How to Make an Illustrated Ceramic Bowl

Materials and Tools:

red earthenware clay
woodworking tool
sponge
water
water buffalo horn
kiln
white underglaze
paintbrushes
No. 2 pencil
underglaze pencils
clear food-safe glaze
clay-cutting wire
paddle

Steps:

1. Wedge the clay until it's soft. Shape the clay into a ball. Holding the ball in your left hand, plunge your right thumb into the center of the ball. Use the fingers and thumb of your right hand to form a pot by pinching the clay around the edges. Set it aside to dry for about four hours.

2. Smooth the outside of the pot with a paddle. Using a water buffalo horn, burnish the pot so that it's shiny and smooth inside and out.

3. Trim the edges of the bowl with a craft knife.

4. Shave the edges with a woodworking tool.

5. Smooth the bowl with a wet sponge.

6. Apply eight coats of white underglaze to the inside of the bowl. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

7. Draw an image onto the pot with a  No. 2 pencil. Fill in the design with underglaze pencils. Smudge the lines for a softer look.

8. Bisque-fire the bowl at 1,888 degrees for about 7½ hours.

9. Apply a clear food-safe glaze and glaze-fire the piece at 1,950 degrees for about 7½ hours.