In preparing for the holidays, I always find myself with an abundance of clay ornaments—yet struggling to glaze them quickly and efficiently. These ornaments are typically only about a quarter of an inch (0.6 cm) thick, making them difficult to handle without a proper grip. Since I prefer to leave the back of my ornaments unglazed, I only need to dip the top surface, which makes this process even trickier.
I’ve come up with a simple, cost-effective glazing method that works like a charm. First, you need a moldable, removable, mounting putty such as Sticky Tack or Fun-Tak. Next, take enough putty to form about 1½-inch (3.8-cm)-long cylinder about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick. Take this cylinder of putty and press it into the back of an ornament (1). This should leave you with a secure adhesion and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of putty to hold on to. Then, you take the piece and dip it in your glaze (2). My ornaments are usually carved, so I dip them at a slight angle, bottom to top, so the glaze fills all the carved surfaces. Finally, hold the piece by the edges and pull the putty off the back (3). This method of glazing also works well for other pieces, such as small tiles or flat earrings.
For more tips and updates on Danielle Whigham’s work, follow on Instagram @dwhighamceramics.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Please enjoy this complimentary article for the month.
For unlimited access to Ceramics Monthly premium content, please subscribe.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Subscribe to Ceramics Monthly
In preparing for the holidays, I always find myself with an abundance of clay ornaments—yet struggling to glaze them quickly and efficiently. These ornaments are typically only about a quarter of an inch (0.6 cm) thick, making them difficult to handle without a proper grip. Since I prefer to leave the back of my ornaments unglazed, I only need to dip the top surface, which makes this process even trickier.
I’ve come up with a simple, cost-effective glazing method that works like a charm. First, you need a moldable, removable, mounting putty such as Sticky Tack or Fun-Tak. Next, take enough putty to form about 1½-inch (3.8-cm)-long cylinder about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick. Take this cylinder of putty and press it into the back of an ornament (1). This should leave you with a secure adhesion and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of putty to hold on to. Then, you take the piece and dip it in your glaze (2). My ornaments are usually carved, so I dip them at a slight angle, bottom to top, so the glaze fills all the carved surfaces. Finally, hold the piece by the edges and pull the putty off the back (3). This method of glazing also works well for other pieces, such as small tiles or flat earrings.
For more tips and updates on Danielle Whigham’s work, follow on Instagram @dwhighamceramics.
September 2025: Table of Contents
Must-Reads from Ceramics Monthly
Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
Click the cover image to return to the Table of Contents