Specialization in Creative Design of Ceramic Flower Pots

Influences | Clara Gutiérrez

Next, I am going to tell you what my references are when developing my own creative universe.

Influences | Coralí Lecca

What do I draw inspiration from to create my pieces and collections? Here I will tell you what motivates me and how I reinterpret these references from my memory, the places, shapes and colors that I observe. Everything to create a visual collage translated into a ceramic object that expresses my own way of seeing, creating and communicating.

Influences | Mónica Oceja

Now I would like to show you some of my influences, they are some studios and ceramic artists that have inspired me in the creation of my work.

Influences | Sarah Pike

Let me show you now my major influences. I will explain why they have been important to me and how my style has developed.

Module 2

Learn the techniques of mold making with plaster and reproduce unique and inspiring objects

12 lessons (1h 9m)

Tools and materials

In this lesson I will introduce you to the tools and materials that we are going to need to make the mold.

Design for ceramics

In this lesson I will tell you the things you have to consider if you design an object to be produced in ceramics.

Educate the look

In this lesson, from some simple exercises and also from a game that I propose, you will learn how to educate your eyes.

Realization of the bed

In this lesson I will teach how to perform what we call "bed", this is the first step to begin the realization of the mold.

First part of the mold

In this lesson I will explain how to form and prepare the plaster of the first part of the mold.

In this lesson we will open the formwork, make the keys and prepare the second part of the mold.

Second part of the mold

In this lesson we will finish the mold, we will leave it ready for it to dry and we can use it.

Open and finish the mold

Clay Preparation

In this lesson we change materials. We clean everything that is plaster and go to work with liquid clay to make the reproduction of the piece. I will explain how to prepare liquid clay.

Performing a laundry

Here I will explain how reproduction is done, what we call "laundry." I will fill the mold completely, wait a few minutes and then empty it. So I will get the "skin", that is, our ceramic object.

Interventions in the piece

This is the lesson in which we can make interventions in the piece such as making incisions or scraping, texture, etc ... Here comes the imagination of each one and this is where the exercises we have done in lesson 1 of unit 3 will serve us .

Mold care

In this lesson I will explain how to use and care for our mold so that it lasts a long time and we can make many reproductions.

Creative mold utilities

In this lesson I will explain the creative uses that a mold can have such as the use of colored pastes or even paint the mold with engobes to achieve curious effects in our reproductions.

Module 3

Craft the ideal home for your plants using artisanal techniques and modern designs

12 lessons (3h 2m)

Plants

In this lesson I will talk to you about how I understand the universe of plants. I will show you some books that I use as a guide to get to know plants a little better.

Ceramics

In this lesson I will talk about ceramics and why it is so suitable for potting. We will see concepts such as porosity, sustainability, durability, variability of shape and finishes. I will also present the tools and materials for making the pots.

In this lesson I will talk about the basics of designing a pot, showcase examples of pots, and talk about their characteristics.

Pots

Stone flower pot

In this first lesson we are going to start with a very simple but very successful technique. It is about shaping a clay ball into stone and then emptying it to create the space to plant the plant.

17m

Hanging Plant Pot 1

In this lesson I will explain how to make a pot for a hanging plant, that is, its stems tend to drop. These types of plants are very beautiful, and if we plant them in a pot hanging from the ceiling, this will enhance their beauty. To do this I will teach the technique of color layers with a casting mold and subsequent scraping.

We continue to discover how to shape a pot for a hanging plant.

Hanging Plant Pot 2

Here I will teach you how to create a pot using the clay clay plate technique. I will use a mold, of porx, but you can use any object you have on hand and you like its shape. I will also teach you a very curious technique to finish the piece: the mocha technique.

Cactus pot 1

16m

Cactus pot 2

We continue working on our cactus pot.

Now that you have already made contact with the materials and some basic techniques, we will advance a little in difficulty. For this exercise we will use the technique of joining plates; This requires a little more patience, so you are already trained to take care of your bonsai.

Bonsai Pot 1

21m

Bonsai pot 2

We continue to discover how to make a bonsai pot.

How to care for your plants

I think that it only takes two things to take good care of the plants; information and learn to observe them. In this lesson I will tell you basic things to know. Now that you know a little about plants, ceramics and pots, let's see how to locate your pot and how to care for your plant.

Interior with plants

In this lesson I will give some tips and tricks for creating spaces with plants and show examples of places where plants have been used as part of interior design. From some interior images with plants, I will analyze how that space is designed and what the plants contribute in each case.

The importance of creative vocabulary

Module 4

Discover the properties of low-fire ceramics and learn how to design objects that add value to everyday life

18 lessons (2h 27m)

You will see that in my work there are a series of elements that are repeated, and it is that for me it is essential to have a creative vocabulary. In this lesson I will explain to you why I believe that developing your own vocabulary will help you focus and stimulate your imagination.

What is low temperature ceramics?

In this lesson I am going to talk to you about the characteristics of low-temperature ceramics. We will also see what the difference is from high temperature ceramics.

Uses of low temperature ceramics

Next, we are going to see the different uses of the star material of our course, in which its porosity is used.

