I'm making ceramics in my microwave, and it's a wild ride. After experimenting with polymer and air dry clay, I decided to take on the challenge of working with a miniature pottery wheel and a microwave kiln. It's a delicate process, and I've already learned that ceramics can be emotionally devastating. I've ruined many pieces at various stages, from throwing on the wheel to glazing. So, naturally, I made things smaller.
The miniature pottery wheel from Small Ceramics is a game-changer. It's powerful enough to handle regular-sized mugs and small pieces alike. But pottery is not as gentle as it seems. Centering the clay on the wheel requires a surprising amount of force, and the $5 toy wheel from Five Below was a nightmare to use. The Small Ceramics wheel, however, is a dream come true.
Air dry clay is another story. It's drier than regular clay, and you need to use a ton of force to work with it. Normal clay is more delicate, and the gap between my classes seemed to mess me up. Air dry clay also lacks the satisfying clink of ceramics fired in a kiln, as it doesn't vitrify and can even burn up in the kiln.
Before getting my microwave kiln, I experimented with real clay on the miniature wheel. It's a delicate process, and sudden movements can be devastating. The tools are so small and cute, but they require careful handling. I had no way to fire anything, so my pieces sat bone dry and fragile on my work desk.
That's where the microwave kiln comes in. It's a chaotic and unpredictable process, but it allows me to fire ceramics at home in a shorter amount of time. However, you can't make food-safe ceramics in the microwave kiln, and there are safety hazards to consider. The fumes, heat, and rapid temperature changes can be dangerous, so protective equipment is essential.
I've fired the kiln several times, with mixed results. I've had mess ups, broken pieces, and bad paint jobs. I'm struggling with underglaze and clear glaze, and nothing comes out shiny. But the satisfaction of holding these tiny pieces of pottery jingling around in my hand is immense. I don't know what I'll do with them yet, but I'm excited to see what I can create.
In conclusion, making ceramics in a microwave kiln is a unique and challenging endeavor. It requires patience, precision, and a willingness to experiment. While the results may not be perfect, the process is incredibly satisfying, and I'm eager to see what other creative endeavors I can take on.
