You can use a larger or smaller piece depending on the size of plate you want to make.
You can use strips of any thickness, but a good place to start is 0. 2 inches (5. 1 mm). Don’t go thicker than 0. 5 inches (13 mm), as the plate will be very thick and heavy. You can find wooden sticks of varying thickness at your local hardware store. You can even use thick wooden rulers. Make sure both sides are the same thickness.
It helps to roll on canvas so you can easily lift the slab off the table. If you have one, you can use a slab roller, which is a large rolling press that makes an even slab of clay. If your clay is very wet, you should let it dry at this point until it’s about the consistency of leather.
A needle tool is a metal tool that has a needle tip on one end. You can trace any shape you want, not just paper plates.
Run your finger around the edge to smooth it. You don’t need to flatten out the edge completely. However, make the square edge not so sharp by simply applying pressure as you run your finger around the edge. [7] X Research source
You can use other molds for this purpose. For instance, you can place a piece of newspaper on the bottom part of a bowl to keep the clay from sticking then lay the plate over it to give it a curved finish.
Most clay studios have an area to wedge clay. When you’re done wedging, shape it into a rough ball by batting at the edges with your hands. Don’t fold the edges over, as that will create bubbles.
Centering the clay helps you get an even piece at the end. Finish with the clay close to the wheel in a hockey puck shape. Constantly add water with the sponge as the clay dries out. You want it to be very wet on the outside while you’re throwing.
You can use the heel of your hand to flatten it out if you prefer. Aim for a thickness of 0. 5 to 0. 75 inches (1. 3 to 1. 9 cm) for your disk. It should be perfectly round and flat. If you have trouble creating a flat, wide disk, try using something like a piece of PVC pipe. Just press it down gently into the clay as the wheel is spinning to widen your disk. [12] X Research source If your edge is uneven, grab your wooden knife tool. Trim the edge off by pressing the knife down into the clay just a little bit inside of the edge while the wheel is spinning. It will trim it off and make it even.
Pull the edge up by placing your thumb on one side of the edge and your finger on the other. Lightly pinch and lift to bring the edge up a little. Hold your fingers in place for a few seconds so that the edge can center itself as the wheel spins.
You can also add ribbing in the center with your fingers or a tool. Don’t forget to keep adding water as you spin.
You can use the outside edges of both hands to gently pick up the plate under the rim and move it to a wooden disk or another type of holder that it can dry on.
For a thrown plate, turn the plate upside down. Place foam underneath the center of the plate on the wheel to support it, though the edges should still touch the wheel. Center the plate on the wheel using the rings on the wheel, then press 4-6 small pieces of fresher clay around the edges in small balls to hold it in place. Turn the wheel on slowly and use a metal trimming tool with a rounded loop. Press the edge of the loop into the bottom of the plate as it spins, and you’ll trim off the excess clay. This is a way to make it thinner and lighter at the bottom. [16] X Research source
When the piece is completely dry, it won’t feel cool to the touch. If your kiln doesn’t have an automatic controller, you will need to use cones to measure the temperature. You place the cones in front of the window on the kiln and monitor them throughout the firing. When your kiln reaches the correct temperature, the firing cone, which is usually in the middle, bends over. [18] X Research source
You don’t need to add glaze. You can leave the plate as is if you prefer, though it will be porous. If you dip and glaze, it is better to wax the bottom so that glaze does not get onto the part that touches the kiln shelf. You need not wax it if you brush and glaze because you can control where exactly you are putting the glaze. If you use the brush, follow the manufacturer’s directions for the product you are using. You can use a soft bristle brush. Wait in between coats. Let it reach room temperature before applying another coat.
The best paints for plates are ones that you need to bake in the oven. That will help them set.
If your plates came directly from a store, you can just wipe them down with the alcohol. You don’t need to clean them ahead of time.
If you want, you can use a stencil to guide your design. For instance, use a stencil to spell out your initials or a holiday message. Hold the stencil in place with a bit of tape, then dab the paint on the stencil. You may need to do more than one coat. Alternatively, try color blocking. Use masking tape or washi tape to create a geometric design on the plate then paint solid colors between the lines. Make sure to remove the tape before the paint dries, or you may pull up the paint with the tape. Paint pens can make writing cursive and other lettering a bit easier.
Make sure to let the pieces cool in the oven before pulling them out.
