Making clay depends on the type of clay you want to create. Here are step-by-step instructions for three different types: simple play clay, modeling clay, and pottery clay.
1. Making Simple Play Clay (Dries Out Quickly)
This type of clay is easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home, but it will dry out and harden relatively quickly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup water (approximately)
- Food coloring (optional)
Steps:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt.
- Add water gradually: Slowly add water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Start with less water than you think you need and add more gradually to avoid making the clay too sticky.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a little more water.
- Add food coloring (optional): Divide the clay into portions and add food coloring to each portion. Knead the color in thoroughly.
- Store properly: Store the clay in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.
2. Making Modeling Clay (More Durable)
This clay is smoother and more durable than simple play clay, making it great for sculpting.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups cold water
- Food coloring (optional)
Steps:
- Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the cornstarch, baking soda, and water.
- Cook over medium heat: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a thick, mashed-potato-like consistency. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat: Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead until smooth. This may take a few minutes.
- Add food coloring (optional): Divide the clay into portions and add food coloring to each portion. Knead the color in thoroughly.
- Store properly: Store the clay in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
3. Making Pottery Clay (Harvesting Natural Clay)
Making pottery clay involves finding and processing natural clay from the earth. This process is more involved and requires access to a suitable clay source.
Steps:
- Locate a clay source: Look for clay-rich soil near running water (like riverbanks or streams) or in desert areas. Clay soil is typically sticky, smooth, and easily molded when wet.
- Test the soil: Take a small sample of the soil and try to roll it into a coil. If it holds its shape without cracking or crumbling, it likely contains clay.
- Harvest the clay: Dig up the clay-rich soil and remove any large rocks, roots, or debris.
- Slake the clay: Place the clay in a large container and cover it with water. Let it sit for several days or weeks until the clay breaks down into a slurry.
- Screen the clay: Pour the clay slurry through a fine-mesh screen to remove any remaining debris.
- Settle the clay: Allow the clay to settle in the container. The excess water will rise to the top.
- Remove excess water: Carefully pour off the excess water. You can also use a plaster slab to draw out more water.
- Wedge the clay: Wedge the clay by repeatedly cutting and slamming it back together. This removes air bubbles and creates a uniform consistency. Wedging is crucial for preventing explosions in the kiln.
- Store properly: Store the wedged clay in an airtight container or a plastic bag.
These three processes offer different ways to make clay depending on your needs and resources. Remember to properly store your clay to prevent it from drying out.