Self-irrigation and capillarity irrigation pieces

Now I am going to explain to you where the self-irrigation pieces come from and how capillarity irrigation works.

Materials

Before getting down to work, in this lesson I am going to show you the materials that we are going to need to carry out our self-watering pieces and why you can substitute them if you cannot find them.

References and pot design

In this lesson we are going to delve into the characteristics of irrigation pots by looking at a specific example. I will also tell you about how its design has to be so that it works perfectly.

Pot making

Next, it's time to make a self-watering pot/bottle. We will do this using the pinch technique, a simple technique that has a long history.

The lid of the pot

As we already have the self-watering cone ready with the work we have done in the previous lesson, now we are going to make the lid to finish the pot.

Pot design

Let's do it! In this lesson I am going to talk to you about the design of the self-watering pot and how you can customize it so that your piece is unique.

Plate preparation and cutting

Next, we are going to prepare our clay plates. Next, we'll use our template to cut out all the pieces we'll need to assemble the self-watering pot.

After preparing the plates, it is time to make the tray for the self-watering pot. In this lesson I will explain how to do it.

The pot saucer

The pot body

Now we are going to assemble the body of the pot. This is the most complicated part of the whole process, but you will see what an illusion it will give you when the pot is finished!

17m

The water reserve

As the body of the pot is already ready, in this lesson we are going to see step by step how to place the water reservoir.

10m

The lid of the pot

The pot is almost ready, so in this lesson I will explain how to make the lid. Go for it!

Finishes and decoration

In this lesson I am going to teach you how to polish the pieces for a better finish and how to apply the slip to work on their decoration.

17m

Tips for cooking and transportation

In order to finish your pieces, you will need to take them twice to be fired at a pottery studio. In this lesson I am going to explain how to find a pottery studio where you can fire your pieces and how to safely transport them there.

Enamel of the piece

In this lesson I will teach you step by step how to glaze your pieces, once they are already bisque.

Tips to optimize self-watering

Finally, I am going to teach you how to optimize your self-watering system. This will allow it to last a long time and your plants to hold up perfectly while you are away from home on vacation.

Module 5

Create a wide variety of effects and colors on your ceramic pieces through the possibilities of marbling

14 lessons (1h 2m)

Identification of Each Material and Tool

Now I am going to teach you each of the tools that you will need for the course, in addition, I will explain their usefulness and when you will use them.

Clay Coloring and Kneading Technique

Ceramic is not only art and science, but also body. It is important that you know that it is your body, posture and breathing that will help you to relate in an appropriate way with the material throughout the process. Finally, I will teach you the kneading technique, the great importance of this first contact with the material and the coloring of the clays. Ready to dive into the process?

2 Color Marbling

Now let's marbling! In this lesson I am going to teach you the technique of marbling in two colors, also applying the kneading technique. You will learn how to make a plate, which will help you make your sample book and later have options for your final project. In ceramics there is always the surprise factor. You can be in control of marbling to some degree, but the shapes that come out and the design will always amaze you. Let yourself be carried away with the shapes that your own design proposes.

3 Color Marbling

You will learn the technique of marbling in three colors, inserting the colored clay sheets and kneading. You will repeat the ironing technique, to continue assembling your sample book. Remember to take note of the steps you are doing, so later you will have a record in case you want to replicate it.

Coarse Vein Marbling

Now I will teach you the marbling technique to obtain thick veins based on the kneading.

Marbling of Fine Veins

Now I will teach you the technique to obtain thin streaks based on the kneading again.

Development of Our Sample

We arrived at the sample book! Here I will show you how to make your own sample book with all the plates of your colored marbling and different effects. With this you can have a better overview of which effect and color to choose to develop your final project.

Preparation of Our Clays

In this lesson you will replicate the sample that you liked the most, increasing the amounts to create the colored clays and marbling for your final project. [textbox type=alert]It is very important that the color remains homogeneous in the clay, so you must give it time to knead it. Remember your breathing and posture, the strength should not be in the hands, arms and shoulders, but in the whole body that leans forward.[/textbox]

Plate Technique

You will develop the plate from which the three pieces for your project will come out. Focus on your breathing and posture, as here you will need extra time to stretch.

Matrix Technique for Each Piece

Get your paper, scissors and compass ready! You will learn how to make the matrices of the parts of each of your pieces. It will be a process very similar to that carried out by tailors, seamstresses or dressmakers.

Cylinder Construction

Give this collection your unique stamp. Give your personality to the finishes: the shape of the edges, the handle, the peak, you can even deform the pieces a little, carve some part, add elements in high relief, etc. Try to generate everything that expresses that this collection has your signature.

Mug Construction

I will teach you how to build a mug. You will learn how to use the same process as with the bowl, but now increasing the handle. Remember that the shape of the handle can be personalized, it is important to take into account not only the shape that you like the most, but also that it is comfortable for its function.

Jug Construction

I will teach you how to assemble the jug, using the same technique as with the cup, only now you will increase the spout.

Final Result Analysis

You will see how my pieces were, in addition, I will give you some recommendations that will be of great help.

