This year, for my diploma, I decided to create my own graphic design studio. In my visual research, I am examining how the owner’s distinct fingerprint influences the identity of the design agency, and how that, in turn, affects the studio’s success. Therefore, I intend for my project to convey my personal imprint. Since my studio’s identity hasn’t been established yet, I decided to create two tea sets featuring my favorite pets. Roma and Semyon are an enormous part of my life and my cultural code.
Semyon and Roma
Let’s start with Syomik
Final version of the «Syomik» tea set
It is important to note that the Syomik figurine has flecks of gold enamel. This is a reference to his nickname, «The Golden One.» He earned this nickname because of his perfectly warm blonde hair.
Let’s discuss the dimensions.
Mug
Because mugs have a bulbous, barrel-like shape, they must be comfortable to hold.Volume: 300–400 ml.
Height: 8–10 cm.
Diameter (rim): 7.5–9 cm.
Diameter (base): 6–8 cm.Handle: It must be wide enough for 2–3 fingers to fit through, and not too thin (otherwise, the ceramic might not support the weight of a full mug).
Saucer (for second set)
Diameter: 14–16 cm. It should be 2–3 cm wider than the rim of the mug to ensure the cup stands stably and to leave room for a spoon or a cookie.
CutleryOverall length: 14–17 cm.
Decorative handle length (animal head): 3.5–5 cm.Functional part (metal):Spoon: Ladle with a length of 3.5–4 cm and a width of 2–2.5 cm.
Fork: Tines length of 3.5–4.5 cm, with 3 or 4 tines. Tines should not be too long, otherwise the fork will look like a garden utensil.Weight: Ideally, the weight distribution should be: 40% ceramic, 60% metal
«Syomik» Tea Ceremony Figurine
Miniature Figures (Parrot and Yorkshire Terrier)
These objects serve a decorative function.Height: 4–6 cm.
Width/Depth: 3–5 cm.Weight: 50–100 grams. They must be heavy enough to stand stably on a table, but not so heavy that they are difficult to move.Proportion: The figure must not be taller than the mug itself. Ideally, it should be half or two-thirds the height of the cup.
Let’s add Romik
Final version of the «Romik» teacup set
The dimensions and proportions for this teacup set are exactly the same as for the «Syomik» teacup set.
«Romik» Tea Ceremony Figurine
Let’s discuss implementation.
Materials
For Ceramics:
Clay: Shammot clay (with grog added) or white clay (faience) is best. It is durable and holds its shape well.
Slip: Liquid clay used as an adhesive to join pieces.
Tools: Rolling pin and wooden planks (for rolling out sheets of uniform thickness), knife or string, modeling tools, brushes, a damp sponge, and a turntable.
For Decoration: Ceramic paints (engobes, glazes, overglazes) and a muffle kiln for firing.
For Cutlery:
Metal Base: Pre-made spoons and forks (inexpensive stainless steel options are fine) or individual metal tines.
Adhesive: A two-component epoxy adhesive specifically designed for bonding ceramics and metal. It must be waterproof and withstand washing.
Sculpting a Figurine (Parrot, Yorkie):
Sculpting a three-dimensional figurine is an art. You can begin by creating the basic shapes using balls and cylinders of clay, gradually adding details such as the head, beak, paws, and tail. It is easy to press in eyes and small details using a sculpting tool. Important: To prevent the figurine from cracking during drying and firing, it must be hollow. You can achieve this by sculpting two halves, hollowing out indentations in them, and joining them, or by using a special slab-building technique. After sculpting, the figurine goes through drying, bisque firing, painting, and glazing.
Ceramic Handles for Spoons and Forks:
Method 1 (Mold Casting): This is the most common industrial method. A plaster mold is created, into which liquid ceramic slurry is poured. This allows for the production of many identical handles. Method 2 (Hand Sculpting): You can sculpt the handle by hand, but you must ensure an internal channel is provided for the metal tang (tenon) of the utensil.
Joining Ceramic and Metal: The simplest and most reliable method for a home crafter is gluing. The metal tang of the spoon/fork is degreased, a special high-strength epoxy adhesive is applied to it, and it is inserted into the opening of the ceramic handle. It is crucial to press the pieces firmly together and allow the adhesive to cure completely for the time specified on the package (this usually takes 24 hours).
Final result of the tea set «Romik»
As a result, I would like to receive two pairs of teacups as merchandise. My clients really love this set and visit them often because the team enjoys being with us «at work.»
I think these tea sets could be given as a thank-you gift to loyal or major clients.
