Clay

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About Clay

Clay: the very foundation of ceramics. From humble beginnings to extraordinary creations, clay’s versatility and transformative properties are at the heart of every ceramic piece. 1 Explore this section to learn everything you need to know about this essential material, from its diverse types and properties to working techniques and firing processes. Discover the endless possibilities of clay and unlock your creative potential.

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From Plucked to Polished

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

Ever had that moment when you open your kiln, brimming with anticipation, only to find little chips or divots missing from the foot and your otherwise glorious glaze? Well, my friends, you've just encountered the curious case of "plucking"!
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Slip It Real Good: Mastering the Art of Casting

Clay, Informative

Ever wished you could clone your ceramic creations? Well, with slip casting, you practically can!
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Mud Wrestling 101: Surviving Your First Pottery Encounter

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

So, you've signed up for your first pottery class? Get ready to get your hands dirty – literally! Pottery is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity, de-stress, and maybe even discover a hidden talent. But before you dive headfirst into a mound of clay, here's the lowdown on what to expect and how to make the most of your first pottery class.
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Sodium Flashing: Unmasking the Ghostly Glaze Mystery

Clay, Glazes, Informative

Ever opened your kiln to find weird white marks marring your beautiful pottery, like some ghostly glaze has decided to haunt your creations? Don't worry, you're not alone! This eerie phenomenon is called sodium flashing, and it's more common than you might think.
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Self-Absorbed: Unraveling the Secrets of Clay Body Absorption

Clay, Informative, Myth Busters

Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of clay body absorption.
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Clay, Kilns, and Creativity: A Beginner’s Guide to Ceramics!

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative, Kilns

Ready to dive into the awesome world of ceramics? Grab your apron and let's get started! First things first, you'll need some clay. Think of it like the superhero of the art world, able to transform into almost anything! But just like superheroes have different powers, clay comes in different types.
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The Heat is On! A Beginners Guide to Glazing & Firing Pottery

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative, Kilns

You've sculpted, you've shaped, you've maybe even thrown on the wheel. Now, it's time to transform your clay creations into finished masterpieces! This is where the science of glazing and firing comes in. But before you crank up the heat, let's get a handle on the basics.
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Unleash Your Inner Scientist: The Chemistry of Clay

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative, Kilns

Ever wondered how that lump of clay transforms into a durable masterpiece? At Ceramic Materials Workshop, we're passionate about uncovering the science behind ceramics.
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Clay: It’s Not Just Mud! A Beginner’s Guide to This Material

Beginners Guide, Clay, Informative

Okay, you've signed up for that pottery class, or maybe you've just got a bag of clay staring at you from the corner of your craft room. Now what? Before you dive headfirst into making amazing pottery, let's get to know the star of the show: clay!
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Shattering the Myth: Clay and Crystalline Glazes – A Match Made in Ceramic Heaven

Clay, Glazes, Informative, Myth Busters

Learn more about the common misconception that clay is incompatible with crystalline glazes and why we don't think it's the case.
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A Beginner’s Glossary of Glaze Chemistry Terms

Beginners Guide, Clay, Glazes, Informative, Kilns

Glaze chemistry made easy! Download our beginner's glossary & flashcards to master the essential terms
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How CMW Makes a Plaster Slab for Testing Clay Bodies

Clay, How Tos

Creating a plaster slab is an essential step for potters who want to test their clay bodies. A plaster slab allows you to mix clay as a slip or slurry, ensuring the best possible mixing and a relatively quick drying process.
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