Creating earthen clay involves a process of separating the fine clay particles from dirt using water and allowing them to settle, then drying the resulting material.
Steps to Make Earthen Clay
Making usable earthen clay from natural dirt is a multi-step process focused on isolating the pure clay component. The following steps outline how to achieve this, based on the provided reference:
1. Discard the Topsoil
Begin by obtaining the appropriate type of dirt. The very top layer, or topsoil, which is typically rich in organic matter, should be discarded. You need to dig down to find soil layers that contain higher concentrations of clay.
2. Combine Dirt and Water
Take the clay-rich dirt and mix it thoroughly with water. This step helps break down the clumps and suspend the different soil particles in the liquid.
3. Separate the Clay Layer
After combining the dirt and water, allow the mixture to sit undisturbed. The heavier particles like sand and gravel will settle relatively quickly. The finer clay particles will remain suspended in the water much longer, forming a distinct, cloudy layer above the settled sediment. Carefully separate this clay layer from the bottom sediment.
4. Repeat the Process
For a purer clay, you may need to repeat the process of mixing the separated clay solution with fresh water and allowing it to settle again. This further removes any remaining coarser particles and isolates the fine clay.
5. Pour Off Excess Water
Once the clay particles have settled out of the water (they will form a soft layer at the bottom of your container after separating from coarser materials), pour off the excess water carefully.
6. Wrap the Clay in Cloth
Take the soft, wet clay material and wrap it in a cloth. A natural fabric like cotton works well as it allows moisture to wick away.
7. Hang the Clay
After wrapping, hang the cloth-wrapped clay. This allows gravity and air circulation to draw out the remaining moisture, drying the clay to a workable consistency.
By following these steps, you can refine natural dirt into usable earthen clay suitable for various applications.
