Ceramics

Ceramics- The process of creating objects from clay and hardening them by fire.

Glaze- A mixture of powdered chemicals that melt during firing to form a hard, glasslike finish.

Kiln- A special ceramics furnace.

Clay Vocabulary

Slip- Clay that has so much added water that it is liquid and runny.

Leather Hard- clay that has been allowed to dry partially so that it may be trimmed or cut for hand building. It will be cool to the touch.

Bone Dry- clay that has dried completely for firing. It will not feel cool to the touch.

Clay Vocabulary

Green ware- clay that has been formed into a sculpture or pottery but has not been fired. It can be leather hard, or bone dry. If it breaks it can be recycled and reused.

Bisque ware- clay that has been fired to become hard but has not been glazed. If it breaks it can not be recycled and reused.

Glaze ware- bisque ware that has been coated in glaze. After it is glaze fired clay is sealed and ready for use.

Clay Vocabulary