1. Make the common uncommon,their being difference makes a difference.
2. Market oriented constant creativity will result to economic sustainability
3. Technology is the best partner of innovators.
4. Turn crisis into an opportunity.
5. Find times for things they want to do because anyone who says they have no time is really i do not want to do it.
6. Have a clear view of where you want to go and have a road map.
7. Thinking ahead will defeat setbacks.
8. Willing to go through hardships for the purpose of learning.
9. Setting a vision can acy as a guiding light.
10. If you can't invent reinvent.
11. Never stop growing.It's just the pace of growth that changes.
How about you being an entrepreneur, do yo have any of these characters?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Techniques on how to tests for clay bodies
Before a new clay or clay body is used, a few simple tests should be made to determine its various characteristics.
PLASTICITY
Plasticity is essential to any clay body. A standard simple test for is to loop a pencil size roll of clay around your finger. If the coil cracks excessively, the clay is probably not very plastic. The ultimate test, however is to work with the clay to determine if it throws without sagging and joins without cracking.
Wedging, a process by which the clay is kneaded by hand to remove air pockets, has considerable effect in increasing plasticity.
Water of plasticity refers to the amount of water need to bring a dry powdered clay into a plastic state. The finer the particle size , the more plastic a clay will be and more of water it will absorb.
POROSITY
The porosity of a fired clay body is directly related to the hardness and vitrification of the clay. To make a porosity test, weigh an unglazed fired clay sample. After an overnight soak in water, wipe the clean of surface water, and weigh it a seconds time. The percentage gain in weight will be the porosity of the clay body. A higher firing will reduce porosity.
SHRINKAGE
Shrinkage of the clay body occurs first as the clay form dries in the air and then again as the form is bisque and glazed fired. The more plastic clay will always shrink the most.
Clay shrinkage rates generally range from 5 to 12 percent in the drying stage, with an additional 8 to 12 percent shrinkage during firings.
PLASTICITY
Plasticity is essential to any clay body. A standard simple test for is to loop a pencil size roll of clay around your finger. If the coil cracks excessively, the clay is probably not very plastic. The ultimate test, however is to work with the clay to determine if it throws without sagging and joins without cracking.
Wedging, a process by which the clay is kneaded by hand to remove air pockets, has considerable effect in increasing plasticity.
Water of plasticity refers to the amount of water need to bring a dry powdered clay into a plastic state. The finer the particle size , the more plastic a clay will be and more of water it will absorb.
POROSITY
The porosity of a fired clay body is directly related to the hardness and vitrification of the clay. To make a porosity test, weigh an unglazed fired clay sample. After an overnight soak in water, wipe the clean of surface water, and weigh it a seconds time. The percentage gain in weight will be the porosity of the clay body. A higher firing will reduce porosity.
SHRINKAGE
Shrinkage of the clay body occurs first as the clay form dries in the air and then again as the form is bisque and glazed fired. The more plastic clay will always shrink the most.
Clay shrinkage rates generally range from 5 to 12 percent in the drying stage, with an additional 8 to 12 percent shrinkage during firings.
Different kinds of Clay that can be used in pottery
Clay Pottery
Pottery tends to be coarser than porcelain and can be broadly classified as earthenware or stoneware. Earthenware is usually of buff, brown or red color depending on the color of the clay used. Earthenware pottery is porous and not as strong as stoneware. Earthenware pottery made of red clay is called terracotta. If this type of clay pottery is glazed, it can be used for liquids and used in microwaves too. Stoneware is non-porous and can take different colors.
Stoneware is usually vitreous or semi-vitreous, not translucent. Clay pottery is often glazed or coated with a thin layer of glassy paint. This glaze is dusted or sprayed or brushed on to the clay pottery. A glaze seals and smoothens as well as colors the surface of the clay pottery. Compounds of aluminates, silicates, oxides and tin or lead or copper are used for glazing. Clay pottery vases, urns and chalices can be used to decorate your living space. Team up exquisitely crafted clay pottery bases with lamp shades.
Clay pottery must be used for cooking only if the coloring and glazing is made from safe materials. Beware of items that contain lead paint. Clay pottery items, if used for cooking can wear over time and become damaged. Though clay pottery items can handle very high and low temperatures, sudden temperature changes must be avoided. They must not be placed over direct heat. Do not place cold clay vessels in the oven. Soak the dishes or pots in soapy water and then scrub gently to clean them.
Red Clay Pottery
Red clay pottery exudes warmth from its earthy tones and can be used for kitchen utensils and home décor alike. You can use red clay pots for planting your seasonal herbs and indoor plants. This type of clay pottery is warm, red-brown and earthy in appearance. Clay pottery can be formed or molded into intricate patterns. Unglazed pottery pots are porous, and plant roots remain cooler and dry out more quicker than in glazed pots. Ensure good drainage with all kinds of clay pottery containers. Use clay pottery drip saucers or trays under the pots to catch escaping water. Be it the simple round pots or decorative pots and planters, red clay pottery has a timeless appeal. Pick up exquisite terracotta pottery for your home.
sources:http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/clay-pottery.html
Pottery tends to be coarser than porcelain and can be broadly classified as earthenware or stoneware. Earthenware is usually of buff, brown or red color depending on the color of the clay used. Earthenware pottery is porous and not as strong as stoneware. Earthenware pottery made of red clay is called terracotta. If this type of clay pottery is glazed, it can be used for liquids and used in microwaves too. Stoneware is non-porous and can take different colors.
Stoneware is usually vitreous or semi-vitreous, not translucent. Clay pottery is often glazed or coated with a thin layer of glassy paint. This glaze is dusted or sprayed or brushed on to the clay pottery. A glaze seals and smoothens as well as colors the surface of the clay pottery. Compounds of aluminates, silicates, oxides and tin or lead or copper are used for glazing. Clay pottery vases, urns and chalices can be used to decorate your living space. Team up exquisitely crafted clay pottery bases with lamp shades.
Clay pottery must be used for cooking only if the coloring and glazing is made from safe materials. Beware of items that contain lead paint. Clay pottery items, if used for cooking can wear over time and become damaged. Though clay pottery items can handle very high and low temperatures, sudden temperature changes must be avoided. They must not be placed over direct heat. Do not place cold clay vessels in the oven. Soak the dishes or pots in soapy water and then scrub gently to clean them.
Red Clay Pottery
Red clay pottery exudes warmth from its earthy tones and can be used for kitchen utensils and home décor alike. You can use red clay pots for planting your seasonal herbs and indoor plants. This type of clay pottery is warm, red-brown and earthy in appearance. Clay pottery can be formed or molded into intricate patterns. Unglazed pottery pots are porous, and plant roots remain cooler and dry out more quicker than in glazed pots. Ensure good drainage with all kinds of clay pottery containers. Use clay pottery drip saucers or trays under the pots to catch escaping water. Be it the simple round pots or decorative pots and planters, red clay pottery has a timeless appeal. Pick up exquisite terracotta pottery for your home.
sources:http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/clay-pottery.html
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