Crafting Ceramic Cowboy Boot Match Strikers with Textured Clay

Making Ceramic Striker Matches

Ceramic striker matches, often referred to as "cowboy matches", are a unique type of match that use a textured ceramic piece to create a striking surface instead of the traditional strike pad. These ceramic strikers allow you to strike your match anywhere, without the need to carry around a box. They are often shaped into boot heel designs or other fun shapes. Making ceramic strikers at home can be a fun and rewarding pottery project.

Shaping the Clay

The first step is preparing your clay and roughly hand-shaping each ceramic striker into the desired shape and size. When making boot heel striker matches, oval shapes that will fit comfortably in the palm work well. Size them to approximately 1-3 inches long. As you shape them, think about how the match will strike at an angle across the textured striking surface you'll create.

Standard pottery clay works well for making ceramic strikers, as long as it air dries well and becomes durable. Choose an appropriate clay body that is free from contaminants, fires evenly, and fits your project needs. Allow your initially shaped clay strikers to sit out to stiffen up a bit before continuing.

Texturing the Surface

Once the clay has firmed up after the initial shaping, it’s time to add the striking texture. There are several ways to achieve this. You can press molds and tools into the clay to create patterns. Detailed ridges will catch and strike the match head when swiped across. Things like lattice patterns, lines, dots, buttons, and boot tread designs work very well.

Another texturing option involves applying various materials to the surface and letting them partly dry before removal. This creates interesting organic textures. Things like cheesecloth, burlap, sticks, leaves, seed pods, screws, and nut shells make great texture stamps. Get creative with the patterns and textures you apply.

Refining the Form

After applying textures, you need to let the ceramic strikers firm up significantly before touching them further. Leather hard is best for the next steps. Trim away any excess from the shaping and texturing processes to refine the form. Use metal loop tools, needle tools, wooden modeling tools, trimming tools, and a variety of clay sculpting and carving implements. Carefully smooth areas as needed while retaining the striking texture.

Enhance shapes and details if desired with additional carving, marks, and impressions at this point. Fine details are best achieved leather hard as well. Let pieces firm up adequately between steps for successful results without deformation issues. Don't rush the process. Leather hard detailing ensures carvings remain crisp after drying and firing.

Drying the Ceramic Strikers

It’s very important that ceramic strikers dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking and breakage issues. Place pieces in a warm (not hot) location out of direct sunlight and allow to air dry gradually. Drying generally takes 1-2 weeks. Rotate pieces occasionally for even results.

Do not dry ceramic strikers quickly or unevenly with added heat sources. Rapid drying causes cracking issues. Careful air drying helps moisture escape without overly stressing the form. Proper steady drying ensures your fired ceramic strikers come out intact and ready to strike matches.

Firing the Ceramic

Once ceramic striker matches have dried thoroughly, they are ready to be fired in a kiln. Firing helps harden and permanently set the clay body of the ceramic through sintering at high heat. Clay chemistry and firing methods determine the process specifics, but cone 04-06 colored clay firing works well.

Program the kiln with a slow firing schedule, applying heat steadily. Faster firing risks cracking and breakage issues again if moisture gets trapped internally. Bring pieces to end firing temperature between 1745-1830°F, soaking there adequately before gradual cooling. Cool pieces slowly in the kiln until it drops below 100°F.

Applying Finish

After firing, strive for a smooth finish across the striking surface of the ceramic strikers. Use a sanding sponge to remove any remnants of soft clay and smooth the high spots of the texture. Remove any dust and debris with water and a scrub brush or toothbrush.

You can leave your ceramic striker matches natural or apply glazing and decorations as desired. Clear lead-free glazes work well for maintaining striking texture visibility while adding glossy protection and visual appeal. Color touches can enhance accent areas attractively. Apply glazes by brushing, dipping or spraying.

Re-fire glazed pieces if needed based on the product used and your personal aesthetic preferences. Always follow glaze firing specifications for proper application. Add match stick holes before final firing if desired.

Using Ceramic Striker Matches

After firing and polishing, ceramic boot heel strikers provide a durable, mobile striking surface for lighting matches. Strike anywhere with handmade style. Swipe match tips at an angle across textured areas to light.

Carry ceramic strikers in a pocket or bag, attach to keychains, hang on nails in cabins, or display in any location matches may be needed. Share as functional gifts that recipients can actually use. Bootheel striker matches infused with personal style and custom details can become beloved possessions.

Craft ceramic striker matches using indulged creativity. Making every mark with purpose across modeled clay allows you to impart artistic touches no mass-produced striker can replicate. The firing and finishing process refines hand shaped form into ceramic art emerging with raspy striking texture. Cherish match lighting anywhere with handcrafted ceramic strikers.

FAQs

What type of clay is best for making ceramic strikers?

Standard air-drying pottery clays that fire to cone 04-06 work well for ceramic strikers. Choose an clay without contaminants that fires evenly. Modeling clays like stoneware or earthenware suit the project needs.

How long does it take for ceramic strikers to dry?

Proper drying takes 1-2 weeks. Ensure clay strikers air dry slowly and evenly out of direct sunlight, rotating occasionally. Quick drying risks cracking. Careful gradual moisture release prevents issues.

What causes cracking in ceramic striker clay?

Uneven, rushed drying causes internal moisture issues and cracks. Also, firing too quickly traps internal steam, stressing the clay. Program kilns with gradual heating and cooling cycles to prevent ceramic striker cracking.

Can you decorate and glaze ceramic strikers?

Yes, clear lead-free glazes can be brushed or sprayed over fired ceramic striker surfaces. This maintains texture visibility while adding glossy protection and visual appeal. Color accents in select areas also enhance appearance.