Modeling and Mold Making
The molds used are all created on site. A prototype is shaped out of plaster on a specially designed wheel. Plaster negatives of the prototype are made and from those, master molds.
Clay Mixing
High quality clays in powder form are mixed with water to create slip. Slip is liquid clay the consistency of heavy cream.
Casting
The slip is then poured into plaster molds. The porous plaster absorbs water from the slip and a wall of clay is created. With time, the wall gets thicker. At the desired thickness excess slip is emptied from the mold. Once the clay starts to stiffen, the mold is opened and the item is then removed from the mold and left to dry.
Trimming
When items have become bone dry, the edges are smoothed off and sponged.
Trowing
Special items are hand thrown on the potter’s wheel.
Painting and Glazing
All items are hand painted and dip glazed or spray glazed with colors and glazes made exclusively at Sifnos Stoneware.
Firing
Once glazed, items are ready to be fired. The kiln is carefully loaded and fired to 1250o C over a period of 10-12 hours. The kiln is then let to cool for 24 hours and finally opened. Lastly, the ware is thoroughly inspected for any flaws created during firing.