Wedge clay to remove air bubbles, achieve uniform consistency, and to line up the particles of clay.
Clay can be no thicker than your thumb
In order for clay to stick together it must be scored and slipped together while the clay is moist or leather hard.
Compress slab clay with even smooth pressure. This will help stop stress cracks.
Clay shrinks...pieces that need to fit together must be made at the same time and need to dry at the same rate in order to keep their relative size and shape.
Enclosed forms can cause moisture to be trapped. So hollow out sculptural forms and put needle holes from the bottom so air can circulate and dry the form uniformly.
Cover your wet work. Use a plastic bag with your name on it.
Thin clay dries faster.
You want all areas to dry together so they do not crack
Drying work fast isn't advisable.
*ALWAYS label the bags that you store your work in. Label should be put on the TOP after wrapping.
*ALWAYS sign your work, when leather hard ,on the bottom/center. Work not labelled with Name and Class period will not be fired or graded.
Always handle your project with two hands at all times. In other words .BE CAREFUL it’s your hard work.
Pick up work from the body. Avoid picking pottery up by the handles .
When loading the kiln use two hands to load work to balance the weight.
NEVER HANDLE ANOTHER PERSON’S WORK EVEN IF IT LOOKS COOL!
Rinse the piece before glazing.
Glaze doesn't go on the bottom of the work. It will stick
Follow the labels on the glaze containers.
High Fire glazes cannot go with Low Fire Glazes.
Clay dust can be harmful if you are exposed to it for long periods of time, so keep your area clean, keep clay scraps off the floor and wipe down work surfaces with water and sponge.
Wash your hands after glazing.
Absolutely NO eating in the studio! Closed water bottles only.