Module 6

Design pots adapted to a plant's shape and needs and make a mold to create them

14 lessons (1h 50m)

What you need to know about plants

In this lesson I will show you the needs and sizes of the pots according to each type of plant.

Types of materials to make pots

Do you know the different types of materials with which you can create a flower pot? Do you know what the advantages and disadvantages of each are? Don't worry if you don't know, here I will tell you everything you need to know to answer these questions.

Tools and materials for each process

Next I will present the materials that we will use for each process, it is necessary that you take them into account so that when the time comes to use them, you have them ready.

Do you want to know what I do to organize my ideas? I will explain a creative technique that helps me a lot to create the visual universe of each design that I am going to start. Are you ready?

Mood board

Ox kneading technique

There are different kneading techniques, the one that best suits me is the “ox” head, named for the way it is perceived at the time of kneading. However, the idea is to form a homogeneous malleable mass by mixing the clay, subjecting it to constant manipulation until it has enough plasticity to be worked. I will show you the kneading technique with the aim of eliminating bubbles and avoiding accidents in the oven.

Manual construction with pinching

Once the material is kneaded and ready, I will show you a technique that I use to build my designs. The pinching technique, which I use to create simple shapes, not so big. I will explain what it consists of and how to make it so that the outer part is perfect.

Once we have built our base model, it must be in a leather condition, perhaps a little harder so that it does not become deformed by the weight of the plaster. Having it ready, here I show you the technique I use for some examples of different molds that I have built. According to the complexity of the base model, the number of parts required to make a replica is defined.

Process to make a mold 1

During this second part, I give you some tips so that you can finish making your mold. Remember that everything will depend on the shape of your model, if yours is circular like mine you can do it as I show you in the lesson, but here I give you some tips so you can do it. Be patient a mold can take time, but it will be very useful to have it.

Process to make a mold 2

10m

Casting and polishing

To start this unit and lesson, I'll show you how to get your wall thick enough. You will learn how to identify when your mold is stiff enough, so you can unmold it safely.

Textures

Once we have our first cast and it is in a leather state, we can polish it and add textures or elements to give it personality. Here, I will show you how to achieve it. I will show you how while we meet our base model again and have the opportunity to play with it and integrate material, we can achieve it as we envision it.

Decoration with low enamels

Here you will see how once the piece is dry, you can polish and draw on it with low enamels. Remember that to carry out this lesson it will be important to consider that the enamels you buy must say under enamels cone 5-6, since these are enamels for high temperature burning.

Packaging

In this lesson you will learn how to pack your piece in the bone state to take it to the oven. The first burning is called sancocho, bisque or sponge cake, it is a preliminary burning at a low temperature of 800 degrees. This will help you to harden the pieces before they are glazed and this allows them to be prepared to be glazed.

Traditional glazing process

In this lesson, I will teach you what a traditional glaze is and how is the process to do the glaze by immersion with some color variants.

Transplant Considerations

Now I will explain some considerations that you must take into account when transplanting the selected plant to its new home and with this, complement your piece.

Module 7

Learn slab building, carving, and stamping techniques to create functional ceramic pieces with custom handmade textures

13 lessons (3h 11m)

Tools and Materials

Let's first take a look at the materials and tools you will need to make your slab-built project.

Making Texture Tools Out of Non-clay Objects

In this lesson, I will show you how to make textures with handmade cutouts. Think about what inspires you and what you love. How can you use these techniques to create cutouts based on your interests?

15m

Learning about Repeated Patterns with Clay Stamps

Now, we will explore repeating shapes. We will look at the versatility of five basic shapes, and you will learn how to create your own unique patterns using these shapes.

19m

Making Clay Stamps

Next, I want to show you how to carve clay stamps. The advantage of clay stamps is the detail you can achieve and the ability to smooth an area and start again!

Rolling and Cutting the Slab for the Mug

In this lesson, you will learn how to roll the perfect clay slab with simple tools and how to cut and prepare the slab for the best results.

Playing with the Stamps for Different Patterns

Here, you will see how just a few stamps of various shapes can create an endless variety of patterns. Through trial and error and creative play, we will explore patterns in preparation for the final mug.

Texturing the Slab for the Mug

After exploring some patterns, I will start working on my mug. I will show you how I texture and cut my slab prior to building the form.

Joining the Slab and Adding Volume

In this lesson, you will learn how to form and join your slab to make a cylinder. You will then learn how to flare and stretch the cylinder to add volume and alter the profile of the form.

Once the cylinder is formed, we will add the bottom. For my mug, I will make a flared bottom, but you can use the same technique to make a flat bottom. Just place the circular base slab on a non-stick flat surface and then attach it in the same way.

Adding the Bottom

Refinements and Making a Handle

The mug isn't quite finished! Let's make sure it's circular and refined. In this lesson, you will learn different ways to make handles and how to attach your favourite to your pot.

To show you how to wax and glaze your mug and prepare it for the final firing, I will use my already bisque-fired mug. But first, let me tell you a bit about the firing process.

Glazing and Firing

13m

Creating Other Mug Forms 1

In this lesson, you will learn some supplemental techniques to help you design your own mug form. I will demonstrate three different mug shapes.