Stages of Clay
The most fragile state where all physical water has evaporated, and the piece is ready for the first firing.
Leather Hard
The name for clay mixed with water into a liquid consistency, used as a type of glue.
Slip
This simple form is made by starting with a ball of clay and systematically thinning the walls with your fingers.
Pinch Pot
The final result of a piece that has been coated with glaze and fired a second time, resulting in a non-porous surface.
Glazed Ware
Used for rough shaping and scoring the clay surface for joining.
Serrated Metal Rib
The soft, moldable stage where clay is ideal for working and shaping.
Plastic
This catastrophic event is caused by trapped moisture rapidly turning to steam during a rapid firing.
Exploding in clay
The term for long, rope-like rolls of clay that are used to build up the walls of a pot.
Coils
A glaze that melts to a shiny, reflective, and smooth surface after firing.
Gloss Glaze
For smoothing and refining large areas of clay.
Scraper
This is any unfired clay object, a term that encompasses several different stages.
Greenware
A specialized oven used to fire ceramic materials to high temperatures.
Kiln
Flat, even sheets of clay used to construct geometric or flat-sided forms.
Slabs
This color-rich pigment is often applied to greenware or bisqueware and typically requires a clear top coat for a glossy finish.
Underglaze
Used for trimming, especially to remove excess clay from the foot of leather hard piece.
Loop Tool
This durable, porous state is achieved after the first firing and is ready to absorb glaze.
Bisqware
This process involves rehydrating and reprocessing dry, unusable scraps back into workable clay.
Reclaiming
This technique involves cutting lines or designs directly into the surface of the clay, often at the leather-hard stage.
Incising
The name of the very first firing cycle that transforms bone dry clay into durable bisqueware.
Bisque Firing
Smaller, sharper loop tools used for precise trimming and carving.
Ribbon Tool
The process of kneading clay thoroughly to remove all air bubbles and ensure a uniform consistency.
Wedging
A sculptural technique where material is added to the surface to create a raised design.
Additive, Relief
The term for the second firing cycle, where the applied glaze melts and bonds to the bisqueware surface.
Glaze Firing
A simple turntable used for hand-building, decorating, or carving, allowing the artist to rotate the piece easily.
Banding Wheel