Many parents just want to let their kids go wild with paint on a piece of pottery, but still want it to look like there is method to the madness. So, we have compiled some ideas over the years on how to make things look that little bit better!
The first technique, and the most popular, is using stickers. These need to be stuck onto the white bisque before any paint is put on, we have stars and hearts to choose from. Once stuck down, two layers of paint are applied. The great part is, that even if the paint is applied crazily, in a mish mash of colours, once you peel off the stickers and the piece has been glazed and fired, you are left with white shapes in some sort of design. Masking tape can be used in the same way, to keep areas white for writing to be done, or to protect the base of the pottery (the bit you can’t get paint on). Masking tape can also be used to create great geometric designs, a really simple idea to do but it looks professional and is easy to keep relatively neat neat.
The first technique, and the most popular, is using stickers. These need to be stuck onto the white bisque before any paint is put on, we have stars and hearts to choose from. Once stuck down, two layers of paint are applied. The great part is, that even if the paint is applied crazily, in a mish mash of colours, once you peel off the stickers and the piece has been glazed and fired, you are left with white shapes in some sort of design. Masking tape can be used in the same way, to keep areas white for writing to be done, or to protect the base of the pottery (the bit you can’t get paint on). Masking tape can also be used to create great geometric designs, a really simple idea to do but it looks professional and is easy to keep relatively neat neat.
Another great technique is stencils with felt tip pens. The paint can run under the stencils if you try and apply the paint straight through the stencil, so our top tip is to place the stencil on the pottery bisque and draw the shape with a felt tip pen. All the child has to do then is to colour within the lines. The kiln gets so hot that the felt tip pen burns away and won’t be there once the product is glazed and fired. So depending on the child’s age, painting within the lines could be an easy way to have a nice simple design on your pottery.
But at the end of the day, the main thing is that your child has fun so let them go to town on their pottery!
But at the end of the day, the main thing is that your child has fun so let them go to town on their pottery!