How to Make a Ceramic Magnet

Materials and Tools:

cone 10 white ceramic clay
ball
small button magnets
2-part epoxy
handmade clay stamp
electric kiln
clay carving tools
ocher
water
mixing container

Steps:

1. To make your own clay stamp, flatten a piece of clay and carve the desired design into it. Let the clay dry for two to three hours. Fire the stamp in the kiln to harden the clay for long-term use.

2. To make the clay magnet, cut off a piece of clay and roll it on a ball.

3. Flatten the clay into a pancake with your hands.

4. Use the stamp you made to imprint the design into the clay. The clay won't stick to the dry/fired stamp.

5. Trim away excess clay on the edges.

6. Let the clay dry for a few hours.

7. Bisque-fire the ceramic magnet in the kiln. Make several pieces at a time to save energy, and stack them several high to save space in the kiln. Remove when cool.

8. Dip the magnet into ocher stain (ocher mixed with water).

9. Fire the ceramic piece again. Let it cool.

10. Mix two-part epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions.

11. Apply the epoxy to the back of a button magnet, and affix it to the back of the clay piece. Let dry.