Okay, so I’ve been obsessed with watches lately, and I had this idea to make a blue ceramic one. I’d seen some cool ones online, but I wanted to try it myself. Let me tell you, it was a journey!
Getting Started
First, I needed to get my hands on some ceramic. I found this powder online, specifically designed for making watch cases. It was this vibrant blue color, exactly what I was looking for. I also grabbed a mold – a simple, round watch case shape. Nothing fancy, just the basics.
Mixing and Molding
The mixing part was messy! I had to combine the ceramic powder with a binder, this gooey stuff that helps it all stick together. I used a regular kitchen bowl and a spatula, seriously, nothing high-tech here. It took a while to get the consistency right, like a thick paste.
Then came the tricky part – getting the mixture into the mold. I slowly spooned it in, trying to avoid air bubbles. I tapped the mold on the counter to try and get things settled. It wasn’t perfect, but I figured I could smooth things out later.
The Kiln – My Oven
I don’t own a kiln, so I used my oven.
I put the mold in the oven. After a while,I took it out.
Sanding and Smoothing
Once it was cooled down, I popped the watch case out of the mold. It was rough, really rough. I spent hours sanding it down, starting with coarse sandpaper and working my way to finer grits. My fingers were sore, but I was determined to get it smooth.
Adding the Watch Parts
Next, I needed to add the actual watch parts. I bought a cheap watch movement online, along with some hands and a crystal (the glass cover). This was probably the most fiddly part. I used tiny screwdrivers and a lot of patience. I even messed up a couple of times and had to order replacement parts.
The Final Result
Finally, after many setbacks, I had a finished blue ceramic watch! It’s not perfect, you can see some imperfections if you look closely. But I made it! It’s unique, and it’s got this cool, handmade feel to it. I’m pretty proud of how it turned out, even with all the challenges along the way.
- Lessons Learned:
- Ceramic is messy. Be prepared for that!
- Patience is key. Sanding takes forever.
- Watch parts are tiny and delicate. Handle with care!
Would I do it again? Maybe! It was a fun project, and I learned a lot. But it was definitely a lot more work than I anticipated.
