Ceramics

Potters create vesselsWhat are vessels?

Vessel: a container (as a cask, bottle,

kettle, cup,

or bowl)

for holding

something

Clay Stages

1. Slip

A slurry of clay and water,

used as glue

or for casting

Clay Stages• 1. Slip • 2. Wet clay

Plastic enough to wheel throw

or hand build

Clay Stages

• 1. Slip• 2. Wet clay• 3. LeatherhardSlightly dried clay

that can be joined and carved

Clay Stages• 1. Slip• 2. Wet clay• 3. Leatherhard

• 4. Greenware• Bone-dry clay

that is ready to be fired in the kiln.

Clay Stages

• 1. Slip• 2. Wet clay• 3. Leatherhard• 4. Greenware

• 5. Bisqueware

Fired clay that is ready to glaze and glaze fire.

Clay Stages• 1. Slip• 2. Wet clay• 3. Leatherhard• 4. Greenware• 5. Bisqueware

• 6. GlazewareFinished ceramic

piece, fired twice in the kiln

Wedging clay

Knead clay

with the palms

of your hands

to remove air bubbles which cause ceramics to explode

in the kiln.

Forming methods• PinchpotMake a ball in

your hands, push your thumbs in and then widen the hole with your fingers.

Forming methods

• Pinchpot

• CoilMake coil

snakes and layer them to build onto pinchpot base.

Forming methods

• Pinchpot

• Coil

• Slab

Attaching flat pieces of clay together.

Forming methods

• Pinchpot

• Coil

• Slab

• Drape Mold

Flat clay draped over a form

Forming methods

• Pinchpot• Coil• Slab• Drape Mold

• Slip CastLiquid clay

poured into a mold

Forming methods

• Pinchpot• Coil• Slab• Drape Mold• Slip Cast

• Wheel ThrownWet clay formed On a spinning

wheel

Underglazing Greenware

Brush on underglaze for

detailed designs.

It is dripless

and does not crack. After bisque firing,

It remains the color brush on clear

it appears before firing. glaze to waterproof.

Firing ceramics in the kiln

A kiln is an oven that heats clay

to a high temperature

to remove all moisture from ceramics.

This makes ceramics more durable

and stable.

Glazing Bisqueware

Brush three layers of glaze onto your bisqueware or dip it once.

When dry, wipe all glaze from the bottom so it will not stick the kiln shelf.

You may etch designs into the glaze so bisqueware shows through.

Add clear glaze as

a final waterproof coat.

Reclaiming clayReclaiming clay is the process to make hardened

clay plastic (wet clay) again.

It is not possible to reclaim fired clay.

Clay may be reclaimed indefinitely.

Just add hardened clay to the reclaim bucket.The added water will soften the clay and it can be

reused after some drying. The liquid clay in the reclaim bucket is slip.

Reclaiming clay

Joining Clay in the Leatherhard Stage

Score (make velcro)Score (on other piece too)Wet (use a little slip)Wiggle (push the pieces

together)Smooth!!! (the join should be

invisible)

Ceramics QuizDefine the following terms in your own words.

1. Greenware 6. Coil Method

2. Wedging 7. Bisqueware

3. Kiln 8. Vessel

4. Reclaiming 9. Leatherhard

5. Wet clay 10. Underglaze