How to Start Making Pottery Jewellery on a Small Budget (A beginner-friendly guide)
Pottery jewellery often looks like something that requires a large studio, an expensive kiln, and years of experience. In reality, you can start much more simply — even at home — and without investing a lot of money.
This guide is based on my own experience making ceramic jewellery in a small home studio.
If you want to try pottery jewellery making before fully committing, this guide will show you:
– what you really need to get started
–which tools are worth buying first
– how to keep your initial costs low while still achieving good results
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1. The biggest difference: a microwave kiln
One of the biggest barriers to working with ceramics is the traditional kiln. For small projects such as earrings and pendants, however, there is a much more accessible option — a microwave kiln.
A microwave kiln:
– is used in a standard microwave oven
– is designed for small ceramic pieces
– allows you to work with real clay without a large upfront investment
Links to microwave kiln:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
Important safety note about using a microwave kiln
Although microwave kilns are designed for home use, it is strongly recommended to use them outdoors — for example in a garden, on a terrace, or in a very well-ventilated space.
Why this matters:
– firing can produce odours or light smoke
– the kiln becomes extremely hot
– during early firings, materials may behave unpredictably
Practical tips:
– use a dedicated microwave that is not used for food
– place the microwave on a non-flammable surface
– allow the kiln to cool completely before opening
– never leave it unattended during firing
If you have the option to work outdoors, this is a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable solution, especially for beginners.
Link to Heat-resistant gloves for handling hot kiln:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
2. Clay – what to choose as a beginner
Choosing the right clay at the beginning makes a big difference. You don’t need large quantities or specialist materials — the goal is to test the process, not to overinvest.
For beginners, the best option is:
– low-fire clay
– sold in small packs
– smooth clay without large grog or heavy texture
Low-fire clay is easier to work with, more forgiving during firing, and better suited to small jewellery pieces such as earrings and pendants. (Choose a low-fire clay (cone 06–04), suitable for temperatures up to approximately 1000 °C.
Microwave kilns do not reach the same temperatures as full-size electric kilns, so high-fire clays are not suitable.)
Why low-fire clay works best for jewellery
– it fires at lower temperatures
– it is suitable for small kilns and microwave kilns
– it reduces the risk of cracking during early experiments
– it is widely available and affordable
This makes it ideal when you are still learning and testing shapes, thickness, and firing behaviour.
What about air-dry clay?
Air-dry clay is not a substitute for ceramic clay.
– it does not go into a kiln
– it behaves very differently during drying
– the finished result is not true ceramic
If your goal is to make real pottery jewellery, air-dry clay will not give you the same durability or feel.
How much clay do you actually need?
At the beginning:
– a small block is enough for many jewellery pieces
– jewellery uses very little material
– it is better to buy less and learn how the clay behaves first
Once you feel confident, you can always scale up.
Links to low-fire ceramic clay:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
Important note:
This clay is ideal for microwave kiln use only.
If you plan to fire in a professional ceramic kiln, it is safer to buy clay from specialist ceramic suppliers designed for controlled kiln firings.
3. Basic shaping tools – what you really need
When starting with pottery jewellery, it’s easy to think you need a full professional tool set. In reality, you can shape most jewellery pieces with just a few simple tools.
At the beginning, the absolute basics are:
– basic wooden or plastic shaping tools
– a needle tool or toothpick
– a small craft knife
– a rolling pin (a kitchen one works perfectly)
These tools are enough to cut shapes, add holes, smooth edges, and create simple textures.
Keep your setup simple
– you don’t need an expensive pottery tool kit
– many tools can be improvised from household items
– starting simple helps you focus on form and technique
As you gain experience, you will naturally discover which tools you actually use and which ones you don’t.
Texture and details
Even with minimal tools, you can create interesting surfaces:
– fabric, lace, or leaves for texture
– stamps or found objects
– simple carved lines and patterns
For jewellery, small details often have more impact than complex forms.
Links to ceramic tools:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
4. Glazes vs acrylic paints – an important distinction
This is where many beginners feel confused, because there are two different approaches to finishing pottery jewellery.
Understanding the difference early on will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Firing basics – what happens first
In traditional ceramics:
– the first firing is done with plain clay, without glaze (bisque firing)
– the second firing is done after glaze is applied
However, not every jewellery-making method requires two firings.
Method 1: Using glazes only (traditional ceramic approach)
This method:
– requires two firings
– first firing: plain clay, no glaze
– second firing: after glaze application
– creates a glassy, very durable surface
Things to be aware of:
– glazes are more expensive
– they require more technical control
– beginners usually lose a few pieces while learning
– understanding glaze behaviour takes practice
Glazing is beautiful, but it takes time to master and is best learned gradually.
Method 2: A beginner-friendly approach – acrylic paints
This method is ideal if you are just testing pottery jewellery making.
The process is simpler:
– you do one firing only, with plain clay and no glaze
– once fired, the piece is ready to paint
– no second firing is done
After painting:
– when you are happy with the result
– you simply seal the piece with varnish or a protective sealant
Advantages of this method:
– lower initial costs
– simpler workflow
– more control over colour and detail
– ideal for small batches and experimentation
This approach allows you to focus on design and painting without worrying about glaze chemistry.
A quick comparison
Glazes:
– applied before firing
– require a second firing
– highly durable but technically demanding
Acrylic paints:
– applied after firing
– require only one firing
– must always be sealed with varnish
Links to acrylic paint set:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
5. Varnish and sealants – protecting your finished piece
When using acrylic paints on ceramic jewellery, a protective finish is essential. Acrylic paint on its own is not waterproof and can wear off over time.
