Porcelain is a fine type of clay that provides a smooth and refined appearance when fired. You can use porcelain clay in place of the heavier terra cotta clay to make certain crafts projects that require a lighter weight clay. For example, you can make a face mask for a costume party or for Halloween using porcelain, which will be light enough to wear throughout the event.
Things You'll Need:
- Clay Knife
- Scissors
- Ceramics Glaze
- Rolling Pin
- Ribbon
- Foam Head
- Kiln
Knead 1 pound of porcelain clay for 10 minutes to push out trapped air pockets. If the clay contains trapped air, it can cause your mask to explode when it is fired in a kiln.
Roll out the porcelain clay with a rolling pin to flatten it into a 1/2-inch thick sheet.
Drape the clay sheet over the front of a foam head, and press the clay onto the head with your fingers. This will make the clay take on the face shape of the foam head. A foam head is designed to replicate the size and shape of an actual human head. You can find a foam head at an art supply store.
Move around the porcelain clay with a clay knife to cut out the mask form you prefer. Leave the clay on the foam head as you cut.
Cut out eye holes from the porcelain clay using the clay knife. Leave the clay on the foam head as you cut.
Soften the edges of the mask with wet fingers.
Poke a hole with a point tool into each side of the mask, placing each hole about 1/2-inch from the edge.
Let the mask air dry completely on the foam head, then remove it from the foam head.
Paint the dried mask using ceramics glazes, then let the mask air dry completely again.
Place the mask onto the tray inside a kiln. Close the top of the kiln, and turn it on to high. The inside of the kiln will become extremely hot, more than 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, and will bake the mask. This baking is called "firing" the clay. Fire the mask in a ceramics kiln for two hours, then let the fired mask cool completely before removing it from the kiln.
Cut two pieces of ribbon to measure 8 inches long each.
Tie a piece of ribbon onto each hole. You can use the ribbon to tie the mask onto your face.
