Clay Terms

2. A long rolled (snake shape) piece of clay.
4. The first time clay is fired.
7. To knead the clay or push on it repeatedly to help remove air bubbles and extra moisture
8. A flattened piece of clay
9. Creating vessels on a potter’s wheel.
12. The term used to describe clay that is losing moisture and beginning to stiffen- perfect for carving.
13. Shelves and posts used in the kiln firing chamber to enable loading pieces on more than one level.
15. A mixture of clay and water used like glue, used in combination with scoring.
16. The term used to describe unfired clay that is free of water, only contains the amount of moisture in the atmosphere. It is ready to be fired.
18. Liquid glass put on bisqueware to have a decorative coating or finish.
19. Breakage of a ceramic piece caused by sudden temperature changes.
21. A method of making pottery in which a ball of clay is pressed, pulled, and pinched into a shape with the hands. The thumb is usually used to open the center.

1. To harden; turn to stone. A glassy, non-porous state caused by heat.
2. A small cone shaped piece of clay used inside the kiln to automatically shut the kiln off at the correct temperature
3. The term used to describe clay that has been fired once
5. A mechanical device that will shut the kiln off when a cone has melted
6. The act of smashing dried clay to a powder, adding water, and then drying it out to reuse it.
8. To make scratches on the surface of the clay before putting two pieces together.
10. The term used to describe clay that has dried out and is ready to be fired, it changes to a lighter color and is very fragile
11. Firing point at which a claybody or glaze reaches its desired condition of hardness or color.
14. The process of heating the clay in the kiln.
17. The quality of clay which allows it to be manipulated, shaped, and molded without cracking or crumbling, workability.
20. The type of "oven" used throughout the firing process.