tluvs2create Posted September 30, 2010 Report Share Posted September 30, 2010 I am somewhat new to ceramics. I want to make some tiles with relief lettering (I want the embossed look). I would like to be able to do words, quotes, phrases. Any suggestions on how to best (easiest) go about this? The lettering stamps I have come across are small and/or boring. I would love to create my own typestyles or use typestyles from the computer. I've not had much experience with carving. I was thinking about linoleum but not sure how even the cuts would be. Also, if I cut around the letters (to have smooth letters) then press into the clay, it would not give me the embossed look I am after? Am I making myself clear? Thanks for any help/suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Campbell Posted October 1, 2010 Report Share Posted October 1, 2010 When I think of embossed letters it means the letters themselves are raised off the surface. Is this what you mean? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tluvs2create Posted October 1, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2010 Yes, exactly. So, I was thinking of stamping the letters into clay (recessed) and then letting that dry (firing it?) so that I have a stamp (of the word/phrase recessed). Then stamp that into the clay? Would that work? The only problem with that is I am then limited to the boring fonts that are available as stamps. I was also thinking about lino block cutting (which I have never done before) for cutting my letters (again the letters being recessed) and using that for a stamp. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasoned Warrior Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 Yes, exactly. So, I was thinking of stamping the letters into clay (recessed) and then letting that dry (firing it?) so that I have a stamp (of the word/phrase recessed). Then stamp that into the clay? Would that work? The only problem with that is I am then limited to the boring fonts that are available as stamps. I was also thinking about lino block cutting (which I have never done before) for cutting my letters (again the letters being recessed) and using that for a stamp. Thoughts? You might make sprig molds of those items so that you can applique them on product. I make a number of press molds that I use for sprigs including numbers of various types and textures. there are real simple tomake and allow you to reproduce the forms many times. Regards, Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Campbell Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 If you check out leather working tool catalogues, you will find a wider range of fonts at reasonable prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Hendriks Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 I use blue foam to carve letters,and use the foam as a mold.Plaster can also be used but I prefer the foam,it is easy to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSmartCat Posted October 29, 2010 Report Share Posted October 29, 2010 I make press molds out of polymer clay. Sculpy is generally softer and gets fine detail. Fimo is a little harder and is good for carving. I like being able to make and bake and have a mold in an hour, with the plus that there is no shrinkage. I brush on corn starch for a mold release. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mossyrock Posted November 7, 2010 Report Share Posted November 7, 2010 I use blue foam to carve letters,and use the foam as a mold.Plaster can also be used but I prefer the foam,it is easy to use. Rob.....what a great idea! I use the blue foam for a lot of things in my studio, but this is a new trick. Thanks for sharing! What do you use to carve your letters into the foam? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Hendriks Posted November 11, 2010 Report Share Posted November 11, 2010 Mossyrock the foam is really great to make reliefs and to make molds.I used a dental tool to carve the letters.Another tip is to use a sheet of transparent plastic(for example from frozen bags) between a modeling tool and the foam,this makes carving more easy and you can use a wider broad of tools,even pencils or needles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bptakoma Posted November 25, 2010 Report Share Posted November 25, 2010 You could also: Print whatever font you wish Make a stencil Shellac onto your greenware Wash away the surrounding clay, leaving the letters in relief Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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