Paint a pot according to an existing design or create your own.
Pottery painting studios have popped up all over the country giving visitors, even those without art experience, an opportunity to decorate pieces of pottery. Studios usually display shelves full of bisque (a clay object that has already been fired once and is ready for glaze) and many colors of glazes, or paint, from which to choose. There is space to work, professional guidance and kiln firing, making this an activity to do alone, with a friend or with a group.
Instructions
1. Select a piece of bisque ware that you would like to paint. Usually each piece of bisque is priced differently. Select colors that you would like to use based on samples in the store. Don't make decisions based on what the paint looks like when it's wet; ceramic glazes appear lighter and paler when wet than they will be after having been fired in a kiln.
2. Wipe the piece with a damp sponge to remove dust.
3. Pour small amounts of glaze onto a palette, dip a clean damp brush into the glaze and begin painting your bisque. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second.
4. Apply a second coat of glaze on top of the first for more a solid-looking, bold color. Without a second coat, your piece will have a streaked, water-colored appearance. Allow this coat to dry.
5. Cover the entire piece with a coat of clear glaze. When this is dry, the piece will be stored on a rack or shelf until it's time for firing. Studio staff will fire your pottery in a kiln and it will be ready for you to pick up in a few days; times vary from one studio to another.
