Ceramics is a broad term that includes all fired clay objects—earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Porcelain is a specific type of ceramic made from fine kaolin clay, fired at very high temperatures. Porcelain is known for its whiteness, translucency, and strength.

The final color depends on the clay body, glaze used, and firing atmosphere. Different clays have natural tones that can show through transparent glazes.

Yes, many potters combine these techniques for creative flexibility. For example, you might throw a cup on the wheel and then add a hand-built sculptural handle.

The process begins with preparing the clay by wedging to remove air bubbles. Next, the clay is shaped by hand-building or wheel throwing.e.

Bisque firing is the first firing in pottery, done at a lower temperature than glaze firing. Its purpose is to harden the clay so it’s easier to handle and decorate.

Red clay, often earthenware, contains more iron, giving it a warm reddish-brown color. It’s traditionally used for decorative pieces and rustic pottery. White clay, such as porcelain or white stoneware, has fewer impurities and produces a lighter, more refined look.

Glaze is a liquid mixture of minerals, glass particles, and pigments applied to bisque-fired ceramics. It serves two main purposes: making the surface waterproof and adding decorative color or texture.

Firing is the process of heating clay in a kiln to very high temperatures, turning it from a soft, fragile material into a hard, durable ceramic.

Hand-building is a pottery technique where you shape clay using your hands and simple tools, without a potter’s wheel. Common methods include pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. It’s a slower, more tactile process that allows for unique and organic forms.

Stoneware and earthenware clays are most commonly used in workshops because they are versatile, easy to handle, and great for both beginners and advanced makers.

A pottery workshop is a hands-on creative class where participants learn to shape and decorate clay pieces under the guidance of an instructor.