Communication, Arts & Leisure Sciences

4-H Ceramics Project

The Colorado 4‑H Ceramics Project introduces youth to the art of creating and finishing ceramic pieces.

  • Units 1–2 teach foundational hand‑building skills using clay.
  • Units 3–6 focus on glazing techniques, allowing members to experiment with color and finishes.
  • Unit 7 invites youth to create clay sculptures, Unit 8 provides experience with wheel‑thrown pottery.
  • Unit 9 explores working with production molds.
  • Members may choose to hand‑build their pieces or purchase greenware/bisqueware for glazing in Units 3–6.

Throughout the project, young ceramists learn about design principles, tool use, ceramics terminology, planning, preparing, shaping, firing, and completing one or two exhibit‑ready pieces. Guidance on troubleshooting and evaluating their work helps them strengthen both technique and artistic craftsmanship.

Learn more about the 4-H Ceramics project on Colorado 4-H.

A young person works with clay at a table

Official Project Materials

Judging/Scoring Resources

Ceramics Score Sheets (Units 1-2, Units 3-6, Units 7-9)

Judging/Scoring Resources

Colorado Guide For Ceramic Judges

Project Aid

e-Record Tip Sheet

A brown cow in a field of grass

San Luis Valley Ceramics Project Details

This project educates on the basic knowledge of ceramics.

You complete a ceramic project according to Colorado State Fair requirements and record book.

  • Attend 2 projects meetings.
  • Record book in a 3-ring folder will need to accompany your project.
  • Record book needs to include 2 completed learning projects.
  • See Project Manuals above in Materials & Curriculum for details.

Cost:

  • Recommend using kiln at a public school or pottery shop
  • Supplies:
    • Clay-$15-30
    • Tools-$30
    • Glaze-$5-100

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