Feeling Playful with Color

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Your Custom Ceramic Lighting

Lighting does more than brighten a room; it shapes the atmosphere, adds character, and reflects your personal style. If you're looking to make a statement with unique, modern, and playful lighting, custom ceramic pieces are a fantastic choice. We can bring your vision to life through a special custom order. This year we have embarked upon many custom orders.

So allow us to take you through our steps because creating custom ceramic lighting is an artful journey—a blend of imagination, craftsmanship, and collaboration. Each order is a story, and we're excited to share the process that transforms your vision into a luminous reality.

Step 1: Understanding Your Vision
Every custom order begins with a conversation. Whether you're drawn to specific shapes, colors, patterns, or an entirely unique design, we listen to your ideas and inspirations. This step involves exploring sketches, reference images, and design specifications to ensure we capture your vision.

Step 2: Design and Planning
Once we have a clear understanding of your preferences, we create a detailed design plan. This may include technical drawings, color palettes, and sample mockups. We also consider practical details like the lighting’s dimensions, installation needs, and compatibility with various settings.

Step 3: Handcrafting the Form
The real magic begins when our artisans shape the raw clay. Each piece is meticulously created to achieve its intended design. This phase requires patience and precision, as the piece must be structurally sound and aesthetically perfect.

Step 4: Drying and Refining
After forming, the clay needs time to dry—usually several days. During this stage, we refine details, smooth surfaces, and ensure every angle aligns with the design plan. This step is critical as it sets the foundation for the final piece.

Step 5: Firing the Piece
Once the piece is dry, it undergoes its first kiln firing, known as bisque firing. This process hardens the clay, preparing it for glazing. Firing temperatures are carefully controlled to avoid cracks or imperfections.

Step 6: Applying the Glaze
Glazing is where the piece truly comes to life. We work with a palette of custom glazes, layering colors and textures to achieve the desired finish. This step allows for creativity and experimentation, making each piece unique.

Step 7: Final Firing
The glazed piece returns to the kiln for its final firing, where heat transforms the glaze into a vibrant, durable finish. The result is a ceramic lighting fixture that combines artistry and functionality.

Step 8: Assembly and Quality Check
After firing, we assemble the lighting components, ensuring everything is securely and beautifully integrated. Each piece undergoes a thorough quality check to confirm it meets our high standards.

Step 9: Packaging and Delivery
Your custom ceramic lighting is carefully packaged to protect it during transit. We ensure it arrives ready to illuminate your space and make a statement.

Below are the final concept renderings and the finished products prior to shipping for our latest custom order. We can't wait to see them in place. Reach out to us today for your own custom J Schatz Installation