1. Part 1: Classroom Rules and Concepts
Ceramics The Basics
Part 1: Classroom Rules and Concepts

2. Classroom Rules
LISTEN to and READ all instructions before proceeding with any activity!
ALWAYS clean up your table/area before leaving class each day!
Never touch, pick up, handle, etc. some else’s ceramic work unless you have been selected to help load or unload the kiln.
Never enter the kiln area without permission!
Always clearly mark your work with your artist symbol, initials or name.

3. What is ceramics?
Clay that is sculpted to create decorative structures or utilitarian items.

4. Process
What does it mean to “wedge” clay?

5. Answer: to pound/hit/knead clay to remove air bubbles
Why is this an important step? When the clay is heated the trapped air will expand causing the ceramic piece to crack or explode. You can skip this step when working with non-fire or air-dry clay.

6. Adding water to clay creates slip.
Slip can be used to seal two joints together, create a smooth surface, and can be poured into molds.

7. Slip Casting
Pouring liquefied clay into molds to create ceramic structures

8. Slip as glue Slip is used to attach two ceramic pieces together
Mix clay with water in a small container

9. Scoring
Roughing up the surface of the clay to attach another piece of clay

10. Attach Joints
Apply slip to scored area, press clay together and smooth joints
Warning: If you skip this step your clay pieces will come apart

11. Cutting Tools
Various tools can be used to cut clay including wire and fishing line when cutting off the block.

12. Release Agents
When using a mold, it is important to use a release agent so your clay does not stick to the mold. Bisque ceramic molds do NOT require a release agent for clay. Vegetable oil or WD-40 work well. Baby powder is a good example of a release agent for stainless steal and glass molds. For glass slumping we use kiln shelf paper.

13. Newspaper can be used as a mold and support structure since it will bend and contract as the clay dries
Use scrap paper to place between the table surface and clay to prevent sticking.
Important: When you put your wet clay structure on the drying tables, write you name on the paper so you can find it the next day.

14. Basic Hand Building Techniques
Pinch – hollow out a round ball and shape into desired structure
Coil – create a structure using long “snake” like rolls of clay
Slab – flatten clay and then cut, join, shape into desired structure.

15. Pinch
After wedging clay into a ball, push thumb down through the middle of the ball and begin pulling the clay outward.

16. Pinch Pot Examples

19. Pinch Pot Animals

20. Your Assignment
Create a pinch pot cereal bowl.

21. Pinch Process
After receiving a small block of clay, wedge clay for about 1 minute. (Hint: Hit it hard enough to remove air bubbles and then tap with hands to round out. If you hit it too hard it will flatten out or stick to the table.)
Push your thumb down into the middle of the ball and slowly begin to open up the space. (Hint: Stretch clay slowly to prevent tearing and try to keep an even thickness.)
Thickness of clay can vary but a good rule is don’t let the base get thicker than an inch and the rest of the structure no thinner than ¼ inch for beginners.

22. Once you have the shape you want, set it on the table and look at it from various angles. Check for symmetry and fix any uneven areas. (You may need to wedge the clay back down to a ball and start the process again. Once you have a feel for the clay it will be easier to shape.)
If it sticks to the table you can cut it off using the fishing line.
(Hint: Set the clay on paper so it is easier to turn and you don’t have to worry about it sticking to the table.)

23. Now look at the surface. Use your fingers to smooth out any uneven or rough areas. If you already see cracking/dryness around the edges, dip your finger in water and smooth it over the surface. Let the “slip” fill in the cracks.
Once it is to your satisfaction, put on the table to dry and write your name next to it on the paper.

24. After one day on the drying table…
The following day you will carve your artist symbol into the bottom of the clay. If it is fairly dry, you may want to burnish the outside. (Burnishing is rubbing a small stone, wood, or metal spoon over the surface to make it smooth.) Trim or “foot” the bottom.
Put it back on the firing table when you are done.
BE CAREFULL! Your ceramics are very fragile in the greenware stage.

25. Today Design your cereal bowl in your sketchbook.
Tomorrow, begin working clay. (You will store it in plastic wrap with a damp paper towel to keep the clay moist to work the next day until it is done.)