How to Make Ceramic Ornaments Out of Clay Using Cookie Cutters

In this video, I show how I make ornaments out of clay using cookie cutters. I also show I decorate them using under glazes. It's a lot of fun! If you haven't tried this... you should!
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[@anniematheson426]

Underglaze doesn’t stick to kiln shelves? I’m still learning!

[@jackiehopkins6476]

When you glaz these pieces do you only glaze the top

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Yes. Because I fire them flat. If you want to glaze both sides do you need to fire them a different way so that they are either on stilts or on some kind of hanging mechanism. I make too many of these to do either of those options

[@susandale3633]

The plastic wrap idea is great, I've been struggling with a wolf cookie cutter and the legs don't want to release cleanly. This will make it so much easier. Thanks!

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Cool! Hope it works for you!

[@erikaharding4039]

Thanx for the reply! Another question.. I’m making stars to hang on a Christmas tree..I would like to glaze back and front ..would I need to suspend the stars somehow in the kiln? Maybe some kind of a bead support system? I’ll be firing up to 1260... for porcelain.... but in suspending them would they distort at such a high temperature? So many Qs and not enough time! ! !

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Never enough time! 🤣 Google bead rack. I got one at theceramicshop.com that I use for spoons. The nichrome wire goes to cone 10. I would just be careful how heavy you make the pieces because the wire can bend. If you are on either Instagram or Facebook you can look for me there and in my feed you will see how I used a bead rack for spoons. Hope that helps!

[@pyopbahamas3919]

Hello, I love your videos! Did I hear correctly that I can put underglaze on the bottom of greenware- no stilting and the piece will not stick to the shelf?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Thank you! I use Amaco velvet underglazes and I don't have any sticking with them. I have heard that there is no issue with Speedball either but I have not tried it myself. Depending on which underglaze you use you might need to test. Sometimes the underglaze will leave a little impression on the shelf but it doesn't stick.

[@jaspots]

I love this process, fun to let my Grandkids paint and give to teachers and friends. Just a hint, I sometimes use a drinking straw or a coffee stirring straw from the store. They make very uniform holes.

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Using a straw is a great idea! I will have to try it!

[@katharinewilson6677]

For the squeeze bottles, when not in use, I place a length of old wire tool wire (After the wire starts to fray i cut the wire into lengths for this purpose), all the way through the tip in an attempt to keep it from becoming clogged with underglaze. Even with this precaution, I do end up with clogged tips (Especially in the classroom). I usually soak the clogged tips in boiling water and then try to slide wire through, jiggling it around to loosen the dried underglaze. I also have some extra fine beading needles to use for the smaller gage tips. I am wondering, if you have this issue, what your technique is for cleaning clogged tips?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

That just happened to me for the first time! I tried soaking the tip (though not in hot water) and that didn't help. Then I found a wire I had from beading and it was the perfect size to clear the tip. sounds like we are using the same method. I will try hot water the next time it happens.

[@katharinewilson6677]

Thanks for your reply! I haven't found soaking the tips in hot water as across the board helpful as I had hoped, but worth the try because it does help with some (I teach at the high school level and usually save a bunch to de-clog all together).

[@sandrakelly8357]

Thank you for the great video. I have never used underglaze. You said it does NOT stick to thr kiln shelf? That would be nice to glaze the back side if that is the case.

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Correct - it does not stick to the shelf. But... it can stick to another one. so don't pile them up when you bisque fire them. lay them out flat. Definitely try under glazes. They are fun to use! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@sandraludwig1546]

Really like this! Years ago, I made dove shaped ornaments. I remember using wax on the back of them. Where did you get that great rolling pin?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Thank you! The rolling pin is from www.webstaurantstore.com. It is a great rolling pin! Dove shaped ornaments sound really nice!

[@notebookluvr]

So if I wanted to add texture to it, what part of the process would I do that? Like use a texture mat to add a sweater knit texture. I'm assuming you would do that before you cut, but then the plastic wrap would mess up the texture.

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Correct on adding the texture first. The plastic wrap does not mess up the texture. You don't need to press it down just lay it over.

[@babasheeny7023]

I use narrow end of chopstick to make the hole.....no rough edge.....leaving it flat on table while doing it.

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I will have to try that!

[@violetcarson5532]

Beautiful ornaments, can you use ceramic glaze on them after you paint them then kiln them?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Violet Carson thank you! Yes. I put a clear glaze on them. But you could use any glaze you like.

[@violetcarson5532]

Andrea Akerib Pottery Your welcome. Thank you for your reply. Blessings and Light sister 😃

[@pamturman2128]

Do you thin the underglaze? It seems to thick to me.

[@andreaakeribpottery]

It depends on how I am using it. If I want a water colors like effect I will thin it out. But if I want it to not be transparent I leave it as is. If you feel that you're under glaze is too thick you might wanna test it 1st before using it on something you really like.

[@bluemermaid915]

Thanks for your video. I enjoyed watching it. I wanted to know if I can use embossed molds to get a different look to my ornaments? I wanted to make a different style ornament.

[@andreaakeribpottery]

BlueMermaid67 I have never done that but I'm sure that you can! I think it's really whatever you want to do and this is just the way I've done it. 😊 there are no rules! Give it a try. And I am glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@enyc14]

What kind of clay do you use? Are you putting these in a kiln or air drying?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I use clay that needs to be fired in a kiln to about 2200 degrees. I have never used air dry clay but I would guess it would work.

[@marinandiaz]

At 6:44 you say that the ornaments have been sitting between two boards for an hour, what do you mean by that? Was there a board underneath and one on top of the ornaments, or were there two separate boards drying out the ornamnets. Thanks!

