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.