• Printing on ceramics make a plain container something special.ceramics vase image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
  
  Printing on ceramics, whether handmade or purchased from a ceramic store, can make a plain dish, mug or container a work of art. Glazes and under-glazes can give an artist the ability to print intricate patterns or bold graphics on any type of fired ceramic. Inspiration for printing can be found in nature, history and museums. Add your own personal style to a ceramic to create a treasured heirloom.
  
  

Botanical

• Leaf printing on ceramics is a very easy way to create a print.leaf prints. image by samantha grandy from Fotolia.com
  
  Botanical or floral designs have been found on ceramics dating back centuries in nearly every culture. They can be easily applied to ceramics in numerous ways. Leaves, blooms and roots can be pressed into unfired clay pots, cups and plates to create a realistic botanical print or can be hand painted onto a fired ceramic during the glazing process. Perfect for a border design in either abstract, realistic or a graphic interpretation, botanical prints on a ceramic piece can be done in color or in a black line drawing for maximum appeal.
  
  

Cultural Symbols

• Ancient symbolic writing such as Petroglyphs "are powerful cultural symbols that reflect the complex societies and religions of the surrounding tribes," according to the National Park Services' National Petroglyph Monument website. Whether they are ancient cave painting images, Mayan or Egyptian hieroglyphs or even Hobo signs, the use of cultural symbols as a design element makes for an interesting ceramic piece. Images can be placed at random to mimic a cave painting, lined up in cartouche form or scattered over a piece of ceramics implying enjoyment of the aesthetics rather than interpretation. A ceramic glaze and treatment that reflects the original environment in which the symbol was created will enhance the piece.
  
  

Abstract

• Geometric designs look great when used as a border.geometric design image by PinkShot from Fotolia.com
  
  Useful when printing ceramics with children, an abstract design married with a two-color glaze treatment can create an eye-catching plate, cup or container. Glaze a piece in a white opaque glaze, then have kids doodle with a black or other single color coordinating paint or under glaze to easily create a one-of-a-kind ceramic piece. Use contrasting color glazes along with a simple geometric or linear designs for a more dramatic look.
  
  

Fine Art Reproductions

• Finding inspiration in fine art is a helpful way to break an artistic slump.academy of fine arts image by Dmitry Nikolaev from Fotolia.com
  
  A talented artist can find inspiration from classic fine art paintings to create a printed ceramic piece. Whether it's a personal take on the "Mona Lisa" or your own version of "The Scream," printing a design based upon a classic art piece attracts viewers and delights collectors and art enthusiasts. You could also use just a piece of a fine art image to create your print. For example, print a re-creation of one of Salvador Dali's melting clocks from "The Persistence of Memory, c 1931," over a ceramic clock to make an interesting conversation piece.