The ABCs of Ceramics

Ceramics can be delicate and decorative or unrefined and utilitarian. Bone china, porcelain, stoneware and earthenware - this month we'll review them all. How Ceramics are Made.

Different kinds of stone are ground into a fine powder, mixed with water resulting in a paste. It is fired in a kiln (an oven) at very high temperatures until the particles of stone melt and fuse together to create a strong substance.

Bone China.

It is shiny and smooth non-porous pottery made with bone ash, china stone and fine kaolin (china clay). Bone china is light weight and thin and fired at a high temperature. Patterns are usually formal. Despite bone china's delicate appearance, it does not chip easily. It is the finest and most expensive dishware available.

Porcelain.

It is a non-porous pottery made from fine kaolin that is fired above 1250 degrees Celsius. Porcelain is translucent, thin and light weight. Originating in China, this delicate looking dishware is stronger than stoneware. Porcelain is less expensive than bone china and is available in casual and formal patterns.

Stoneware.

A dense kaolin is fired between 1200 ?1450 degrees Celsius to create this porous ceramic. Neither translucent nor heavy, stoneware chips more easily than porcelain or bone china. It has a casual appearance and is generally glazed in muted earth tones. It can have fine detail or be rough and grainy. Stoneware is more affordable than porcelain or bone china.

Earthenware.

It is a coarse porous pottery and fired at a low temperature between 800-1000 degrees Celsius. Earthenware chips quite easily and has a casual appearance. It is often glazed in bright colours and formed by hand.

Care.

You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for care. Keep in mind that direct heat sources can cause rapid changes in temperature causing cracking. Never put an antique or any fine ceramic in the dishwasher. Fine gilding wears off easily, so keep this in mind when handling antique pieces. Damage or chips greatly reduce the value of any ceramic.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Scrapbooking Teen Memories

By the time your teen is in high school, you... Read More

I Didnt Know These Are Slowly Destroying My Scrapbooks!

Once you spend your precious time and energy creating a... Read More

Cupcake Candles

With candle making, there are hardly any limits. You can... Read More

Patterning and Spacing in Your Scrapbooks

How can you arrange your scrapbook page to best show... Read More

Why Should You Collect Cat Collectibles?

Let the cat out of the bag! True, you will... Read More

Why Do You Need to Have Your Tools Blade Sharpen After Work

If you like to do wood carving or making sculpture... Read More

Remember When You Were Taught How To Make Things From Metal With Your Bare Hands?

How would you like the chance to use the skills... Read More

Cleaning Silk Bouquets In 3 Simple Steps

How To Clean A Silk BouquetA Silk bouquet can last... Read More

Antiques - The Modern Day Treasure Hunt

In today's world, everything that's old can be described as... Read More

An Interesting Look at the Cuban Cigar

Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of the lore... Read More

Use Tags and Embellishments to Give Your Scrapbooks that Personal Yet Professional Touch

Tags are a little added touch of professionalism that adds... Read More

How to Make a Childs Handprint on a Ceramic Tile

This is a fun craft to do with a group... Read More

Origami Instructions

Origami is a fantastic art form that guarantees hours of... Read More

Are Your Collectibles Valuable? Heres How to Find Out

The first thing you will need to do is check... Read More

Organize 1000?s Of Photos Easily

The easiest way is to start right from the beginning,... Read More

Save on Kids Craft Supplies - Recycle!

Here is some information about how to collect and use... Read More

Where Antiques Originate and How You Can Find Them

It's important to understand where antiques originate. Many antique buyers... Read More

Saving Family Keepsakes for Scrapbooking

I'm new to scrapbooking, and I still can't believe all... Read More

A Beginners Guide to Buying Authentic Swords Online

Looking at all the various swords for sale online can... Read More

10 Slam-Dunk Crafts For Little Kids -- And Bigger Kids Too!

Crafting with young children really isn't about creating something in... Read More

Family Album In The Digital Age

Back then it was simple - you take the picture,... Read More

A Scrapbook Page To Celebrate Your Childs First Haircut

Here's a great idea for making a special 'first haircut'... Read More

Sewing ? A Wonderful Pastime

To think that in the beginning the only sewing patterns... Read More

Spruce Up Your Pages with Scrapbooking Embellishments

Having this nagging doubt that you may upstage your precious... Read More

Be Your Own Way, but Still Use the Safe Tools

It is so often that people are not aware with... Read More

How to Make Your Own Refrigerator Magnets

There are several types of refrigerator magnets that you can... Read More

Scrapbook Photos -- Getting Adventurous With Your Layouts

When you have selected the photos for your scrapbook, you'll... Read More

Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 4

Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 4 - Tools For... Read More

Idle Hands Beget The Devils Work

As a southern girl, sewing was a rite of passage.... Read More

Gold Jewelry Hallmarking Secrets Revealed

We should be familiar with the BASIC hallmarks mentioned on... Read More

Gourd Enthusiasm Growing Around the World

Gourds played an essential role in the daily life of... Read More

Sharing Journals

Creating a journal or diary that combines scrapbooking and journaling,... Read More

Invitation Envelopes ? Make or Break Your Party

What will separate your party from all the other events... Read More