Name__________________________Class_________

Drying Stages & Clean Up Notes

Game Pieces Unit

1. Greenware Clay
a. Greenware= unfired, raw clay
i. It has multiple stages of drying which change its characteristics
b. Slip
i. Clay and water combination
ii. Used to attach pieces of clay
c. Plastic or Wet
i. first stage of greenware
ii. fresh out of the bag clay
iii. cold to the touch
iv. still able to be manipulated and sculpted without much breakage
v. surface will easily take an impression
vi. attaching is easy
d. Leather Hard
i. second stage of greenware
ii. clay has stiffened up significantly like leather or firm cheese
iii. attaching is more difficult
iv. clay is cool to the touch
v. best stage to do carving or surface details
e. Bone Dry
i. clay will be much lighter in color
ii. room temperature to the touch
iii. attaching will be pretty much impossible
iv. carving wont be much fun either
1. Clay dust=hazardous
v. pieces are at their most fragile during this stage
vi. piece is ready to be fired
f. Bisque
i. bisque ware= once fired clay
ii. Chemically changed from clay to ceramic in the kiln
2. Clean Up & Set Up Process
a. First come first serve
i. Please set up as you come into the classroom each day
ii. Materials will be by the sinks and cutting board
iii. Respect the tools and materials, it is a privilege to work with clay!
b. Roll mats out slowly on table top so you do not make a mess of the dried
clay inside
c. Choose a few tools you think your table will need
d. One slip cup per table
e. Take ONE block of clay at a time
3. WRAP YOUR CLAY

a. All clay pieces you want to save for the next class MUST be wrapped in
plastic
i. Place inside bag and let out extra air
ii. Twist bag to seal shut, no need to tie
iii. Label bag with name using tape and sharpie
iv. If saving over the weekend, clay must be wrapped in wet paper towel
before bagging
v. Save this paper towel to reuse to keep clay damp
b. Tables, Tools, and Sinks
i. Tables must be sponged and dried at the end of every class
ii. Mats rolled and carefully put away
iii. Return tools to their bin after you have cleaned them
iv. Place slip back onto counter; do NOT dump in sink
v. Sinks should not have clay in them
vi. Unused clay returned to bag and reclosed
4. Lets Practice
a. Use this space to sketch or write some notes on pinch, coil, and slab.