Making clay from soil at home involves breaking down the soil, soaking it in water, and then processing it to remove impurities.
While the referenced YouTube short video extract doesn't give the full method, we can infer and expand upon it using general knowledge about making clay from soil:
- Collect and Prepare the Soil:
- Start with soil that is high in clay content. This is often found in areas with poor drainage.
- Remove any large debris like rocks, sticks, and leaves.
- Break Down the Soil:
- As shown in the video extract, use a mallet and hammer (or similar tools) to break down large clumps of soil into smaller chunks. This helps with the soaking process.
- Soak the Soil:
- Submerge the broken-down soil in water. The video extract mentions covering each piece with water. Allow the soil to soak for several hours, or even overnight, until it becomes a slurry.
- Remove Impurities (Levigation):
- Agitate the mixture thoroughly.
- Let the mixture settle. The heavier particles (sand, silt) will sink to the bottom.
- Carefully pour off the clay-rich water (clay slurry) into a separate container. This process, called levigation, separates the clay particles from larger impurities. Repeat this process as necessary to further refine the clay slurry.
- Settle and Decant:
- Allow the clay slurry to sit undisturbed for several hours or even days. The clay particles will settle to the bottom of the container, leaving clear water on top.
- Carefully pour off the clear water (decant) without disturbing the settled clay.
- Drying and Wedging:
- Allow the clay to dry partially. This can be done by spreading it out on a plaster slab, a porous surface, or even a canvas.
- Once the clay has reached a workable consistency (like playdough), wedge it thoroughly to remove air bubbles and create a uniform texture. Wedging involves kneading and folding the clay.
Important Considerations:
- Soil Testing: Before starting, test a small batch of soil to see if it's suitable for making clay. Roll a small piece into a coil. If it cracks easily, it may not have enough clay content.
- Firing: Homemade clay may not be suitable for high-temperature firing in a kiln due to impurities. It's best used for air-drying projects or low-fire ceramics.
