Clay Vocabulary

1. A method of handbuilding using flat, even pieces of clay
6. Shaping clay by putting it in a mold or around a form
8. A method of handbuilding, where an artist shapes clay by pinching it
12. Something made from clay that has been chemically changed from heat
13. Roughening up the surface of the clay, before applying slip joining pieces together
15. A material found in the earths crust, made of water, decomposed rock, plants and animals
16. The process of heating clay/ceramics to a high temperature, chemically changing them
18. The reduction of the size of a clay vessel as it dries, losing water. (5-20%)
19. A glassy coating applied to bisqueware that can add color, make the piece water proof, while creating a smooth surface
20. Clay that has started to dry and is still able to be carved

2. Clay that is completely dry and extremely fragile
3. A stage of clay, where it can still be molded and shaped easily
4. A large furnace, that reaches temperatures up to 2,500 degrees
5. Clay that has been fired once, still extremely fragile
7. Ceramics that have been fired twice, resulting in a finished piece
9. The process of shaping clay on a potters wheel
10. A method of handbuilding, where clay is molded into long rope-like shapes
11. The process of kneading clay to remove air bubbles, to ensure constancy
14. Clay that is shaped or molded, but has not been fired
17. A device used to shape clay by spinning it and molding it with your hands