The Process and Materials

Quality takes time, 30 days to be exact. All ornaments are made from Ceramic Porcelain Clay. Compared to other types of clay, Porcelain has a refined look that is also durable. Aditionally, the ornaments are glazed NOT painted. Glaze is a thin coat of fused glass. It's not going to rub off. Due to the choice in materials, the ornaments have to be fired twice in the Kiln to over 1900 °F. Read on to see what your ornament will be doing for the next 30 days and more information on the different types of clay and why our items are only made from porcelain clay.

The Process

  • Design

    All ornaments are designed and then stamps 3D printed. Most names will also be 3D printed

  • Handmade

    • Day 1 - Order recieved
    • Day 2 - Item made
    • Day 3 to 9 - Clay fully dried
    • Day 10 to 17 - First fire to 1900 °F.

  • Glazing

    • Day 18 to 19 - Item glazed (painted with powdered glass)
    • Day 20 - 29 - Second fire to 2200 °F to melt glaze.

  • Finishing Touches

    • Day 30 - Final touches and packaging

The Materials

Glaze

Glaze is powdered glass that is painted onto the surface of ceramics. It is then fired to fuse the glass together making a water resistant surface that can't rub off. What cool about glaze it can go on black and turn out blue as the temperature changes the color.

Clay

Only Ceramic Porcelain clay is used to make Bespoke Tradition Items.

The word Clay is used for both Ceramic Clay and Polymer clay.

Ceramic Clay is a mixture of earth minerals, clay and water.

Polymer Clay is a man-made synthetic clay which is essentially, plastic.

These are 2 VERY different materials.

Types of Clay

  • Polymer Clay

    Polymer clay is also known as Oven Bake and Air Dry clay. It is a man-made synthetic clay which is essentially, plastic. Its great for art projects and jewlery making. You can make ornaments out of polymer clay but can be broken in half by hand (with effort). Great for a farm house look.

    I often use Polymer clay for the design process.

  • Ceramic Clay - Low Fire

    Low Fire clay is also known as Earthenware. It is heavy and usually red or brown. Earthenware is porous and less durable.

    Fun Fact: Greek and Roman pottery are Earthenware

  • Ceramic Clay - Medium Fire

    Medium fire clay is known as Stoneware. Some porcelain clay is fired at mid fire temperatures, but most medium fire clay is stoneware. Stoneware is less porous, more durable, and lighter color than earthenware but it is not as elegant and delicate as porcelain. Stoneware is an excellent choice for everyday dishes and Items.

  • Ceramic Clay - High Fire

    High fire clay is usually called Porcelain but some stoneware clay is High Fire. High fire clay is very durable due to the high firing temperature that vitrifies the clay making it non-porous. It is also white and can be semi-transparent.