Ceramic Lamp Creation Using Found Objects
A course by Marre MoerelArtist
A course by Marre Moerel, Artist
Learn the process of transforming an abstract idea into an original ceramic piece using found objects to make plaster casting molds
The design of objects is an opportunity to redefine our perspective and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of everyday life. Marre Moerel has built a successful career around creating conceptual ceramic designs that are rooted in her instinctive approach to creating.
Let Marre guide you through each step of her creative process to build your own original ceramic lighting. Explore the use of everyday objects to build a contemporary design, ready to light up interiors with elegance and originality. Learn how to make your own plaster molds, cast your chosen object in clay, and join them together to create your one-off ceramic lamp.
What will you learn in this online course?
18 lessons & 14 downloads
Concept Development and Technical Considerations 1
14 minutes, 18 seconds
Concept Development and Technical Considerations 2
9 minutes, 9 seconds
Materials 1
20 minutes, 6 seconds
Setting up Your Workspace and Prep Mold
15 minutes, 28 seconds
Making the Mold 1
18 minutes, 15 seconds
Making the Mold 2
20 minutes, 59 seconds
What's included in this course?
Meet Marre, learn about her journey as an artist and the projects she holds close to her heart. Explore the many artists that influence her work in relation to the prominent themes found in her work.
Learn how to find ideas for your design based on found objects. See types of spheres you can use to create a mold for lighting and understand how to make them. Then, go through the materials you need to create your ceramic lamp and see how to set up your workspace before preparing the first part of your mold.
Time to get your hands dirty! Learn step by step how to create the walls of your plaster mold, then mix and pour the plaster. Prepare your mold for use, then see how to open and remove your sphere. Clean and make small adjustments to your mold if needed before seeing how to dry it correctly. Marre guides you through making a ceramic slip, casting your first sphere, and preparing it for joining.
Discover the process of joining your ceramic elements to create a new shape. Decide on the final design while taking technical aspects into consideration, before creating your openings for lighting. Once your object is ready, learn how to add the finishing touches and fire your ceramic creation in a kiln.
Explore different techniques for ceramic finishes such as sanding, glazing, and firing. Hear about the tools needed to wire your final pendant lamp and the steps required to assemble it. Next, it’s time to turn your lamp on and see the final result! Discover how to create other lighting effects, and learn how to correctly pack your object for safe shipping. Finish the course with Marre’s tips on the design industry and how to share your work and portfolio.
What is this course's project?
Design and create a contemporary pendant lamp using existing objects.
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone curious about producing original ceramic objects. Those who enjoy manual crafts, arts, and design-related creative outlets will also enjoy the course.
Requirements and materials
Experience with power tools and working with knives is required.
To create your spheres, you will need a wooden work board, smooth clay, plaster for the mold, wire or nylon to cut the clay, a knife, brushes, and modeling tools (Marre will talk you through which you’ll need), release agent, 3 buckets, a sheet of 8mm plastic, a piece of foam, and a plastic bag.
For your ceramic casting, you will need clay (low fire powder), water, a mixing machine, a spatula, some tools (Marre will talk you through which you’ll need in the course), a circular template, sanding pads, foam pads, a cotton rag, pre-made glazing, water, Tupperware, and plastic jars.
For the wiring process, you will need a 1cm cable, wire strippers, a mat knife, screwdrivers, a lamp holder, E-14 Europe: 3 pieces, a cable connector, a hook, and a plug with a safety mechanism.
Reviews
- 26 days ago
I really liked this course, very detailed. Thank you!
- 7 months ago
Muito detalhado e completo! Uma verdadeira aprendizagem. Recomendo!
- 8 months ago
Very thoroughly and systematically explained from scratch.
- 8 months ago
Me encantó! Soy alumna de cerámica y este curso me ayudó mucho en mis ejercicios.
- 9 months ago
Excelente. muy didáctico.
Marre has been running her own design business for twenty years. She has made furniture, tableware, decorative homeware, jewelry, watches, and more. She has designed for Capellini, Offecct, and the interiors of the hamburger restaurant chain “Home Burger”. However, Marre’s biggest client is herself, and prefers the total freedom that is brought by working on her own projects.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Design Development
- Concept Development and Technical Considerations 1
- Concept Development and Technical Considerations 2
- Materials 1
- Materials 2
- Setting up Your Workspace and Prep Mold
- U3
Mold Making and Casting
- Making the Mold 1
- Making the Mold 2
- Opening and Drying the Mold
- Casting the Object with Ceramic Slip 1
- Casting the Object with Ceramic Slip 2
- U4
Design
- Joining and Building 1
- Joining and Building 2
- Sanding, Firing, and Glazing 1
- Sanding, Firing, and Glazing 2
- Wiring
- Final Piece and Other Shapes
- FP
Final project
- Ceramic Lamp Creation Using Found Objects
What to expect from a Domestika course
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FAQs
This course is designed for intermediate learners with some basic knowledge of ceramics or design. Beginners may benefit but should be familiar with basic hand-building or design concepts.
You’ll need clay, plaster, ceramic slip, basic ceramic tools, lamp wiring kits, cable, lamp holders, and safety equipment for mold making and lamp assembly.
You’ll learn mold making, plaster casting, slipcasting, lamp wiring, upcycling found objects, glazing, safety protocols, and integrating conceptual and functional design in ceramic art.
Yes, the course teaches how to repurpose found and discarded objects as molds or components, turning them into functional ceramic lamps and art pieces.
Slipcasting involves pouring liquid clay into plaster molds to create lamp components, allowing for precise forms and easy replication of designs.
Yes, the course covers combining historical decorative elements, such as Baroque motifs, with modern ceramic and lamp design practices.
The course provides step-by-step guidance on lamp wiring, safe electrical assembly, choosing correct cables, and installing lamp holders and cord grips.