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Our Clay Story
From Earth to Art
Each handmade piece carries a unique journey—shaped by Panama’s rich landscapes, traditions, and skilled hands. From raw earth to finished ceramic, it undergoes a long, detailed process before becoming part of your home.
This traditional craft has been passed down for generations, blending natural materials with careful workmanship. Join us in exploring the process, from shaping and glazing to the final firing, and see how each piece comes to life.
Harvesting the Clay
We gather natural clay from the land, carefully selecting it from mineral-rich soil. The process begins with digging and collecting, followed by cleaning the clay to remove any impurities like rocks and roots. We let the clay dry in the sun, allowing it to harden and achieve the right consistency for the next steps.
Grinding the Clay
Next, the clay is placed in the mill, where it is carefully ground into a fine powder. This process breaks down the clay into smaller particles, and the powder is sifted to remove any impurities, such as small stones or debris. The result is a smooth, refined powder, ready for the next step in the process.
Mixing & Kneading
The powder is mixed with water by hand to achieve the perfect texture, a process that requires careful attention. We add chamote, which is already fired clay, to create the ideal mix. The clay is then kneaded thoroughly to remove any air bubbles and ensure a smooth, even consistency. Once kneaded, the clay is formed into blocks, ready to be used in shaping.
Shaping Creations
The prepared clay is molded into unique ceramic pieces, each hand-crafted with care. Using traditional techniques, we shape the clay with attention to detail, ensuring that every piece is one of a kind. From simple forms to more complex designs, each creation reflects the skill and care involved in the process.
Trimming
After a few days, the clay reaches a leather-hard stage, making it ready for trimming. At this point, we can refine the edges, smooth the surfaces, and perfect the design by removing any excess clay.
Bisque Firing
After trimming, the pieces need to dry completely, which can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days, depending on the weather in Panama. Once fully dried, they are ready for their first firing, called the bisque fire. During this process, the clay is heated to a high temperature, hardening it and removing any remaining moisture. After the bisque fire, the pieces are stronger and ready for glazing.
Glazing & Finishing
Each piece is carefully glazed, adding color, texture, and a personal touch. The glaze not only improves the appearance but also makes the piece functional by providing a smooth, waterproof surface. After glazing, the pieces go through a final firing, which transforms the glaze into a durable finish, ensuring that your items are safe for food and drinks.
Ready for Sale
After all these steps, our ceramic pieces are ready to be taken home with you!
We hope this process helps you appreciate handmade craftsmanship even more. Thank you for supporting the 'slow' artistry of hand-made creations over mass-produced goods. Enjoy your unique ceramic piece at home, where it can bring beauty and function to your space.