Appropriate refined clay is converted to the desired shape. After drying it is

placed in a kiln and then fired. The typical firing temperature ranges from around

600 °C to 1000 °C. The iron content in mix reacting with oxygen during firing,

gives the fired body a reddish color, though the overall color varies widely across

shades of yellow, orange, buff, red, "terracotta", pink, grey or brown.

In some contexts, such as Roman figurines, white-colored terracotta is known

as pipeclay, as these clays were later used for smoking pipes, normally made of

clay, until the 19th century.

Fired terracotta is porous, but surface-burnishing of the body before firing can

decrease its porousness and a layer of glaze can make it watertight. It is suitable

for use below ground to carry pressurized water (an archaic use), for garden

pots or building decoration in many environments, and for oil containers, oil

lamps, or ovens.

TERRACOTTA / POTTERY

MAKING PROCESS

Preparing the Clay

Terra cotta is made from a number of

elements, mainly clay and water. It is

crucial to follow the powdered mix

instructions to add just the right

amount of water. Pour the mix into a

container, cover with a lid, and shake

well. Then, open the lid to allow the

clay access to air so it can become

well-hydrated. At this point there

should be little or ideally no lumps

left.

Once the clay has been composed,

you have to knead it. This can be

done just like preparing dough. This

process wil l homogenize and

eliminate any air bubbles.

Shaping

Once the clay has been mixed, and you are satisfied

with the consistency achieved, start the shaping

process. To shape the item, the potter uses hands or

utilize a cast or pottery wheel. Make sure to keep it

warm to allow for easier handling. Start coiling the clay

material upwards, until you reach the height you want,

little by little. To produce a smooth result, use your

thumb and forefinger. For separate pieces which are to

be attached to one another, make sure that they are of a

similar consistency and dampness. Keep a cup of

water at hand to dampen the material

as you go along if needed.

Firing

The final step is to fire the creation in a

pottery kiln. Make sure that it has dried

first. The firing time required will vary

according to the temperature and the

size of the creation. Exercise caution

when handling it after it’s been fired

and use kiln tongs to handle the fired material.

MAKING PROCESS

Preparing the Clay

Terra cotta is made from a number of

elements, mainly clay and water. It is

crucial to follow the powdered mix

instructions to add just the right

amount of water. Pour the mix into a

container, cover with a lid, and shake

well. Then, open the lid to allow the

clay access to air so it can become

well-hydrated. At this point there

should be little or ideally no lumps

left.

Once the clay has been composed,

you have to knead it. This can be

done just like preparing dough. This

process wil l homogenize and

eliminate any air bubbles.

Shaping

Once the clay has been mixed, and you are satisfied

with the consistency achieved, start the shaping

process. To shape the item, the potter uses hands or

utilize a cast or pottery wheel. Make sure to keep it

warm to allow for easier handling. Start coiling the clay

material upwards, until you reach the height you want,

little by little. To produce a smooth result, use your

thumb and forefinger. For separate pieces which are to

be attached to one another, make sure that they are of a

similar consistency and dampness. Keep a cup of

water at hand to dampen the material

as you go along if needed.

Firing

The final step is to fire the creation in a

pottery kiln. Make sure that it has dried

first. The firing time required will vary

according to the temperature and the

size of the creation. Exercise caution

when handling it after it’s been fired

and use kiln tongs to handle the fired material.

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