[@marinandiaz]

Also, why not underglaze when they are bone dry? Is the period right before they are bone dry best for underglazing?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

@@marinandiaz the boards I am using are made from a big sheet of drywall. To help dry the ornaments and keep them from warping I place them on one board and put another one on top. So they are sandwiched between two boards. I have actually started to put the underglaze on bone dry because I like the way it dries so quickly. I think it is your choice and what works for you. Try leatherhard and bone dry and see which you like better.

[@catcon3997]

If you get a small piece of thin wood in whatever shape to use as the "press" over the cutters then you wouldn't hurt your hands. Some other options would be a small plate or one of those tiny plastic cutting boards, anything small and firm to use as the "press" over the cutter.

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Thanks for the suggestions! I now use a stiff rib. But I really like the idea of using a piece of wood. I will have to try that

[@reneenewberry9414]

I'm confused, so you don't bake it? also, what kind of clay?? thanks

[@andreaakeribpottery]

This is clay that is fired in an electric kiln to about 2200 degrees

[@storybell]

Is there a site where I can view finished pieces? I’m assuming (?) that the final firing is with clear glaze? Thanks. This video helped a lot!

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I have a website www.andreaakeribpottery.com with some of my work. I post current work on Facebook and Instagram. Just look for Andrea Akerib pottery. And yes I put a clear coat and then fire to cone 6. Glad you found the video helpful! 🙂

[@jeannenaber9781]

When you glaze fire these, how do you place them in the kiln? do you hang them or use a stilt?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I put under glaze on the back but no glaze so I place them directly on the shelf. The velvet underglazes I use from Amaco does not stick to the shelf. I don't know if that's true for all under glazes. I make too many to use stilts. 😁

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

Thanks for sharing I’m going to make these with my granddaughters!!!

[@andreaakeribpottery]

You are welcome. Have fun! 😁

[@paisleypeacock1001]

Great video. Thank you for sharing. Maybe use a clear stamping block to press them. Put nail polish or something on top of cookie cutters so you don't cut yourself?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Glad you enjoyed it! I have since started using a large yellow rib to press down with that and that has really helped. Interesting idea with the nail Polish. Might try that

[@Shyeena]

Ornaments have a back side? I never would consider that! All sides are front side!

[@andreaakeribpottery]

+Shieena Living Waters good point!

[@erikaharding4039]

How do you stack these in the kiln? On first firing and again how on second firing?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I stack them in little piles 3 or 4 high. Sometimes in a bowl or mug. For the glaze firing I don't glaze the backs so I just place them all around pots

[@lzrd8460]

Is there a difference between air-dry clay and paper clay?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Yes. I do not know much about air dry clay but I do not believe it needs to be fired in a kiln. Paper clay is clay has paper added to it. It needs to be fired in a kiln or it will be fragile. Hope that helps

[@rs5570]

1)Press cutters into clay, then 2) where to put hole. 16 minutes.

[@vivianmarra9048]

Use a rolling pin to press cookie cutter.

[@valkyriesardo278]

Put a small board, pot holder, or similar on top of the cookie cutter so you don't hurt your hands as much when you push down.

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Thanks for the suggestion! I started using a big yellow rib soon after making this video. 🙂

[@diananighswonger7227]

or you could use a piece of foam core glued on top of you cookie cutter if you were not going to make real cookies with them.

[@supertank4815]

What kind of clay did you use?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I think these were made with cone 10 scrap clay. I now use cone 6 porcelain

[@supertank4815]

@@andreaakeribpottery Thank you....

[@tamsynkontopoulos3873]

Hi, what surface are you using to roll your clay on please?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Tamsyn Kontopoulos i am using dry wall board. You can get it in big sheets at stores like Home Depot and then cut it into smaller pieces. Tape the edges because the inside is plaster. Eventually the paper on top wears off and the plaster shows through. At that point you should not use the board anymore. I use them for everything because they absorb moisture.

[@ReneeReseller]

Where did you get the thing to make the hole?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

Is a tool by Bill Van Gilder. If you Google him you will see where he sells it on his website.

[@monicab28]

It would have been nice to see what they look like when they’re done.

[@potteryisfun]

I'm trying to make my newer videos where I show finished work. I just figured it was more about showing the technique than what the finished work would look like. But if you go to my Instagram or Facebook you can find pictures of ornaments that I've done. I've changed my technique a little and that I'm now using porcelain so I don't need to cover the whole thing with an underglaze.

[@Veronica.John10-10]

use an oven mitt to press down to save your hands :)

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I have started using a stiff yellow rib to press down with. But the oven mitt sounds like a good idea too. Thanks!

[@BeingBeverly1]

Was that it? The painted design dries on its own?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

BeingBeverly once they're completely dry they are fired in an electric kiln to a temperature that leaves them still able to absorb moisture. Then they are dipped in a clear glaze and fired again to the temperature where the clay is matured and no longer absorbs water. The clear glaze is shiny and brightens up the colors that are underneath it. Let me know if that answers your question or if there's something more. 😃

[@BeingBeverly1]

Andrea Akerib Pottery It would of been nice to have seen them, maybe next time, thanks 😀

[@andreaakeribpottery]

BeingBeverly are you on Instagram or Facebook? If so look for andreaakeribpottery on either one of those and you'll see pictures that I posted of these finished ornaments. This video was from about a year ago so you might have to go back a bit.

[@BeingBeverly1]

Andrea Akerib Pottery Great, thanks!

[@ReneeReseller]

Do you bisque these?

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I dry them to bone or almost bone dry. Then I paint on underglaze. Bisque. Put on clear glaze and the fire to cone 6. Let me know if you have anymore questions! 🙂

[@beverleyjones4179]

Have you seen ultimatepapermache.com she make a paper clay that she has used for 10years

[@andreaakeribpottery]

I have not but I will look her up. Thanks!