Jackson County - Ceramics

Youth in the ceramics project will learn how to select a piece of premade pottery or construct a hand-built piece for their own use. Youth will learn about painting, glazing, and staining techniques required to complete the finished product.

Project Resources

There are no manuals used for this project. Please complete your project according to the exhibit guidelines and scorecard provided. If you have further questions please contact the Jackson County Purdue Extension Office.

Exhibit Guidelines
  1. 4-H member must fill out a record sheet to be turned in with the green / white record book. Attach to project 4-H-618-AW "4-H Craft Information Card" for description of work completed on the project.
  2. Choose either "pre-mold ceramics" or  "hand built pottery".
  3. If multiple pieces make up an exhibit, a photograph of the complete exhibit should be attached to the exhibit so the total exhibit can properly be displayed. For safety purposes any craft exhibit that resembles a sword, knife, or look-a-like weapon will be judged but will not be displayed.
  4. Lamps, figures or any large article should have felt bottoms for protection.
Exhibit Class guidelines: Pre-mold ceramics (no porcelain)
Beginner (grades 3 - 5)

Things to Learn

  1. How to select pieces
  2. Tools and uses
  3. Glazing or staining techniques

Exhibit requirements: One article that has been stained or glazed.

intermediate (grades 6 - 8)

Things to Learn

  1. Staining methods
  2. Antiquing methods

Exhibit requirements: One article that has been stained or glazed. Use techniques learned over the course of the project.

advanced (grades 9 - 12)

Things to Learn

     Proper techniques for:

  1. Dust away
  2. One stroke
  3. Dry brushing
  4. Overglaze
  5. Chalks
  6. Other advanced techniques

Exhibit requirements: One article that has been stained or glazed. Use techniques learned over the course of the project.

Exhibit Class guidelines: hand built pottery
Beginner (grades 3 - 5)

Things to Learn

  1. How to prepare clay for use
  2. Tools and uses
  3. Hand building techniques - pinch pot, coil method, slab construction, wheel
  4. Glazing and firing techniques

Exhibit requirements: One article that has been stained or glazed.

intermediate (grades 6 - 8)

Things to Learn

  1. How to prepare clay for use
  2. Hand building techniques - pinch pot, coil method, slab construction, wheel
  3. Decorating techniques
  4. Underglazing

Exhibit requirements: One article that has been stained or glazed. Use techniques learned over the course of the project.

advanced (grades 9 - 12)

Things to Learn

  1. Hand building techniques - pinch pot, coil method, slab construction, wheel
  2. Combining techniques
  3. Other advanced techniques

Exhibit requirements: One article that has been stained or glazed. Use techniques learned over the course of the project.

The Grand Champion for this project is eligible to go to the Indiana State Fair for Arts & Crafts. This is a county project, however each 4-H'er must attach to project 4-H-618AW "4-H Craft Information Card" for description of work completed on the project. Find this card by navigating the Indiana state project page for Arts & Crafts. 

State Project: Arts & Crafts