1. Leatherhard:

• Clay has dried slightly but is still somewhat pliable.

• Fingerprints will leave a slight indentation but won't stick.

• Ideal stage for smoothing surfaces, adding details, or attaching pieces.

2.  Greenware:

• Clay is completely dry and firm to the touch.

• N impression left by finger when slight pressure is placed.

• Brittle and can break if dropped.

• Ready for 1st firing (becomes bisqueware after firing).

3. Bisqueware:

• Clay has been fired once at a lower temperature (around 950°C).

• Hard and permanent form.

• Porous enough to absorb glaze (like a crumpet)

• Perfect stage for applying glaze decoration.

4. Glazeware:

• Glaze has been applied to the bisque ware.

• Final firing at a higher temperature (depending on clay) melts the glaze.

• Creates a finished, waterproof, and often decorative piece.

Hand-building Techniques to create a piece:

• Pinching: Building shapes by pinching clay between your fingers.

• Coiling: Rolling clay into long ropes and coiling them to create forms.

• Slabbing: Rolling clay flat and cutting out shapes to assemble.

• Throwing: Shaping clay on a spinning wheel to create rounded forms.

• Slip: Used as glue to attach all pieces together.

Firing Process in Kiln:

Firing Temperatures for the clay used at school:

• 950°C for the bisque fire (solidifies)

• 1080°C for the glaze fire (makes it food safe and more durable)

Remember:

• Always check the specific firing temperature for your clay body as some need different temperatures than others!

• Dry your clay completely before firing to avoid cracks.

• Bisque firing is crucial before applying glaze.