Introduction: VALENTINE NIGHT-LIGHT
A different type of Valentine for the one you love...
A ceramic night light.
Step 1:
Step 2: Supplies
Clay
rolling on
4X16 template
Large yogurt container
clay cutting tool
clay sponge
underglazes
paintbrushes
glaze
glue
nightlight insert
bulb small wood discs
Starbucks straw access to a kiln
*****If you dont have access to a kiln and ceramic supplies this project can be done using air dry clay and acrylic paints.
Step 3: Supplies
I purchased my night light insert from National Art Craft , you can find them on line. I also use these little wooden discs to lift the base of the nightlight so the cord has room.
Step 4: Making the Base of the Night-Light
Roll the clay large enough to fit your 4X16" template
Step 5:
cut clay
Step 6: Starbucks Straw
I use the big fat starbucks straw to make several holes in my clay to eventually let the light escape.
Step 7:
Step 8: Cylinder
carefully roll the clay slab into a cylinder
Step 9:
fold in approx. 2" when making cylinder
Step 10: Bottom
roll clay large enough to fit the cylinder then cut away excess clay leaving about 1/2 inch extra
Step 11: Attach Base
remove extra clay. then reach inside base with one hand and carefully put pressure along the bottom edge of the piece while pushing the clay on the outside to meet the
cylinder. It is important to have your hand inside. if not you will crush your pot.
Step 12:
Step 13: Glue Stick
Once the bottom is on grab a
glue stick (or anything that you can punch out a hole in the bottom, about the size of a quarter)... to eventually use to insert the night light fixture.
Step 14: Top
roll your clay large enough to fit the top of the large Yogurt container. cut around the top
Step 15: Let Dry
Place the night light base a lid on a board to dry
Step 16: Clean the Edges
When the clay begins to harden or get leathery, use a wet sponge to clean up and smooth the edges of the base and lid.
Step 17: Figurine on Lid
Begin to create your decoration for the top of the nightlight. I wanted to make a whimsical figure so I started by hand building the bottom of the body.
Step 18:
now my little character is standing
Step 19: Head
B
Next I went to work on the head. I made the face (Eyes, nose, mouth)
Step 20: Attaching the Head
In order to attach the head I score the clay, scoring is
done by putting tiny scratches into the clay piece.
Step 21: Slip
next cover the scor marks with slip, slip is just very wet clay. Add water to the clay dust and make a paste. when I am working with my kids I refer to the slip as clay glue because that is what it does, it glues your pieces together. If you dont use the slip as your piece dries the clay will shrink and the pieces will break apart.
Step 22:
I made more pieces with the clay....arms, a hat, a flower, and a heart
Step 23:
Using the scoring and slip technique I assembled the figure
Step 24:
Step 25: Arms
Step 26:
allow plenty of time for the clay to dry, then fir it to a bisque.
Step 27: Underglaze
paint your bisque pieces with underglazes.
Step 28: Glaze
glaze all your pieces of the night light. I use this crazy green colored glaze made by Duncan. It fires clear...... I like to use it with my kids because it is so obvious if they miss a spot while applying the glaze.
Step 29: Glaze
assemble the night light before firing. The glaze will act like glue in the kiln and the pieces will be attached when done.
Step 30: Assemble
when fired, insert the night light fixture into the hole in the bottom of the base
Step 31: Wooden Discs
glue the wooden disks o the bottom of the night light to raise it up a bit to allow space for the electrical cord
Step 32: Finish
Step 33: More Ideas
more night lights...gifts for all occasions!
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Participated in the
Valentine's Day Contest