PINCH POTS & CERAMICS
10 important rules of clay

Clay must be thoroughly covered up with a plastic bag to keep it from drying out. This
applies to works in process and moist clay.

Clay dust can be harmful if you are exposed to it for long periods of time, so keep your
area clean, clay scraps off the floor and clean with water and sponge.

Clay should be no thicker than your thumb.

In order for clay to stick together it must be scored and slipped together while the clay
is moist (plastic) or leather hard.

Wedge clay to remove air bubbles, achieve uniform consistency, and to line up the clay
particles.

Trapped air can cause clay to explode. So hollow out sculptural forms and put needle
holes through enclosed forms for air to escape.

Don't glaze the bottom of the piece.

Wash the piece before glazing.

Handle your project with two hands at all times. In other words - be careful! - it's your
hard work.

NEVER handle another person's work even if it looks cool!
Follow along and fill in the terms for the correct definitions.
STAGES OF CLAY
(liquid form of clay)
casting and cementing pieces
wedging, manipulating, sculpting,
throwing on the wheel...
most decorating is done, carving, stamping, building, etc..
the driest stage of clay, 0% moisture, ready for bisque firing
SLIP & SCORE
Step 1
Roughen both surfaces that you are joining.
Use a cross-hatching pattern. Use a needle
tool, wedge tool with "teeth", etc.
Step 2
Apply enough slip to both surfaces. Slip will
"cement" the pieces together as a glue.
Step 3
Rock back and forth while applying some
pressure on the piece. This will ensure that
the slip will fill in all gaps and removes air
pockets.
Extra notes:
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