Check out these DIY ceramic spoons. They are so pretty because I used red clay.
I have been working with ceramics for many years now, and there is one thing I always dread… Excess clay! Because it goes in a bucket, and then I have to reclaim it, which is a very lengthy process!
I’m always looking for easy, creative things to make with my leftover clay so I don’t have to go through all that.
Video tutorial for diy ceramic spoons
DIY Ceramic Spoons
I’ve seen ceramic spoons online and decided to give it a try. I went the super easy route, I used wood spoons as the templates! They worked absolutely perfect.
This project is nice if you are a beginner because you can make the basic shape of the spoon, and then add whatever other clay embellishments you would like.
Keep in mind these are very lightweight and not meant to dig into something heavy like frozen ice cream. They will definitely break. Instead use them to stir up a magical concoction with style!
Supplies:
– Low fire terra cotta clay
– Rolling pin or slab roller, two yard sticks
– Wooden spoons
– Cutting tool (e.g., clay knife or craft knife)
– Smoothing tools (e.g., rib, sponge)
– Kiln
– Clear dipping glaze (I used Mayco)
– Brushes or dipping tongs
Steps:
– Clean your work surface to ensure no dust or debris will affect the clay. Line your work table with canvas or poster board or cardboard.
– Gather all your tools and materials.
– Cut a portion of the low fire terra cotta clay.
– Use a rolling pin or slab roller to roll out the clay to a uniform thickness of 1/4 inch. If using a rolling pin, place guides (like yard sticks/rulers or wooden slats) on either side to maintain an even thickness.
– Place a wooden spoon onto the rolled-out clay to use as a template.
– Using a craft knife, carefully trace around the wooden spoon, leaving a small margin for adjustment.
– Repeat this step for as many spoons as you wish to make.
– Gently lift the clay spoon cut-outs and place them over the wooden spoons, pressing lightly to form the bowl and handle shape.
– Smooth out any rough edges or seams with your fingers or a smoothing tool. Use a tool to remove some of the area of the spoon.
– A damp sponge or smoothing tool is good to refine the surface and edges of the clay spoons.
– Make sure there are no sharp edges or cracks. Add any embellishments you’d like. Rest them on a small structure if you want the handles to have a raised look.
– Allow the spoons to dry slowly to leather-hard stage. This may take a day or more depending on the humidity and temperature.
– Once leather-hard, you can further refine the shape and smoothness with tools and sponges.
First fire – Cone 04
– Place the dried spoons in the kiln. At this stage, it is fine if they touch eachother. You can stack them.
– Fire the kiln to cone 04. Follow your kiln’s specific firing schedule for best results.
– Allow the kiln to cool completely before removing the spoons.
– Once bisque-fired, dip the spoons in clear glaze or apply the glaze using a brush.
– Ensure an even coating of glaze, avoiding any drips or excess buildup.
Second fire – Cone 06
– Place the glazed spoons back in the kiln. Use stilts so the spoons won’t fuse to the kiln shelf.
– Fire the kiln to cone 06. Again, follow your kiln’s specific firing schedule.
– Allow the kiln to cool completely before handling the finished spoons.
– Inspect the finished spoons for any imperfections or glaze issues.
– Clean and smooth any rough spots gently with a fine grit sandpaper or sponge if necessary.
Ideas for using your DIY ceramic spoons:
– Use the ceramic spoons to stir tea, coffee, or other hot beverages. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to handle and adds a touch of elegance to your
– Perfect for serving condiments like sugar, honey, jam, or dips. They add a decorative touch to your dining table.
– Arrange the ceramic spoons in a decorative jar or hang them on a wall-mounted rack as part of your kitchen decor.
– Use the spoons as measuring tools for dry ingredients when cooking or baking. Assign different sizes to different measurements (e.g., teaspoon, tablespoon).
– Use the spoons to mix small amounts of paint, glue, or other craft materials. They can also be used for scooping beads or other small crafting supplies.
– Ideal for scooping and mixing DIY beauty treatments like facial masks, scrubs, or bath salts. Their lightweight design makes them easy to handle.
– Use the ceramic spoons as a unique way to serve bite-sized appetizers or amuse-bouches at parties or gatherings.
– Include the spoons as part of a homemade gift set, such as pairing them with a jar of homemade jam, a bottle of artisanal honey, or a bag of loose-leaf tea
– Use the spoons to scoop and measure small amounts of fertilizer, soil, or plant food for indoor or container plants.
– Perfect for holding small pieces of jewelry like rings, earrings, or beads on a vanity or dresser.
– Incorporate the spoons into your table settings as part of a rustic or handmade-themed decor. They can hold small sprigs of herbs, salt, or spices as a charming touch.
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I love the spoons, I’ve never worked with a kiln is that the only way to make these???
You could also use air-dry clay but it would not be food safe…