How to make a Unsalted Sea Pottery Wall Hanging

Congratulations on your new kit from Unsalted Sea Pottery! Follow these simple steps to safely and beautifully display your pottery on your wall. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or looking for a little extra guidance, we've got you covered.

Materials

  • Clay
  • Clipboard
  • Rolling pin
  • 2 guide sticks (¼")
  • Rib tool
  • Tweezers
  • Knife
  • Foam sheets:
  • (1) 9" × 12"
  • (4) 5" × 3½" rectangles
  • Straw and skewer/stick
  • Carrying case (to keep clay moist and protected)
  • Texture tools
  • Glaze (used after bisque firing)

 

Gather Natural Items

  • Look for objects that will leave strong impressions
    • Leaves, grasses, small pieces of ground cover
    • Driftwood or a branch (for hanging)
    • Any small, interesting textured objects
  • Tip: Use your carrying case while collecting items

(Please remember it is illegal to pick wild flowers in State Parks and National Parks or Lands)

Create Your Tiles

  • Prepare your workspace
    • Use a flat, solid surface.
    • Clip the 9" × 12" foam sheet to your clipboard (prevents sticking).
  • Prepare the clay
    • Wedge (knead) the clay to remove air bubbles.
    • Shape into a rough 4" × 3" rectangle with your hands.
    • Roll out the clay. Place clay between the guide sticks on the foam-covered board.
    • Roll evenly until large enough for a 5" × 3½" tile.
  • Cut tiles
    • Place the foam template on the clay and trace around it.
    • Cut out the rectangle and set aside.
    • Repeat to make 2–4 tiles, wedging clay between uses.
    • Let clay set. Allow tiles to dry for 20 minutes to 1 hour, until leather hard.

Design Your Tiles

  • Arrange natural materials on the clay surface.
  • Place a foam rectangle on top (creating a sandwich).
  • Gently roll over the top to press textures into the clay.
  • Roll again if needed for deeper impressions.
  • Carefully remove objects
  • Use tweezers if needed.
  • Leave small debris—it will burn off in the kiln., if needed.

Add Hanging Holes

  • Plan where tiles will connect.
  • Use a straw to punch holes straight down.
  • Clear clay from the straw using a skewer before making the next hole.

Final Details

  • Add designs, words, dates, quotes or location using a pointed tool.
  • When finished, place a foam rectangle on top of each tile.
  • Storage:
    • Place tiles carefully in the carrying case.
    • Stack with foam between each tile (“foam sandwich”) to prevent damage and drying.

Return Kit

  • Return everything to the original location.
  • Complete all required forms so your finished tiles can be returned after firing.

    After Firing

  • Paint with acrylic or watercolor paints.
  • Seal with a protective finish (such as polyurethane).
  • Hang your wall piece and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Wedging Clay

Wedging Clay is somewhat like kneading dough. Place your hands on the clay as shown in the picture. Push forward As you are turning the clay under your hands.

Leather Hard

Leather-hard is a stage in the drying process of clay where it has lost most of its moisture and is stiff enough to hold its shape.

Scoring & slip Clay

When attaching two pieces of clay together, you must score and slip both pieces. Scoring means making marks and roughing up the clay surface. Then, apply slip to the scored areas to act as a glue and securely bond the pieces together.