HOW TO MAKE A LUMINARY

Simplicity... the little things in life are often the ones that stand out most. The same is true when it comes to pottery.  No need to go big, just put a luminary on the table and see what happens.

You don't have a luminary? Why not? You'll be surprised how easy they are to make, and how many orders you get, just by having one on the table.

Ready to light up your table? Grab some clay and head to your studio, we're going to teach you how!There are so many ways to make a luminary. Let's go over a couple here, then let your imagination run wild, and see where it takes you. The possibilities are limitless. Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I often use my "flops" since they didn't turn out the way I had planned.

Wheel Thrown

• Throw a pot whatever size and shape you like. Make sure the opening will accommodate the candle or tea light you plan to use.
• Set it aside until it is leather hard.
• Trim the bottom and put your stamp on it (if you mark your pots.)
• Come up with a design plan. Using your creative mind, stamps or a stencil, lightly draw that design on the body of your pot. I use a dull pencil, or a round tip tool.
• Now, using a scalpel, knife or razor tool, cut out the designs.
• Soften the edges of your cut out with a damp sponge, or your finger, both inside and out.
• Set your pot aside and let it dry to the "bone dry" state. Remember to flip it upside down to let the bottom dry as well.
• 
• Bisque fire, then glaze and fire in your choice of color.
• Light your candle, place it inside the pot, and enjoy!

Hand-Built (these are the fun ones!)

• Roll out a slab of clay, roughly 1/4" thick, and lightly mark your luminary shape on the clay.
• Using a stencil, template or your imagination, trace or impress your design on the slab. It's easiest to do this while it's still laying down.
• Allow the clay to firm up a little, soft leather hard, then stand it up and shape your form. Now cut out the designs and soften the edges.
• Place the form on a slab large enough to cover the bottom. Trace your form and cut it out.
• Score/slip both pieces and attach the bottom. Clean the join with a sponge or your finger.
• When it's bone dry, bisque fire, then glaze and fire in your choice of color.
• Add your candle and enjoy the ambiance!

Note: Light is most visible, above the top of the candle, so plan your piece accordingly.

Look for more great ideas in the "How-to's" page on our website.

Do you have an idea or project you'd like to share, or would you like to try your hand at writing an article for us? Shoot us an e-mail at bcscommunity@bigceramicstore.com