Sustainability and Creative Process

Siobhain Steele - Contemporary Irish Ceramics and Pottery - Handmade in Cork

We appreciate the role we all play to make the world a more sustainable place. We seek to ensure 

that we have as little impact on the world around us as possible. From the raw materials we source 

to the packaging we choose, careful consideration is given in choosing the most efficient, 

environmentally friendly option. We make gifts that are make to last a lifetime, to be passed on fromone generation to the next.  We source all of our raw materials locally, from a local supplier named DBI in Blackrock. We opt to use Stoneware and Porcelain clay as they are so versatile and suitable forboth giftware and functional use.  

We ensure that the kiln is full and every inch of space is utilized when we completed the kiln firings. 

We also run our kiln firings at night to reduce the burden on the national grid. We continue to 

monitor our kiln fires meticulously in order for us to accurately measure our impact on global 

emissions. To help offset our emissions, we have also partnered up with Rathcormcac Wildlife 

Reservein their efforts to increase local biodiversity  and natural habitat.

The packaging material that we use is sourced locally when possible, from National Packaging supplies, Cork, and Donegal Box.

We encourage our customers to repurpose our packaging by using simple, charming wrapping materials The boxes we use are all 100% recyclable, and the packaging materials such as the string, tissue paper, and lavender are all compostable.  

Each ceramic gift is designed and handcrafted with care and will pass through my hands many times over a two week period before it is ready to be gifted by you. My ceramic gifts are keepsakes that will last a lifetime and can be passed on to the next generation.

Below is a brief overview of the process involved.

Step 1- I use liquid clay called slip to make my ceramics,a method called slip casting which has been used around the world for many centuries. I make large batches of slip and transfer to jugs for ease of pouring, the slip is stirred to the correct consistency ready for pouring into the plaster molds.

Step 2 - Pouring the slip into the plaster mold. Once poured carefully, I leave the slip in the mold for a number of minutes depending on the size and shape of the object. The slip is then emptied upside down allowing the slip to drain and left to dry overnight.

Step 3 - Once the slip has dried usually overnight I can remove the piece carefully as it is very delicate at this stage and place on a wooden board ready for fettling.

Step 4 - Fettling. Using a number of tools and sponges I remove any roughness and sculp the piece to the shape that I am looking for. This takes time and is one of my favourite steps in the process. Because it is hand made each piece will be different making it unique.

Step 5 Branding - I etch my initials SSC (Siobhain Steele Ceramics) into each piece at this stage before the piece is placed in te kiln for its first firing to 1000 degrees centigrade.

Step 6. First Kiln Firing - All the work is placed carefully into the kiln ready for the first firing known as bisque firing. The work can be stacked carefully and placed on shelves seperated by supports which allows me to optimise every inch of space available and then set the Kiln to fire overnight ;)

Step 7 Decorating and Glazing - After the pieces are bisque fired they are strong with a chalky feel and are now ready to be hand painted, using under glaze paints. Once I have I am happy with the designs each piece is dipped in glaze making sure to clean back the base of the piece that will touch the kiln shelf. The kiln is set to fire again overnight to between 1150 and 1280 degrees centigrade depending on the project. Once the desired temperature is reached the Kiln will cool down over the next 24-48 hours to under 50 degrees centigrade before I open the Kiln and reveal a successful firing ;)

Step 8 Finishing Touches - Over a two week period of casting, fettling, hand painting plus two kiln firings the work is now ready to be sanded and finished. Each piece passes through my hands many times before it is finally ready for gifting ;)