[Steve Clark]

OK, here goes the rookie so be gentle. We are primarily a fiber studio but we would like make our own buttons, beads and other embellishments for our fiber works. What would you recommend for a kiln. I would prefer to keep it 100v and it doesn't need to be very large.

[neilestrick]

Most kiln companies make small test kilns. Sometimes they are called Doll kilns. For it to be able to plug into a 110V outlet it will be quite small, maybe 1 cubic foot at most, but plenty big enough for buttons, jewelry, etc. Be sure to check how hot the kiln will go, as many baby kilns are only cone 5 or 6. Also check the amperage draw. Many will pull 15 amps or more, requiring a 20 amp breaker. Your standard household breaker is usually 15 amps. L&L (which I sell), Olympic, Paragon, Skutt and others all make small kilns, and all will work just fine. With small kilns, many of the issues of durability and such that big kilns have are not really a problem, so go with the features you want that fit your budget.

[Chris Campbell]

There is a discussion group ... yahoo I think ... Called 'Beads of Clay' and they are very helpful. Post the question there too.

[Lucille Oka]

Steve Clark, on 27 July 2012 - 07:27 AM, said:

OK, here goes the rookie so be gentle. We are primarily a fiber studio but we would like make our own buttons, beads and other embellishments for our fiber works. What would you recommend for a kiln. I would prefer to keep it 100v and it doesn't need to be very large.

What kind of buttons and beads and other embellishments, porcelain or earthenware? The kind of effects will determine the kind of clay and glaze, and the kind of clay and glaze will determine the kind of kiln. So back up a bit. What kind of effects are you after? If you want to do porcelain 'embellishments' and get the full effects of porcelain that is translucency, that requires a high fire kiln. If you want to use terra cotta clay you can get a lowfire kiln. The high fire kiln will however allow you to do all kinds of clay work.

[DAY]

Steve Clark, on 27 July 2012 - 10:27 AM, said:

OK, here goes the rookie so be gentle. We are primarily a fiber studio but we would like make our own buttons, beads and other embellishments for our fiber works. What would you recommend for a kiln. I would prefer to keep it 100v and it doesn't need to be very large.

Don't overlook the polymer "clays" that are fired in a toaster oven. There is a lot of jewelry and buttons out there made from the stuff.

[neilestrick]

DAY, on 28 July 2012 - 06:08 AM, said:

Steve Clark, on 27 July 2012 - 10:27 AM, said:

OK, here goes the rookie so be gentle. We are primarily a fiber studio but we would like make our own buttons, beads and other embellishments for our fiber works. What would you recommend for a kiln. I would prefer to keep it 100v and it doesn't need to be very large.

Don't overlook the polymer "clays" that are fired in a toaster oven. There is a lot of jewelry and buttons out there made from the stuff.

Blasphemy!

[OffCenter]

Lucille Oka, on 28 July 2012 - 04:33 AM, said:

Steve Clark, on 27 July 2012 - 07:27 AM, said:

OK, here goes the rookie so be gentle. We are primarily a fiber studio but we would like make our own buttons, beads and other embellishments for our fiber works. What would you recommend for a kiln. I would prefer to keep it 100v and it doesn't need to be very large.

What kind of buttons and beads and other embellishments, porcelain or earthenware? The kind of effects will determine the kind of clay and glaze, and the kind of clay and glaze will determine the kind of kiln. So back up a bit. What kind of effects are you after? If you want to do porcelain 'embellishments' and get the full effects of porcelain that is translucency, that requires a high fire kiln. If you want to use terra cotta clay you can get a lowfire kiln. The high fire kiln will however allow you to do all kinds of clay work.

The hardest, whitest, most translucent porcelain I know of (and, yes, it is porcelain not "porcelaneous clay") is cone 5-6 Frost available from Laguna. The only other porcelain I've used or tested that matches cone 5 Frost is cone 10 Southern Ice when fired to cone 11. So, no need for you to buy a more expensive kiln or waste electricity just to fire to cone 10.

Jim

[JBaymore]

DAY, on 28 July 2012 - 08:08 AM, said:

Steve Clark, on 27 July 2012 - 10:27 AM, said:

OK, here goes the rookie so be gentle. We are primarily a fiber studio but we would like make our own buttons, beads and other embellishments for our fiber works. What would you recommend for a kiln. I would prefer to keep it 100v and it doesn't need to be very large.

Don't overlook the polymer "clays" that are fired in a toaster oven. There is a lot of jewelry and buttons out there made from the stuff.

How about we start calling this stuff what it actually is..... moldable plastic. (Plastic plastic also has a ring to it.)

best,

...............john

[trina]

Hi
Another idea is: Find a ceramic artist in your area, and get them to make your buttons. Probably cheaper and cleaner for your studio in the long run. You can have a look on ESTY and there are loads of button people. I use glass eyes in some of my work which I get other artists to make for me, its just easier than learning how to make them myself. T

[Steve Clark]

Chris Campbell, on 27 July 2012 - 11:38 AM, said:

There is a discussion group ... yahoo I think ... Called 'Beads of Clay' and they are very helpful. Post the question there too.

Tried to join and was denied. go figure.......