The History, Appeal, and Art of Making Smiley Face Ceramics

The Origin and History of Smiley Plates

Smiley faces have been a symbol of positive emotions and good cheer for decades. With their simple, friendly designs featuring two dots for eyes and a wide, curved smile, these happy faces connect with people across cultures. It's no surprise that artists and craftspeople have incorporated smiley faces into all kinds of creations, including plates and dishware.

How the Smiley Face Phenomenon Began

The origins of the classic yellow smiley face design can be traced back to 1963. Graphic artist Harvey Ball created the first smiley face as part of a campaign to boost morale at an insurance company. Although Ball only received $45 for his creation, his simple, engaging design took off in popularity. Soon the smiley face was appearing on buttons, t-shirts, posters, and many other surfaces as a symbol of positivity and good vibes.

In the early 1970s, brothers Bernard and Murray Spain patented their own smiley face design and sold millions of smiley pins and other merchandise. Smiley's popularity skyrocketed, cementing its place in pop culture history. As the smiley face graced more and more everyday items like mugs and lunch boxes, the idea of putting a friendly smile on dishware must have been inevitable.

The Growth of Smiley Plates and Tableware

Ceramic makers and pottery artists realized there was an appetite for dishes and kitchen wares featuring the uplifting smiley icon. Restaurant supply companies like Dennis East International started manufacturing smiley plates and bowls for diners and cafes looking to add some retro flair. Individual potters likewise saw the appeal of making handcrafted, artisanal smiley plates, mugs, and serving ware.

Using ceramics wheel throwing techniques, potters could shape ordinary plates and bowls on the potter's wheel, then customize them with hand-painted smiley faces. This allowed artists to put their own spin the classic iconography with unique glazes and expressions. Potters began selling their smiley ceramic pieces at craft fairs, art shows, and online via eBay and Etsy.

Demand for smiley face dishes soon moved from irony kitsch appeal to sincere appreciation of the smiley as a representation of positivity. Using plates and mugs with smiley faces every day became a way to cultivate good feelings. The basic smiley design also made these specialty ceramic items accessible and fun for amateur artists and children. Smiley craft ceramics enabled people without formal training to personalize dishware with their own doodles.

The Appeal of Smiley Face Dishware and Tableware

There are several reasons why both shoppers and ceramic artists continue to be drawn to plates, mugs and serving ware featuring smiley faces and related happy motifs.

They Lift Your Mood

Seeing a happy face and smile every time you sit down for a meal or have your morning coffee can put you in a more positive state of mind. The smiley iconography cultivates cheerfulness and lightheartedness around an everyday routine.

They Are Great Conversation Starters

Serve food or drinks to guests on smiley plates, and don't be surprised if it sparks smiles and comments around the table. These playful ceramics with backstories tend to get people engaging more rather than simply eating. They break the ice for more animated discussions.

They Allow Creative Expression

From professional ceramic artists to crafty kids decorating dollar store plates with markers, putting smileys on dishware opens up creativity. Artists can come up with innovative and personal ways to render the classic iconography in their preferred clay medium.

They Show Pride in Craftsmanship

Smiley plates and mugs are often the passion projects of skilled potters who have mastered ceramics work like throwing, glazing, and firing. They allow artists to showcase signature styles, techniques, and smiles that represent years refining a craft.

Of course, beginners also appreciate smiley plates and bowls as fun canvases for practicing ceramic techniques. But for serious potters, quality smiley pieces can be their pride and joy.

Tips for Making Your Own Smiley Ceramics

Want to try crafting your own signature smiley plates or mugs? Here are some top tips for where to start.

Pick the Right Clay

Choose an air-dry clay, polymer clay, or low-fire pottery clay suited for handbuilding or wheel throwing at home. Consider the final durability and use of the ceramic when choosing clay type. Get all the necessary clay sculpting and smoothing supplies too.

Plan the Design Elements

Sketch out some initial ideas for the proportions of your piece along with smiley face styles. Decide on colors, patterns, concepts. Remember to suit the design to your skill level and available time.

Create Textures and Decorations

Impress or incise designs into the surface for added visual interest. Try using slip trailing, stamps, or stencils. Make diagonal lines, dots, stars, etc. Or add 3D clay decorations like buttons or coils.

Paint On Expressions

Use ceramic paints and glazes to bring your base smiley face sculpture to life with color and feeling. Play around with eye shapes, mouth curves, and blush marks. Consider kiln firing or outdoor varnish options.

However you choose to design your smiley ceramics, the process promises a joyful creative outlet. Every new handcrafted smiley plate or mug carries on the legacy of positivity and optimism sparked by Harvey Ball's first smiley icon. So keep spreading the happiness!

FAQs

Who created the original smiley face design?

The original smiley face design is credited to graphic artist Harvey Ball. He created the first smiley in 1963 for a campaign to boost morale at an insurance company.

What makes smiley plates and mugs so popular?

Smiley plates and mugs are popular because they tend to lift people's moods with their cheerful iconography. They also allow for creative ceramic decorating, make great conversation starters, and showcase artistic craftsmanship.

Can kids make their own smiley ceramics?

Yes, working with air-dry or polymer clays allows even kids to handbuild and decorate smiley plates, mugs, and bowls fairly easily. Supervise use of materials, and have an adult handle any oven or stippling tool use.

What techniques can you use to decorate smiley ceramics?

Potters use techniques like incising designs into clay, slip trailing, adding texture with stamps, stenciling patterns, and hand painting details with ceramic glazes. The options for customizing smiley plates and dishes are almost endless.