| Here a lump of wet clay is transformed into an original work of art. |
| Step 1. Using a variety of tools for sculpting, from toothpicks to hair combs, the clay is slowly molded and sculpted into a recognizable form. |
| Step 2. The clay is allowed to dry to a leather-hard stage, and is then cut into sections and carefully hollowed out. This prevents the piece from exploding in the kiln. |
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| Step 3. The hollow sculpture is then reassembled and "glued" back together with wet clay slip. |
| Step 4. After drying, the fragile unfired clay (greenware) is put into a large kiln to be slowly fired for several hours. |
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| Step 5. Before removing it from the kiln, the finished sculpture (hard bisque) must cool slowly to prevent cracking. |
| Step 6. If color is desired it is hand painted with glaze and re-fired. This is often done in several stages with multiple firings. |
