Stages of Clay
This super wet and sloppy stage of clay is used as "glue" when building
What is Slip?
Instead of "baking" clay, ceramic artists use this term when heating pieces in a kiln
What is firing?
The construction technique that uses clay rolled into long thin snake-like shapes
What is coil construction?
The general term used to refer to all pottery pieces
What is ware?
A sharp, thin tool used for precision cutting, tracing designs, trimming clay edges and scoring
What is a needle tool?
Moldable and flexible, this is the stage of clay used most frequently for handbuilding and throwing on the wheel
What is plastic?
A special type of high-temperature oven used to transform clay into ceramic material
What is a kiln?
The technique of scratching the clay surface before adding slip to help two pieces stick together
What is scoring?
A term that refers to all unfired clay projects, including wet and bone dry pieces
What is greenware?
This basic tool is used to smooth or shape clay surfaces, often made of wood, rubber, or metal
What is a rib?
Halfway between wet and dry, this stage holds its shape well and is best for carving, adding, and constructing
What is leatherhard?
"Throwing" clay to quickly make a symmetrical form is done using this electric machine
What is a pottery wheel?
You must perform this action EVERY time you attach pieces of clay together, no matter how small!
What is scoring?
Material applied to bisqueware that turns into a glass-like finish during firing, sealing the piece
What is glaze?
Used for cutting pieces of clay off a large block of clay or removing thrown pieces from the wheel head
What is a wire cutter?
Completely dry, extremely brittle, and ready to be fired or recycled
What is bone dry?
A small, pyramid-shaped tool made of ceramic and designed to melt at a specific temperature, used to aid in the firing process
What is a cone?
An evenly rolled-out, flat piece of clay used as a common construction technique
What is a slab?
Pottery pieces that have been fired once in the kiln and are ready to be glazed
What is bisqueware (or bisque)?
A long metal knife used for cutting and piercing clay
What is a fettling knife?
Clay that has been fired in the kiln twice, the second time with a special coating applied, making it finished and ready for use
What is glazeware?
The 3 basic, natural ingredients that make up clay
What are alumina, silica, and water?
The act of "kneading" clay to create a cohesive ball and eliminate air pockets
What is wedging?
Colored clay decorating material applied to dry greenware or bisqueware before applying the final glaze coat
What is underglaze?
Loop tools are also commonly known by these two alternative names
What are carving tools or trimming tools?