Various types of pottery were mixed, among which;
Earthenware has a variety of yellow colors but is rarely fired.
Stoneware This fires to a hard, non-porous texture.
Murrina It is difficult to use, because of its excessive plasticity and the high temperatures necessary to fire it, to fire clay to a translucent white.
Self-hardening Beginners can begin with this natural setting, which needs no burning; Lithargyrus or varnish will not infrequently make it, but it is not suitable for vessels for holding liquids.
preparing and clay
Clay can be purchased wet or dry from craft stores. Dry clay should be mixed with less weight, and sprinkled with water to make it workable, then sit in a sealed container or wrapped. in plastic for a few days.
Add plenty of water to break up the wet clay and mix well to remove any lumps. Let the clay sit for several days before draining the excess water. The rest of the clay must be dried until it is sufficiently firm.
Clay should always be stored in an airtight container. Place a damp towel with it to stop it drying completely.
You need a few modeling tools, a large sponge or cloth to throw on, and a board to work on. plant or bowl of water you have ready to throw dirt. Make a proper wire wedge for cutting mud by attaching metal wire or strong nylon to two wooden handles.
Work on a very strong plane and place the board under the clay. A wedge is called by cutting a log in half, placing one half on top of the other, and sealing the two together. Do this until it is clay or texture, cutting it into different parts. Knead the clay for at least ten minutes, until it is easy to touch and not sticky at all.
Simple pots or pans can be shaped by hand. Objects can be textured in a variety of ways. Use everyday objects such as nuts, bolts or shells, or sticks or leaves to roll into the clay for patterns.
If the clay is fired, allow the pots to dry thoroughly for at least a week. The clay will harden fully after two days. Learn how to make or throw pots on the wheel of an evening order before purchasing equipment.
Firing
The clay is fired to temperatures exceeding approximately 1090 C (2000 F) to render it rigid and non-porous. This requires either an electric or wood-burning furnace: new ones are expensive, but second-hand furnaces are sold in special pottery magazines.
If you are considering buying a furnace, make sure the device is reliable and readily available for service and parts. Check your furnace’s electrical capacity to avoid overloading your home’s electrical system.
Most fuel burning furnaces use natural gas, but some burn oil, coke or wood.
The clay is fired in two stages: firing the biscuit, then firing the shell.
Biscuit
This is done at relatively low temperatures, about 890-900C (1634-1652F), and freezes the clay, making it safer to handle and ready for drawing. The temperature must be raised slowly to gradually evaporate any moisture remaining in the clay, rather than as explosive steam that could crack the pot. It should also be cooled gradually.
The pots can be stacked on top of each other to fire the biscuit, but stand at least 6mm (¼ inch) apart to fire the shell.
Glaze
A variety of glass materials are available from craft shops – follow the maker’s instructions. Low fired glasses come in a wider range of colors than those fired at high temperatures, but are softer and more prone to scratching.
Before painting, wipe off the caked-on powder with boiled water with a damp sponge or cloth. Apply the lithargy either by pouring it into the pot and swirling until all surfaces are covered, or by dipping the pot into the shell and shaking off the excess. Use a brush to touch up the spots where the pot was holding. Don’t see the piece underneath, or you’ll stick to the oven shelf.
Do not touch the particle after the turn. Let the lithargy be completely dry, then light it again at the temperature you are using for the test.
