DECORATIVE TECHNIQUES
There are a multitude of ways to decorate ceramic wares. Here you'll find a number of approaches. Be prepared to devote some time to trying these techniques out for yourself. Experimentation and testing these techniques with the materials you use are key to getting good results. Try combining techniques, breaking rules, and thinking outside the box to find your unique voice with your work.
Image (public domain): 19th century redware plate with sgraffito decoraton by Andrew Uhler, 1810, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Metropolitan Museum of Art collection
LINKS AND TUTORIALS
SGRAFFITO, MISHIMA, AND INLAY
Sgraffito is a technique in which a surface is first covered in slip or underglaze of a contrasting color, and then that layer is carved away to reveal the clay below.
Mishima, is a Japanese term that refers to a technique that actually originated in Korea. It is an inlay technique created by carving lines into the surface of a pot. Contrasting underglaze or slip is applied into these lines, and then the surface is wiped away, leaving color only in the lines. Wax is sometimes applied to the surface of the pot before carving lines for a cleaner effect.
Kathy King gives a detailed demonstration of sgraffito with lots of tips in this video.
Other artists using these techniques:
Liz Pechacek uses layers of wax resist in her designs. You can see her demonstrate this on Instagram.
Becky Lloyd makes very detailed sgraffito designs in porcelain.
UNDERGLAZE TRANSFER
While there are commercial underglaze or slip transfer patterns that can be purchased, you can also create your own transfers by painting or printing onto newsprint or rice paper.
Read about a variety of transfer and screen printing techniques with slip in Jason Bige Burnett's book, Graphic Clay, or read about his newsprint transfer technique in this collection of articles from the Ceramic Arts Network.
Manufacturers of underglaze transfer sheets include:
Isla Transfers, founded by Jason Bige Burnett and Cristina Cordova, stocks a variety of designs, including playful designs by potter Catie Miller.
Elan Transfers stocks both transfers and decals.
Sanbao Studio/China Clay Art is based in Jingdezhen, China.
MASKING, STENCILING, AND RESISTS
Stenciling and resist techniques can be done with a variety of materials such as newsprint, leaves, and Tyvek on greenware. Commercial stickers, or custom vinyl (Cricut) cutouts, can be used on bisqueware as resists as well.
Paper resist and sgraffito decoration by Anna and Kevin Ramsay
Paper cutouts used as resists can be layered in the process of underglazing, as illustrated in the work of Sue Pohanka.
Paper resists techniques are also covered in Jason Bige Burnett's book, Graphic Clay.
Water etching uses materials such as shellac, wax, or other mediums as a resist to create textured surfaces on greenware.
PAPER RESIST
All you need is newspaper and water
To use paper as a resist, cut out desired shapes and apply them to leatherhard clay. Use a damp sponge to moisten the newspaper so that it adheres well to the clay. Brush colored underglaze or slips over the paper. Peel away the paper when the underglaze or slip loses its sheen.
SLIP TRAILING
Slip trailing allows you to create a raised design on the surface of a pot. Slip may be a contrasting color, as in traditional Pennsylvania redware.
SLIP TRAILING
A Non-Traditional Approach
Lisa Orr makes pots like no one else. In this video, she uses a plastic bag for slip trailing to make attachments for a salt cellar and a handle for a tiny scoop.
SPRIGS AND ATTACHMENTS
A sprig is a decorative applique made from a mold. You can make your own sprigs by pressing an object, such as a piece of jewelry or key fob, into a piece of clay. First coat the object or the clay with cornstarch or a mold release (such as Murphy's Oil Soap or Pam cooking spray) so that the object can be easily removed from the clay.
PRECISE DECORATION
The Dividing Web allows you to evenly space decorative elements around a circumference.
TEXTURES, SLIPS, AND MARKS
A Painterly Approach
Craig Underhill creates abstract designs on his pots inspired by his local landscape. In this video, he shows his approach to decorating pots using slips (or engobes) of varying consistencies, applied both directly to the pot and printed onto a pot using a newsprint transfer technique. He also makes marks on the surface and adds grog to create texture. You can find more of his videos on YouTube and Instagram.