Get Our Weekly Ceramics Newsletter

Now that’s what you call a mold!

Video not working for you? Try this link instead: https://www.facebook.com/the.ceramic.school/videos/1309194682534212/

Now that’s what you call a mold! This comes to us courtesy of Jeff Campana’s studio. Have you ever had to make a mold this massive? Let us know in the comments below!

And follow www.instagram.com/jeffcampana for more!

What is a mold?

Hey there, pottery pals! Today, let’s get moldy (in a good way)!

Ceramic molds are like the secret best friends of potters. They’re super helpful for making a bunch of identical pottery pieces, like bowls, plates, or even fancy-schmancy teacups. They also save loads of time compared to making things by hand. Can you say, “pottery efficiency”?

Now, you might be wondering, “How are these molds made?” Great question! First, a model of the piece is made, usually from clay or plaster. Then, a mold is created around the model by using a special mixture called “slip.” Once the slip dries up, it’s carefully removed, and voilà! We’ve got ourselves a ceramic mold. It’s like making a super-cool pottery puzzle!

But hold on, there’s more! Once our mold is ready, it’s time for the real fun to begin. Slip is poured into the mold, filling it up to the brim. The mold then sits for a while, like it’s having a little pottery spa day. As time goes by, the water in the slip is absorbed by the mold, leaving a layer of clay behind. This layer will eventually become our pottery piece. Hooray!

After the right thickness is achieved, the excess slip is poured out, and the mold is set aside to dry. Once it’s dry, the mold is carefully opened, and out comes the pottery piece! It’s like a pottery surprise party every time!

So, there you have it, my pottery pals! Ceramic molds are super useful and fun for creating identical pottery pieces. They’re like the unsung heroes of the ceramics world. Now, go forth and make some mold-tastic pottery! Just, maybe don’t start out with something this size…

Responses

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

On Trend

Featured Ceramic Articles

Air Dry Clay Club

Sleepy bear wall hanger

Decorating a nursery is such a fun experience, and handmade pieces add that personal touch you just can’t get from store-bought items. One adorable idea

Advanced Ceramics

Raku Firing with Andrew Cummins

Andrew Cummins discusses the ancient art of pottery making, with an emphasis on raku firing. “Raku” is a Japanese term which roughly translates to “happy

Become a Better Potter

Unlock Your Pottery Potential with Unlimited Access to our Online Ceramics Workshops Today!

Enter your username and password to log into your account