Transform your Ceramics with Unique Colour Palettes

If your cupboard is filled with cups, mugs and pots, chances are you’ve got some sneaky blank canvases already waiting for you. As a rising trend, drawing on ceramics is becoming a popular creative outlet, and we can see why; an easy way to jazz up your existing kitchenware, it’s both fun and practical.

But whether you’re a professional artist or a hobbyist, effectively creating your little masterpieces does take practice. It also helps when you’ve got a set of quality pens or brushes on hand, ready to make your ‘mark’. While the technique you use can dramatically affect the end result, remember that it’s also important to choose markers that are well-suited to the texture of this type of material.

So what exactly do you need to know to get creative with your ceramic bits and pieces?

Paint or markers?

When you’re gearing up to decorate your ornaments, it’s only natural to reach for the paint. But trust us when we say that paint pens are a far more functional and effective way to create your design. As the ink dries quickly, it allows you to work in a permanent method, without running the risk of smudging. But if paint isn’t your thing, marker pens work just as well.

art supplies

All in all, ditching the traditional brush is our top tip here, as working with markers can give you the flexibility and control that you need. Once you’ve managed to experiment with technique, you’ll also be able to work out how various strokes dictate the lines you draw. Explore these to figure out how best to move when you’re using your pen.

What kind of markers are best?

Ultimately, there are two types of pens that work here:

  1. Water-based
  2. Alcohol-based

Alcohol-based ink is permanent and doesn’t rub off, but it does dry extremely quick, so you need to work fast. If you are looking for a softer way to work, and with a medium that takes longer to dry, then water-based markers are for you.

Luckily, if you do happen to slip up, both ink types can be removed with a good scrub with some hot water. But obviously, water-based will always be far more easy to remove.

Additionally, when you’re shopping around or exploring our range, there are a few more considerations worth keeping in mind:

  • Vibrancy: The more sharp or vivid the colour, the more vibrant and eye-catching your design will be in the end.
  • Variety: These days there are plenty of styles and colours available (see our collection) and the more tones the set you’re choosing has, the more variety you can enjoy in your design.
  • ‘Blendability’: After your sketch is done, being able to add a gradient layer can completely transform your design. You’ll need a marker that offers ‘blendability’, in order to do this.

Some inspiration for your ceramics

If you’re not sure how to get started, here are a few design options and patterns to get your creativity flowing:

  • Flower mandalas
  • Gradients
  • Stipes, dots and geometric shapes
  • Quotes and caligraphy
  • ‘Dipped’ look.

1 Response

Narise Frazer

Just a question can the brush pens be used on rocks

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