Ceramic Photo Holders



I am on the "Birthday Committee" at school, which means that I am in charge of handing out cards and a small gift to each staff member on their special day. When others are on the committee we usually get a candy bar or small token (which is nice, don't get me wrong!) But, when I am on the committee, I like to make something a little more special. Two years ago, I made sets of magnets, which I really need to blog about......... but I digress. On to the project.

You'll need clay, texture mats, a knife (mine is a cheapo lettuce knife from the Dollar Store), glazes, kiln, etc.


This photo shows a Mayco texture mat, the clay I use Amaco #25 White Art Clay, and the knife.





I cut the clay into cubes, approximately 2" X 2" X 3". Smooth the edges.






Next, place the texture mat on the sides of the clay.





Use a rolling pin to press the design into the clay. Repeat on all sides.






Use the knife to make a slice in the clay, going to approximately 3/4 down. Make sure the slice is large enough to slide a card or photo in and allow for some shrinkage of the clay.




Smooth the edges and remove any bits of clay that are hanging on the edge.




Here is a finished piece, waiting to be fired. Be sure to allow ample time for them to completely dry before firing. I waited a full week.






After bisque firing, glaze as desired. I used Mayco Crystalites and Amaco Crystaltex glazes.



We added a poem inside each card that reads:


This little gift today

holds a card filled with

Birthday glee,


And later may hold

a photo for all to see!



And here is the finished product all ready to go to its new owner.

The feedback has been wonderful so far!

Comments

  1. ChristinaSeptember 23, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    This is a really great project and I would really appreciate it if it were given to me. Unfortunately, I don't have a kiln, so I can't make the photo holder, but I love the owl (card?) in the holder. Can you give me any info on how that was put together, please? It is SUPER cute!!! Thanks, Chrisitna

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hope Hunter KnightSeptember 23, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    This is a great idea for using up leftover clay scraps! Thanks so much for sharing - I see many of these in my future.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Denise Pannell (mrspicasso)September 23, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    The owl card is a print of one of my mixed media pieces that I made on canvas. I used acrylics, scrapbooking paper, and various techniques to make it.

    Thank you for your comments!

    ReplyDelete
  4. MissSeptember 24, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    what a great gift idea- pretty and useful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anne FarrellSeptember 25, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    Cute! I saw a teacher who makes these for all her students, can you imagine that??
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/eliwill/5084545092/in/faves-42638903@N07/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Denise Pannell (mrspicasso)May 31, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    I CAN imagine & I just may have to steal that idea!!

    Denise

    ReplyDelete

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