clay basics

• the process of mixing and turning clay to remove air bubbles and create uniform consistency in
• the clay

to draw or scratch lines into the clay surface, to connect two pieces of clay or add texture

• watered down clay used as the “glue” to connect pieces of clay. Slip can also be applied to clay to
• give it a smooth finish or be used as decoration

• a technique used to connect two pieces of clay by scratching into the surfaces of each
• piece of clay and then applying slip to the scored pieces before pressing the pieces together

a decoration technique in which lines are carefully drawn into a clay surface

• a decorative technique in which forms or stamps are pressed into the clay to create patterns
• and textures. Stamping can be done with found objects or stamps can be made

• a decorative technique developed centuries ago where leather-hard clay is coated with slip of a
• contrasting color. A pattern/picture/words are carved through the slip revealing the color of the clay
• underneath. Or carving takes place first and slip is inlayed and excess is scraped off

• a decorative technique where slip is applied to greenware through a tube or nozzle much like
• icing a cake

using two different colors of clay spiraled together. Or two different colors of slip.

• the ancient rubbing process of burnishing polishes the outside skin of a clay pot
• Stain: oxide and water, used as a colorant for bisque

a process in which clay is heated to high temperatures in a kiln, which melts the silica sand in the clay and when it cools turns to glass, making the form permanent.

• a furnace of refractory clay bricks used to heat pottery or fuse glass. Kilns are heated either by
• electric coils, gas, or wood

a triangular piece of material that indicates the temperature by bending or melting when the kiln reaches a certain temperature

• a small piece of clay and wire, used to keep a pot away from the kiln floor. Stilts are most often used
• in a glaze firing to keep the clay pieces from sticking to the shelf or kiln.