accommodate the shape and curvature of the measuring spoon. For instance, larger spoons like tablespoons require more clay than smaller ones like half teaspoons.
Pro Tip: If you intend to string the spoon with others, puncture a hole at the bottom of the handle using a clay hole puncher. Apply uniform pressure to the tool to create an evenly spaced hole.
Fashion a sturdy, angled handle for a serving spoon. To craft a ladle or serving utensil, first roll out a clay cylinder measuring at least 8 inches (20 cm) in length. Then, angle the clay handle upwards at a 45-degree angle to resemble a ladle. Reinforce the handle by adding more clay around the base until it reaches a thickness of at least ½ inch (1.27 cm). Shape and mold the curved handle into a smooth, continuous piece of clay.
- A serving spoon requires greater length and thickness compared to flatware or measuring spoons. Feel free to exceed 8 inches (20 cm) in length if desired.
Refine the lower part of the handle to create a smooth, rounded edge. Use your fingers to shape and mold the ends of the spoon, eliminating any visible flaws along the surface. Aim for a slightly curved base to maintain consistency in the spoon’s appearance.
- If you wish to experiment with the spoon’s design, consider pressing the base of the handle onto a flat surface to achieve a rectangular shape.
Decorating and Curing the Clay
Add an interesting texture to your spoon with a doily pattern. Locate a fabric doily or another decorative piece of paper or fabric. Position the patterned item over the handle to your preference, ensuring even coverage. Using a wooden pony roller, gently roll over the doily to imprint its pattern onto the clay consistently.
- Avoid placing the doily over the spoon's bowl.
- If you don’t have a doily, they can be purchased online.
Apply a vibrant glaze to your clay for colorful utensils. Use a fine paintbrush to coat your spoons with colored or transparent glaze. Keep in mind that the appearance of many glazes may change once they are fired in the kiln.
- To experiment with your design, try using glaze pencils or watercolors instead!
- Glazes can be purchased online or at an art supply store.
Opt for a different glaze color to add flair to your spoon. Choose a color scheme or pattern for your spoons. If you prefer not to paint your utensils a single color, use a second glaze to paint the spoon's bowl in a different color. For a more dynamic look, select two contrasting colors to decorate the clay.
- For example, you can coat the spoon’s handle with clear glaze and the bowl with white glaze.
Fire your painted spoons in the kiln at the recommended temperature. Adhere to the guidelines provided with the glaze packaging when placing your painted ceramics in the kiln. Adjust the kiln temperature accordingly and allow the firing cycle to complete. Once the kiln has cooled, you can retrieve your items.
- If using low-fire ceramic clay, ensure the temperature does not exceed 2,157°F (1,181°C).
- If you lack access to a kiln, seek assistance from a local pottery studio, community center, or school.
Helpful Tips
Necessary Supplies
- Ceramic clay
- Water cup
- Cloth doily
- Pony roller
- Clay hole puncher
- Glaze
- Paintbrush
- Kiln
- Measuring spoons (optional)
