Specifications

Storing and Reprocessing Clay
It is necessary to store clay in a sealed plastic container.
Purchase some large plastic bins. When doing a project you
wish to return to later, store the project in the bins to keep
them damp and organized by class. If the projects seem to dry
out, damp paper towels or a damp sponge can be placed in the
bin and will help keep projects moist.
Teachers often have left over clay or inherit clay from a
previous teacher or program. Clay left over from a project can
sometimes get a little too dry, but doesn’t need a total repro-
cessing effort. Divide the clay into pieces no larger than a golf
ball (students can assist with this
process) and use a mist
bottle to moisten the clay
when it is put into the bag.
Seal the bag and it will be
ready for the next day,
although it will stay soft
longer than normal. If clay
is too wet, pull off bag and
expose to air for appropriate
amount of time. Determine
appropriate amount of time
by evaluating room temper-
ature, humidity, etc.
If a block of clay has
gotten too dry it does not
work to dump water into the
bag. This will only make the
outside slimy and not penetrate the interior of the block.
Instead, use one of these two ways:
• If the clay is firm, but not totally dry, unbag it. Cut it
into quarters using a wire. Wrap these blocks with a
very damp to wet terrycloth towel. Rebag it and set
aside for a day or two. It can be left longer, but may
get moldy if left for an extended period of time.
• Unbag the clay and cut into thick slices (approximately
1 1/2” – 2”) thick. Use your finger (or if too firm,
something similar in size) to poke deep holes without
going through the bottom. Fill these recessions with
water, stack and rebag. This needs to sit for at least
overnight.
If clay is totally hard or bone dry it will need to be
completely reprocessed. Bone-dry clay reprocesses faster and
more evenly than leather hard clay. You can always get a
student to help break up this piece of dry clay.
To reprocess:
• Get a large trash can and add clay. Cover with water.
Let this sit for a few days, if possible. Dig the clay out
in large handfuls, letting water drain. Place on a dry
plaster slab approximately 2” thick. If you don’t have a
slab, use a thick piece of wood. These materials will
absorb water from the clay. When it is the consistency
you desire, remove it and place in plastic bags. This
clay may take some kneading before or after it is
bagged to prepare for projects.
*The above information was compiled from Kathy Skaggs at Atlantic
Beach Pottery and Craig Freiburger at Armadillo Clay.
6
Clay
Dry Cleaning
garment bags are a
good source for
wrapping clay in and
protected projects
from drying out.
Students can bring in
discarded laundry
bags from parents.
Unusual Ideas for Creating Texture
When creating a clay piece there are
several items you can use to create
texture. Once you start brainstorming,
the ideas are endless. Some unique
items, many of which you will find
around the house, are:
• Tire Treads
• Burlap cloth
• Paper towels
• leaves, branches
• meat tenderizer
• garlic press
• rubber stamps
• cookie cutters
• lace or doilies
• bubble wrap
• jello molds
• waffle iron
• crinkle cutter (for vegetables)
• corn cob (with hard kernels)
• wood
• brush
•comb
• whisk
• toothbrush
• rocks
• dough cutter
• sponge
• beads
• decorated silverware handles
• scouring pads
• screen
Get
Creative!
The possibilities
are endless!