Ceramics

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Ceramics!!
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Ceramics

• Ceramics is the molding of things such as clay to
  create bowls, sculptures, etc.
• In this class, we will be working with ceramic
  clay.

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Wedging

• Before we can begin working with clay, we have to
  get any small air bubbles out.
• This is called wedging the clay.
• It can be done with a wedging board, or by
  twisting the clay apart and smacking it back
  together.

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What do we do with the clay?

• In this class, well shape the clay, which will
  then air dry.
• Air dried clay is known as Greenware.

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Greenware

• When greenware gets to the point where it is
  almost hard, but still a little bit moist, it is
  called leathery-hard, because it feels like
  leather.
• When it gets to the point where all moisture is
  removed, it is called bone-dry.

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Firing clay.

• Once your clay has reached the bone-dry stage, it
  is ready to be fired.
• Clay is fired in a special kind of heater called
  a kiln.
• Kilns can reach several thousand degrees.

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Once the kiln has fired the clay

• A chemical change occurs in the clay once it is
  fired.
• It can no longer be dissolved in water.
• It becomes white.
• This is known as bisque.

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Bisque

• Once the clay has been bisqued (fired once), it
  is ready to be painted with glaze.
• A glaze is a type of paint that when fired in a
  kiln, turns into a layer of glass.

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Here are some finished ceramic pieces.