1) Using rolling guides, roll out 1kg of clay onto a plastic
covered surface and allow to dry to a leather hard state
(The clay can be moved and bent into shape but does
not leave finger marks when picked up). On a piece of
paper, draw and cut out a circle 6cm in diameter, this
will be the template for the roof and base.
2) While the clay is leather hard, mark and cut out a
rectangle 8cm x 20cm and two circles using your
template (leave as much clay as possible in tact as this
will be used for decoration). Cover the remaining clay
with a layer of plastic to be used later on.
3) Take one of the circles of clay and using the texture
matt apply medium pressure to create the patterned
base.
*Tip - Take care to line up pattern edges when using matt
multiple times.
4) Taking the rectangle, bend into a cylinder shape with
the edges slightly over-lapping each other.
5) Using a knife, carefully cut down over-lapping clay at
a slight angle and remove excess clay.
6) Score the angled edges and brush with water and join
together. Gently rub over the seam to create a smooth,
round cylinder. This is your house.
7) On paper, draw and cut out a small door shape and
use as a template to mark a door shape onto the house
(do not cut all the way through the clay).
Use the texture matt to create a cobble stone effect
around the door, cutting out random parts and sticking
to the surface with water.
Using a hole cutter or fettling knife, cut out windows
around the house and add any desired detail to the door.
8) Score the bottom of the cylinder and brush with water.
Place on to the base. Using a wet brush, run around
edge where they meet on both inside and out.
9) Using the remaining clay circle, cut a line from centre
of the clay to outer edge.
10) Overlap edges to form a cone shape, check against
the house to make sure it will fit on top.
11) Cut off the excess clay and join seams in the same
way as you did when making the cylinder.
12) Using a fettling knife, cut out random areas in the
cone. This will allow light to show through roof tiles
later on.
13) Uncover remaining clay and using a roller, roll clay
to around half its thickness.
13) Using a ruler, mark out rows of squares 1.5cm x
1.5cm and cut into strips.
14) Using a knife, cut half way up between each marked
square, this will create rows of roof tiles.
15) Starting at bottom of the cone, wet with brush and
add a row of tiles, gently smoothing onto the cone.
16) Continue with the next row slightly overlapping the
bottom row. You might find it easier to break the rows
of tiles into smaller strips rather than adding one long
strip.
When you get to the cut out gaps, add one tile at a
time, leaving spaces for the light to shine through.
Continue adding tiles up to the point of the cone.
17) Ball up a small piece of the remaining clay and shape
into a teardrop shape.
18) Flatten the bottom with your thumb. If the clay is too
dry, water can be added to help shape it.
19) Cut into bottom of teardrop to make tile shapes and
add to the top of the roof (you can make this top part
as fancy as you wish!).
20) Make sure the roof does not stick to the house as it
dries out, it needs to be removable to put the light inside.
21) Allow to dry completely and bisque fire at 1100°C.
22) Once bisque fired, glaze using Vitraglaze earthenware
glazes, applying 2-3 coats.
23) Making sure to wipe away any glaze from under the
roof and the top edge of the house to stop them becoming
stuck. Fire at 1040°C.
Glazes used in picture - White zircon, Copenhagen
grey, soft lilac, Pink blush, Ice grey and Lavender blue.
*Note-when using tea lights inside fairy houses, you
may hear glaze ‘pinging’ as it gets hot.
*Caution, roof will be come very hot once candle is lit.
We recommend using battery operated tea lights or
miniature fairy lights inside.
VitraGlaze Earthenware
*Any of our VitraGlaze Earthenware colours
could be used.