The Items:

Each Custom Ordered Plaques shown was Individually hand-built by Ms. Lilian. No molds or patterns were used, other than photographs provided by the customer as a starting point.

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The Process:

Three to four layers of clay were added on to the initial 1/4" slab of moist low fire earthenware white clay.

The layers were cut and attached to develop a better illusion of depth (3 dimensions). The layers were also manipulated to add textures, details, and interest to the overall composition.

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Once the plaque was formed, it was allowed to dry slowly. This usually take 7 - 10 days.

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At this point, the plaque was "bisque fired" in an electric kiln, powered by solar energy produced by our solar panels installed on the roof. This firing took approximately 5 hours to reach the desired temperature of 1945ºF in which the clay became hard and the intended white bisque color.

 

It takes approximately 8 - 10 hours for the kiln to cool down slowly, to avoid stress cracks on the plaque.

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The plaque was then carefully painted, glazed, and fired again. This second firing usually only takes between 3 - 4 hours in order to reach the desired glazing temperature of 1828ºF in which the glazes becomes vitrified and bonded to the clay.

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All plaques come ready to hang with either a sawtooth hook on the back OR with decorative wire & beads as shown in some of the images below.

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The overall time for completion varies from project to project.