When speaking of branches of ceramics we are talking about the different uses that we have found in modern society for the use of ceramics. What you will find is that ceramics are used in just about anything that is a consumer good. Generally speaking ceramics are clustered into two categories. These are called "traditional" or "advanced". The traditional category is generally the one where consumer goods are located. Anything that is used for day to day use like dishes, ovenware or other utensils that may be used in a kitchen are the traditional ceramics.

When an industry takes ceramics to look at their other components like the mechanical, electrical, optical or other ways to use the product, it becomes a more commercial strength and is used in a bigger way. There are also refectories and they are used in iron and steel making. There are a variety of products that are made through the use of ceramics in both of these branches.

Handles are not only functional for lifting pieces but they are also pleasing to look at. Pulling the handle and attaching it involves making some decisions about size and shape. A handle should always be strong enough to support the weight of the piece. Also, if the piece might be used to lift something, like a pitcher with water, the handle should be strong enough to lift the piece plus its contents.

Take the clay and pat it into the shape of a carrot.

(Pulling the length of the clay)

Wet the clay and your hand and begin pulling the clay into a long handle in a stroking fashion. You can not do this in one pull. Pulling a handle may take 50 pulls or more. Each pull will make the handle just a little longer.

(Let the handle sit to firm up)

After the handle is the correct size, let the handle firm up, by placing it off the edge of a table. This handle has been lifted back to the top so that the curve of the handle will already be made when the handle firms up.

Attaching the Handle

(Both pieces are ready)

When the piece you are attaching the handle to is leather hard and when the handle is firm you can attach the handle.

(Scratch the cup where the handle will be attached)

Using a sharp pencil or a needle tool - scratch the piece where the handle will be attached.

(Press the top of the handle into place)

Scratch the handle where it will attach to the piece and press the handle in place. It is a good idea to put slip on both pieces before pressing it on. Some potters use white vinegar on the attachment areas.

In this section you will learn how to put clay slabs together to make a piece of pottery. Slab construction can have great results if you take your time and do not rush the process.

(Spreading the clay)

Begin with a smooth flat surface. Place newspaper or cloth over the surface to prevent the clay from sticking to your work surface. Spread the clay out by patting it with your whole hand.

(Flipping the clay)

To flip the clay over - carefully hold top and bottom of the clay with the palms of your hands. This will prevent the clay from tearing while you are flipping it.

(Rolling out the clay)

To help you roll your clay to an even thickness, place a yard stick on each side and roll out until the clay is the same thickness as your yard stick.

(Cutting your slabs)

Use a ruler to help you cut a straight line. (Tip: If you want a 90` corner - lay a piece of paper over the clay to show the 90' corner.)

(Let clay firm-up)

After you cut out your bottom and sides, let them sit until the clay is leather hard. For most clay's this will take about an hour.

(Score or Scratch the edges)

When your clay is leather hard use a needle or sharp pencil to scratch the edges of the clay where the clay will be joined together. A criss-cross pattern works well for this.

(Apply slip to edges)

Make some slip by watering down a small amount of clay until it is the consistency of yogurt. Apply the slip to the areas you just scratched.

(Applying the slip)

Some potters use white vinegar instead of slip. I have not had good experiences with vinegar. I find I get more cracking in my pieces so I mainly use slip.

(Joining the pottery)

When placing the edges together slide the two surfaces together in a slight back and forth motion to strengthen the bond between the surfaces.

(When you have a good bond)

With experience you will get the feel of a good bond. You will know you have a good bond when most of the slip has squeezed out between the two surfaces being joined together. Also, the clay will not want to slide back and forth easily.

(Add a coil to the inside seam)

To make the seem stronger place a coil in the corners of the piece. Gently press the coil into the corner. Be careful not to break your corner away.

(Smoothing out the coil)

I like to use the top end of a brush to smooth out the corners. Notice my other hand holding the corner so I don't break it away.

(The final touches - Corners)

I use a damp brush to smooth out all the corners so the seams are no longer visible.

The final touches - Top edge)

To smooth out the top edge use a wet paper towel and carefully slid the towel up and down the length of each edge. This will round the edges so they will not be sharp.

(Measuring for a top)

If you plan to make a lid measure the length and width of the piece and write down the measurements. The piece will shrink as it dries and you will need these measurements to make the lid.

(Finishing touch - Handles)