Ceramics Materials List

In lieu of a textbook for this course, we have provided a list of materials for you to obtain in order to complete your hands-on assignments. Some of these materials you may already own or be able to obtain from your school; others you may need to purchase or order. Below you will see three lists: Required, Found Objects, and Optional. Some harder-to-find materials in this handout are linked to supply stores to help you as you acquire supplies. Please note: any links are included for your convenience only; feel free to order or purchase supplies anywhere you wish.

We strongly recommend that you read the entire syllabus and look through the materials lists early on in the class to ensure you have everything you need for each of the weekly assignments!

Required Materials:

The following materials are required for this course. Links are provided to recommended products. You are not required to purchase products from the recommended provider.

Access to a kiln is strongly recommended, but not required.

Earthenware Clay –

• 25 lbs red or white earthenware clay (may need more). Options include Talc-Free White Clay and White Moist Talc Firing Clay
• 1 pint black underglaze
• 1 pint clear glaze. (Note: The glaze should be a compatible temperature for the clay body.)

Additional Required Materials:

• Basic tool set
• Clay/fettling knife
• A variety of texture tools – You pick and choose; not everything below is needed. Start building your collection! FYI: you will make a found object texture kit as an assignment in this class.
  • Texture mats
  • Canvas mat (to work on and roll slabs)
  • Linoleum and carving tools (for creating DIY texture mats)
  • Rollers
  • Large rollers
  • Clay stamps
  • Clay hole cutters
  • Found/recycled texture objects

Found Objects:

This list includes materials that you may need to use throughout the duration of the course. These materials might be found in your home, school, or local hardware or craft store.

• A variety of paint brushes for tempera and acrylic paint
• Wooden rolling pin
• 1-inch chip brush
• Two 3/8-inch dowels
• Oak tag/thin cardboard for vase templates
• Plastic squeeze bottle, such as a ketchup bottle (or similar), for slip application
• Bowl/cup/plate for molding clay
• Plastic wrap

Optional Materials:

This list includes materials that you may want to consider, depending upon the assignment path and unique projects you choose to complete.

• Extra clay (another 25 lbs) depending on the scale of your work.
• Slab cutting tool 
• 4×4 tile cutter – Would work great for this class.
• Acrylic paints
• Bevel Cutters
• Glaze – Mayco Stroke and Coat is a teacher favorite and has many options to choose from.
• Ceramic stains – If you are interested in mixing your own decorating slip, Mason Stains is a longstanding manufacturer of ceramic stains and pigments.