Ceramics the Whole Family Will Enjoy
September 1, 2009 by Loretta
Filed under General Crafts, Project Ideas & Articles
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It’s so rewarding to make a ceramic piece from scratch. There’s just something spectacular about watching it go from raw clay to a beautiful, finished product. It makes it hard to stop at one piece.
Getting the whole family in on the creation of ceramic groupings is a great way to bond while making something together. If each person does one or two pieces, you can end up with a nice collection or scene. Or some members can do the shaping and firing, and the others can do the painting.
Here are some ceramic projects that the whole family can participate in and enjoy:
* Nativity scenes – One of the most popular kinds of ceramic groupings for Christmas, a nativity scene is a great family project. Once the actual pieces are done, you could build a wooden barn together and add hay for added authenticity.
* Halloween groupings - There are all sorts of possibilities for Halloween. You could do a group of trick or treaters with different costumes, some whimsical ghosts, bats or spiders, or jack-o-lantern candleholders with different faces.
* Pottery – Kids are often intrigued by pottery wheels, so why not let them try their hand at using one? They may need a little help, but they can make simple pieces fairly easily. Creating a pottery grouping with coordinating pieces could be a great family project.
* Wall hangings – Groups of ceramic wall hangings make lovely decorations. Each family member could create one with a favorite quote or a hand-carved design on it. How about having each person carve a picture of his or her favorite animal or flower?
* Coasters and trivets – Coasters and trivets are quite simple to make, and they’re really useful. Making a set as a family is a great project if you have young children. Handmade coasters and trivets also make nice gifts, so make several sets for the holidays.
* Refrigerator magnets - This is another easy project, because it provides a great deal of freedom. As long as the ceramic piece isn’t so heavy as to weigh the magnet down, it doesn’t have to be perfectly flat and doesn’t matter what shape it is. Take pictures while the family is making them, and when the magnets are done, hang the pictures up with them to remind everyone how much fun it was.
Ceramic groupings and sets are fun to make, and they’re even more fun when you get the whole family involved. Even young children can create simple ceramic pieces. Whether you’re making them to give as gifts or keep around the house, a ceramic set made by your entire family will always be a source of fond memories.
You may also wish to read our post on the Basics of Ceramics <---
Ready to learn more about ceramics? Check out this informative book: Ceramic Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques: A Complete Course for Ceramics
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Great ideas to take the relationships within family members to the next level. The only concern I have is cleaning up afterwards