A good varnish or sealant:
– protects the painted surface
– improves durability
– helps the piece withstand everyday wear
Types of finishes
Varnishes and sealants are available in different finishes:
– matte – soft, natural look
– satin – subtle sheen, balanced finish
– gloss – strong shine and colour depth
The choice depends on your design style and the look you want to achieve.
How to apply varnish
For best results:
– make sure the paint is completely dry
– apply thin, even layers
– allow each layer to dry fully before adding the next
– avoid touching the surface while it cures
Several thin layers usually give a better result than one thick coat.
A practical note
Even with a good sealant:
– ceramic jewellery should not be soaked in water
– gentle handling will extend its lifespan
A well-sealed piece, however, is perfectly suitable for regular wear.
Links to acrylic varnish:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
6. Jewellery findings – turning clay into wearable pieces
Once your ceramic pieces are fired and finished, they still need one more thing to become jewellery: findings.
Basic jewellery components include:
– earring hooks
– jump rings
– chains or cords
These elements connect your ceramic piece to the body and turn it into a wearable object.
A note on hooks and firing
If you want to insert a hook or loop into the clay before firing, you must use:
– high-temperature resistant wire (such as Kanthal or kiln-safe stainless steel)
Links to kiln-safe wire hooks:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
Standard jewellery hooks:
– must not go into the kiln
– will melt, warp, or be damaged during firing
For beginners, it is often easier to:
– fire the piece without any metal parts
– attach hooks and findings after firing
This gives you more control and reduces the risk of damaging finished work.
Links to jewellery making kit:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
Choosing the right materials
When selecting jewellery findings, consider:
– stainless steel or hypoallergenic materials
– durability for everyday wear
– a finish that complements your ceramic surface
Small details matter, especially in jewellery.
7. Plaster moulds – optional, but very useful
Plaster moulds are not essential at the beginning, but they can be extremely helpful as your process becomes more consistent.
They are useful if you want to:
– repeat the same shapes
– create simple moulds for small pieces
– add texture and structure
– work more efficiently with small batches
Plaster allows you to reproduce forms without starting from scratch every time.
Working with plaster – what to know
When using plaster:
– always follow the correct mixing ratio
– pour slowly to avoid air bubbles
– allow the mould to fully cure before use
– never pour plaster down the sink
Plaster and water create a chemical reaction, and leftover plaster should always be disposed of in solid form.
A practical note
For jewellery making:
– small, simple moulds are often enough
– plaster is especially useful for pendants and repeatable earring shapes
You can easily combine hand shaping and mould work in one collection.
Links to white plaster:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
8. Safety and workspace basics
Even when working on a small scale, safety and a well-organised workspace matter. You don’t need a full studio, but a few basic habits will make the process easier and safer.
Basic safety considerations:
– use a mask or respirator when sanding or drilling
– wear gloves when working with glazes or sealants
– ensure good ventilation, especially during firing
Setting up your workspace
A functional setup can be very simple:
– a clean, flat work surface
– good natural light or a desk lamp
– easy access to water and cleaning tools
For microwave kiln use, working outdoors or in a well-ventilated area is strongly recommended.
Keep it manageable
– small projects require less space
– fewer tools reduce clutter
– a simple setup helps you stay focused
A calm, organised workspace supports creativity and consistency.
9. A small electric kiln – the next step if you want to go further
If pottery jewellery making starts to feel like something you want to pursue more seriously, a small electric kiln can be a very practical next step.
Unlike a large studio kiln, a small electric kiln allows you to:
– fire small batches more frequently
– avoid waiting weeks to fill a large kiln
– focus specifically on jewellery-sized pieces
This can significantly speed up your workflow and reduce the amount of unfinished work sitting in your studio.
Why a small kiln makes sense for jewellery
For jewellery makers:
– firing cycles are shorter and more flexible
– small pieces fit easily without wasted space
– it supports faster production and testing
A small kiln is especially useful if you often work only with earrings or pendants.
Things to consider before buying
Before investing in a small electric kiln, keep in mind:
– it is more expensive than a microwave kiln
– it requires a dedicated space and power supply
– it makes sense once you are producing regularly
For beginners, a microwave kiln is enough to start.
A small electric kiln is best seen as a second-stage investment, not a requirement.
Links to small electric kiln:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
10. A realistic beginner setup – how much do you actually need?
One of the biggest misconceptions about ceramics is that it’s expensive to start. If your goal is to try pottery jewellery making, not to build a full studio, the initial setup can be surprisingly affordable.
Below is a realistic minimum setup, based on tools you actually need.
Minimum beginner setup (approximate costs)
– Microwave kiln
approx. £25–£50
– Low-fire clay (small pack)
approx. £8–£15
– Basic clay tools (a few spatulas or shaping tools)
approx. £7–£12
– Clear varnish / sealant
approx. £7–£15
– Kiln-safe high-temperature wire hooks (optional, for pieces fired with an embedded loop)
approx. £6–£10
– Necklace cords or chains
approx. £4–£8
If you already have acrylic paints at home (many people do, especially with kids), you don’t need to buy any additional paint at the beginning.
Total minimum budget
In most cases, you can start with roughly:
– £75–£100 total
This covers a basic starter setup, including:
– a microwave kiln
– approx. 5 kg of low-fire clay
– basic clay tools
– kiln-safe high-temperature wire hooks
– jewellery findings / starter tools
– clear acrylic varnish
Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the retailer.
Why starting small makes sense
– jewellery uses very little material
– mistakes are part of learning and cost less at this scale
– you avoid investing heavily before you know what you enjoy
If pottery jewellery feels right, you can always expand your setup later — glazes, more tools, or even a small electric kiln.
Starting small keeps the process low-pressure, creative, and enjoyable.