Expert: Leisha Hiester - 2/8/2010

Question
Hi, a few weeks ago my mother ran across a box of ceramics in her attic that apparently she has had since 1984.  They are all white and are soft, they've had my name scratched into them. I used to do ceramics when I was little but have not entertained the thought of it again since then. So my question is, How do I tell if this has been fired before? and what do I need to do so they last and don't end up with dents all over them. I was also wondering the order of how you do everything from start to finish. Unfortunately the people that gave them to me as a one year birthday gift are no longer with us, so I can't ask them and my mom has no idea. I think these pieces need to be displayed, (they are gorgeous on their own, but painted would help do them justice) so I can honor who gave them to me and any help I can get would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Susan,
How fun!
I'm assuming the products are ceramic and not plaster or chalkware. If they're ceramic they are either greenware (not fired# or bisque #fired once). You can tell easily by tapping the piece with your finger. If it makes a tinging sound like dishes, it's been fired. If it thumps or you can scratch the clay with your finger nail it is most likely still green.

Depending upon where you live, there's probably a "paint your own pottery" type studio or a working potter nearby. Here's a site you can check;

http://www.ccsaonline.com/

Look under studios to find one closest to you. They will be able to help you fire, glaze or complete your project. Hope this helps.

Leisha