Northcote Terracotta Clay - 10kg

The Northcote Terracotta Clay - 10kg is a strong, versatile, and school-friendly ceramic clay suitable for a wide range of handbuilding and throwing projects. Ideal for students, educators, and hobbyists, this Australian-made clay fires to a stunning salmon pink to rich orange tone, depending on firing temperature. It offers an excellent introduction to ceramic techniques, while also being reliable for advanced sculptural and functional works.

This clay is classified as a 16# handbuilding clay, meaning it has enough body and strength to hold its shape for large-scale work, making it perfect for creating sculptural busts, garden ornaments, and terracotta pots. It is smooth enough for wheel throwing, offering flexibility across various forming methods. The wet-to-dry shrinkage is 6.5%, helping to reduce cracking and warping during the drying and firing process.

The clay can be bisque fired between 1000 °C and 1100 °C, and glazed and fired again to 1100 °C using a suitable earthenware glaze. It may also be used unglazed, producing beautiful earthy results at temperatures between 1000 °C and 1200 °C.

Educational Benefits

• Introduces kiln-fired ceramics - Teaches firing processes, glaze application, and shrinkage behaviour.
• Encourages 3D design thinking - Students explore shape, structure, and form through sculpting and modelling.
• Develops fine motor and planning skills - Supports creative expression through clay manipulation.
• Suitable for individual or collaborative projects - Ideal for large group art classes or focused projects.

Classroom Ideas

• Garden art projects - Students sculpt plant pots, garden figures, or ornaments for outdoor displays.
• Sculptural busts or masks - Create large-format expressive works for display or exhibition.
• Functional pottery lessons - Throw or handbuild cups, bowls, and dishes.
• Texture and pattern activities - Incorporate stamps or natural textures before firing.

Product Specifications

• Contents: 10kg of terracotta clay
• Type: 16# handbuilding clay (also suitable for throwing)
• Colour: Fires to salmon pink through deep orange (dependent on temperature)
• Bisque Firing Temperature: 1000 °C to 1100 °C
• Glaze Firing Temperature: 1100 °C with suitable earthenware glaze
• Unglazed Use: Fires effectively between 1000 °C and 1200 °C
• Shrinkage: Wet-to-dry shrinkage of 6.5%
• Applications: Handbuilding, throwing, sculptural work, garden pots, ornaments
• Country of Manufacture: Made in Australia
• Brand: Northcote

Pack Size: 10kg