This week's post is a brief description along with photos of how to stamp on ceramic bisque using our stamps. Not all of the stamps that we make will work but many will. Sweet Everlastings is our first set that was made for both ceramic bisque and paper arts.
First, if using the stamps for bisque, trim the outer edge of the stamp with small scissors to keep from shadowing. You will be "rocking and or rolling" the stamp slightly and sometimes this will cause shadowing, so trimming the round rubber edge is very helpful. The great thing about bisque is that you can wipe or scrape off imperfections and start again if necessary.
The photo above is a teacup and small bowl that I decorated with the Sweet Everlastings set.
You can see in the photo above that I also decorated the inside base of the teacup. Normally this area would be impossible to decorate but with our peg stamps, it is easy :)
Ink cups with foam are used to ink up the stamp. Wash the ends of the stamps with mild detergent (like Joy dishwasing liquid and water) and dry to remove an oily residue that may keep the underglaze from adhering to the rubber before beginning your project.
Normally, I start with about one teaspoon of underglaze and add it to the ink cup and foam. Shake the underglaze well, add it to the foam, and then blend it in with a small spatula or tool until it is absorbed into the foam. Ink up the stamp on the foam and test on a piece of paper. If it is too thin, add more underglaze and if it is too wet to see a clear image, use another piece of foam to absorb some of the extra moisture. Test again until the right consistency is obtained.
After stamping your design and allowing it to dry, use a mop brush or similar brush to apply a clear glaze.
Pure Brilliance is a wonderful clear glaze that fires to cone 06 (1828 degrees F)
Stay tuned for more indepth instructions on how to stamp on ceramic bisque. If you do not own a kiln, take our stamps and ink cups to your local Paint your own Pottery or CCSA studio and choose your bisque, decorate it and let them glaze and fire it for you! All of the CCSA Studios should have Duncan Concept, Amaco, Gare or a comparable underglaze that will work. Isn't this exciting? I can't wait to make a complete dinnerware set for myself :)
Until next week, Happy Stamping from Susan and rest of the gang at Rubber Stamp Tapestry!
Thanks for your article. I, like other people, struggle when trying to think
up ideas for presents to purchase. I gather that a
lot of women desire unusual womens' gifts kind of things so I will look out for something like that. I'll come back again
Posted by: soukous.co.uk | January 22, 2013 at 05:44 PM
The instructions are clear and precise. The results, amazing.
Posted by: gbceramics | October 24, 2012 at 10:22 AM
I have been wanting to do something like this! I purchased Staz On ink pads after doing some checking around about how to stamp on glass tiles, but thinking about making my own dishes opens a world of possibilities!
Posted by: Carolyn J Gardner | August 16, 2011 at 05:55 PM
These dishes are just wonderful, they look like Polish Pottery. Excellent!
Posted by: Hnani | August 16, 2011 at 02:40 PM
Hi Elizabeth,
On flat surfaces like tiles or inside of plates, the fabric stamps should work fine. On curves (inner or outer) the tiny fabric stamps will most likely work best. I tried the Sadie's Pinafore fabric stamp set and it worked great on bisque. Good luck! Susan
Posted by: Susan | August 16, 2011 at 01:05 PM
We have a local 'paint your own pottery' store. I can't wait to try this. Would your stamps that I bought for fabric work well? This looks so lovely; what a great technique for unique gifts!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 16, 2011 at 12:58 PM
Love! Love! Love! These dishes are adorable!
Posted by: Julie Hepper | August 16, 2011 at 06:08 AM
You are amazing! Just when I think you can't come up with one more fabulous idea... This looks beautiful!!!
Posted by: Meg | August 13, 2011 at 05:28 PM
What beautiful dishes!
Posted by: Renee | August 13, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Susan, I am just beginning to see how truly unique your stamps are! I spend a LOT (I would hate to admit how much) time looking at card designs on the internet and I can honestly say no one seems to be using peg stamp techniques. It seems like everyone is focused on digital stamps, which are cute, but I think they lack the intricate designs that can be achieved with peg stamps. It just makes me fall in love again with your stamps. I just can't seem to clear my wish list...LOL
Posted by: Ellen | August 12, 2011 at 08:16 PM
Oh I wish you would make the pottery! I would definitely be there to buy some :)
Posted by: Ellen | August 12, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Yes! I think it will work just fine. As long as the kiln will reach 1828 degrees F., it can be used. Can't wait to see what you do with the stamps on bisque!
Posted by: Susan | August 12, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I have a friend with a kiln used for fused glass....would this work do you think?
Posted by: Sue Newstead | August 12, 2011 at 04:01 PM