Expert: Leisha Hiester - 10/28/2008

Question
I am in charge of creating a classroom project to be auctioned at the school benefit.  The theme is "Growing Green" and we have decided on making a storage unit to hold 2 recycling bins with pull out drawers.  The plan was to cover the outside of the unit with tiles decorated by the children.  We need over 100, 4 x 4 and either 44, 3 x 3 or 64, 2 x 2 tiles.  We were going to paint the tiles at a ceramics location and have them fired, but they are giving me a discounted price of $4 per tile plus $3 per tile for glaze & fire.  I don't have that kind of budget!  Is there somewher I can buy cheap, plain white tiles and then just have the kids paint them and hand glaze them myself, or will I risk having the paint rub off?  I would really appreciate any suggestions on an effective, and less costly way to do this!  (Since the winning bidder will be paying a high price for it, though, I have to be sure it will be a permanent process!)  Thank you!

Answer
Dear Kimberly,
What a great project!
Wow! That is a high price. I'm surprised that the local shop isn't a little more benevolent, especially given that he/she could attract so many customers with this project. They missed a terrific community opportunity to help. They could have offered each child a coupon also. This really is their loss.

What school district are you in? Find out who the local art teachers are. Usually, the middle school up to high schools have ceramics programs with larger kilns & are willing to help.

You can purchase the tiles online or through a bisque supplier. If you have a local pottery supplier, they may be even cheaper.

If you're a private school, try to find a local potter who has a kiln. Often they have kiln loads that aren't completely full & will donate some kiln space.

If you still need help, write me again. Tell me what town you're in. I'll try to help you find someone.

Leisha