My purpose in writing this book has been to present in as clear and understandable form as possible the important facts about ceramic materials and their use in pottery. The ceramic medium has a rich potential. It is so various and adaptable that each culture and each succeeding generation finds in it a new means of expression. As a medium, it is capable of great beauty of form, color, and texture, and its expressions are unique not only for variety but for permanence and utility as well. To make full use of the medium, the ceramist or potter not only needs skill, imagination, and artistic vision, but he also needs to have a sound knowledge of the technical side of the craft. This knowledge has not been easy to come by, and many of those seriously engaged in pottery have learned through endless experimentation and discouraging failures. It is hoped that the present work will enable the creative worker to go more directly to his goal in pottery, and that it will enable him to experiment intelligently and with a minimum of lost effort. While technical information must not be considered as an end in itself, it is a necessary prerequisite to a free and creative choice of means in ceramics. None of the subjects included are dealt with exhaustively, and I have tried not to overwhelm the reader with details. The information given is presented in as practical form as possible, and no more technical data or chemical theory is given than has been thought necessary to clarify the subject. This work is organized as follows: Part One—Clay Chapter I. Geologic Origins of Clay Chapter 2. The Chemical Composition of Clay Chapter 3. The Physical Nature of Clay Chapter 4. Drying and Firing Clay Chapter 5. Kinds of Clay Chapter 6. Clay Bodies Chapter 7. Mining and Preparing Clay Part Two—Glazes Chapter 8. The Nature of Glass and Glazes Chapter 9. Early Types of Glazes Chapter 10. The Oxides and Their Function in Glaze Forming Chapter 11. Glaze Materials Chapter 12. Glaze Calculations, Theory and Objectives Chapter 13. Glaze Calculation Using Materials Containing More Than One Oxide Chapter 14. Calculating Glaze Formulas from Batches or Recipes Chapter 15. Practical Problems in Glaze Calculation Chapter 16. The Composition of Glazes Chapter 17. Types of Glazes Chapter 18. Originating Glaze Formulas Chapter 19. Fritted Glazes Chapter 20. Glaze Textures Chapter 21. Sources of Color in Glazes Chapter 22. Methods of Compounding and Blending Colored Glazes Chapter 23. Glaze Mixing and Application Chapter 24. Firing Glazes Chapter 25. Glaze Flaws Chapter 26. Engobes Chapter 27. Underglaze Colors and Decoration Chapter 28. Overglaze Decoration Chapter 29. Reduction Firing and Reduction Glazes Chapter 30. Special Glazes and Glaze Effects

Formulating, mixing, applying and firing clay boolies and glazes.

Glazes from a Potter's Perspective: A Simple, Kitchen-Method Approach to Understanding Glaze Development¿ is a book that demystifies and explains glazes from a potter's perspective. The book is filled with valuable information from the vast glazing experimentation and experience of master potter, Steve Loucks. His testing methods and approach differ from the scientific approach for making glazes where ceramic engineers think in terms of what and how many molecules of certain chemicals make up the glaze within their ratios and limits to Steve¿s approach that is from a potter's perspective. He goes right to the tests using the actual ingredients that are available from ceramic supply centers to make glazes. His simple, kitchen-method approach is easy to understand without the complicated use of mathematical, ceramic engineering calculations, or the need for software programs. It goes right to the glaze tests to see how much and to what extent an influencing ingredient has on a glaze, the actual instead of predicted results. His testing methods and processes, which are outlined and illustrated throughout the book, are easy to follow yielding effective, useful results while using the glaze materials in a resourceful manner to be environmentally responsible. The book begins by identifying the numerous characteristics that differentiate and distinguish the various glazes that he has worked with throughout his ceramics career to provide a common vocabulary for ceramic artists. Glazes are explained first in theory and then in reality. Further discussion outlines the component parts that make up a glaze to gain an understanding on how to evaluate a glaze to adjust its melting temperature, flow, and surface qualities. Then, the testing procedures are outlined and illustrated to accomplish those tasks. Additional information includes the influencing factors affecting a glaze, glaze application methods, and firing processes. A supplemental chapter lists the glaze recipes used on the pieces illustrated in the book of his and the contributing editor, Lynnette Hesser's work, including the glazing processes used on each piece. Steve's goal is to help ceramic artists gain a better understanding of glazes for greater success with their glazing, glaze development, and artwork.

A reference book on glaze technology and practice. It discusses not only the calculation of glaze composition and formulae, but also glaze preparation from the initial crushing and grinding of raw materials through the actual making of the glaze. It also includes information on the use of gums and binders, flocculation and the use of suspending agents. The author also talks about application methods as well as how to remedy faults that may occur. A new chapter on health and safety has also been added.

This is a new, revised, and updated edition of Brian Sutherland's classic book on making glazes from natural sources, such as trees, plants, and stones.

The Potter's Book of Glaze Recipes is a must for potters and ceramicists of all abilities interested in creating their own glazes.

An essential illustrated reference for both beginner and advanced potters, these step-by-step photographic sequences guide you through a comprehensive range of shaping, firing and decorating techniques, so you can begin making wonderful ceramics even if you've never attempted pottery before. Learn about essential tools and equipment, different types and constituencies of clay, methods of production and much more. Includes dozens of ideas for creating textured surface effects and decorations. Over 45,000 copies sold worldwide. This hardcover book with internal wire-o binding is 6.5in x 8in, a perfect size for readers to keep handy and reference often. The stylish design of this book, along with the interior photographs, illustrations and diagrams, make the learning process simple and fun for beginners and provides useful tips for more advanced readers. This book will walk you through the essential tools and equipment and different types and constituencies of clay; study methods of building pots using slabbing, coiling, throwing, and molding, and find out how to create a range of different shapes and forms.