Look for artwork with built-in loop holes for hanging. Ceramic décor, in which the artist has pre-formed loops and/or other hooks at the back of their artwork, is the finest solution. The loops are blasted into the item in this manner and are quite powerful. This is the approach I employ in the most, if not all, of my artwork.
If your art does not have these features, it can be glazed with a transparent coating that will allow you to see through to the colored clay beneath (if there is any). You would need to find out what kind of coating was used before you start working on your piece. Some items may also be fired once more after the initial firing to darken the color of the clay.
Ceramic art is easy to maintain; just wash with warm water and soap. Do not use chemicals or abrasives to clean your piece.
Ceramic art is not likely to damage furniture or rugs, but you should exercise caution not to drop it or hit it with a hard object. If you do, you might want to consider using protective glass or plastic instead.
Ceramic art is not likely to scratch metal, but you should exercise caution not to drop it or hit it with a hard object.
How to Hang Items Without Ruining Your Walls
How to Securely Hang Pictures
Here are a few of the tools we use for hanging items.
Take a look at these creative methods to exhibit art that don't require it to be hung on the wall. The end effect is equally as stylish—if not more so!
Hanging Hardware Options for Wood Panels Use screw eyes and picture wire for regular hanging (under 30 pounds). The screw eye size should be determined by the weight and size of the artwork. Mark a location on the inside of the cradle with a pencil about 1/4 of the way down from the top of the picture. This will allow for adjustment if necessary. Then, using a drill, create a pilot hole in this spot. Next, drive a screw into the wall behind the panel using a screwdriver as a driver. Make sure to drive it deep enough so that it doesn't come out of the wall when you pull the panel off the stand. If you want to hide the screw, first cover it with paint or a filler material such as wood putty. Then, stain or paint the room surrounding the screw color consistent with your house color scheme.
For very heavy artwork (over 30 pounds), use two screw eyes and two pieces of picture wire. First, mark the locations for the screw eyes on the back side of the panel. Then, cut a length of picture wire about twice the height of the panel and insert one end into a screw eye. Using a hammer, gently tap each screw eye until it falls off the panel. Remove the picture wire from the second screw eye and repeat with another piece of picture wire. You can also use metal strapping as long as it's not too thick.