Clay Methods and Techniques
Doing this prevents air pockets and softens the clay.
Why is it important to wedge the clay?
This should be done every time you open the bag of clay to ensure the clay does not dry out.
What is closing and sealing the bag closed?
This tool can be used to smooth corners or surfaces of the clay and is easily moistened with water.
What is a sponge?
This watery clay mixture acts like glue for clay and helps join pieces together.
What is slip?
This wedging method softens the clay and makes the shape of an animal.
What is the rams method?
This piece of protective equipment is essential to keep clothing dust and clay-free.
What is an apron?
This tool can be used to carve on one end and smooth clay pieces on the other end.
What is a loop tool?
You do this with a rib or needle tool to rough up the clay piece before applying slip.
What is scoring?
This rule of thumb designates how thin or thick the clay walls should be.
What is as thin as your pinky or no thicker than your thumb?
This piece of protective equipment will ensure your eyes are safe from shards of greenware once the clay is fired.
What are safety googles or glasses?
This tool is used to blend after you score and slip your clay pieces together. It is also made from wood or rubber.
What is a rib tool?
This method makes the joints and seems disappear and is often done using a modeling tool.
What is blend?
This wedging method also helps ensure the clay is air free and involves shaping the clay into a ball in your hand.
What is the spanking method?
These should be used to ensure your hands are covered when working with high-fire glazes.
What are latex gloves?
This tool is used to cut clay pieces easily when they are on the surface.
What is a fettling knife?
We use our fingers with water or a sponge to remove bumps or rough areas after the clay joints have been blended together.
What is smooth the area?
This acronymn will help you JOIN clay pieces together properly.
What is SSBS or Score, Slip, Blend, Smooth.
This tool should be used properly to avoid injury and is often used to cut clay pieces or score them together.
What is a needle tool?
This tool is used to blend areas after you have used coils of clay to join pieces. This is one of the best tools to help you smooth and join areas of clay.
This is the most effective method to smooth areas and involves no tools at all.
What are your fingers and water?