Clay 101

Ceramics is an ancient art form that dates back to mankind's earliest ancestors, the skills and traditions passed down through countless cultures over millennia. All around the world, you can find artisans practicing methods from hundreds (if not thousands) of years ago. Clay is a medium of both necessity and expression that links humanity, defying borders and spanning generations.

And anyone can do it.

Many beginners we encounter have experienced clay in a high school or college art class, but if you have never touched clay before (or have simply forgotten what you learned in the past) don't let that stop you! A few simple rules and guidelines can get you started. In this lesson, we'll cover some basics that can help you dive right in, even with zero experience.

Foundations

Let's start with the core concepts of working with this material.

1.  Clay is water-based.

​This means it will dry out over time when exposed to air. Keep your unused clay wrapped up tightly in its plastic bag. A spritz of water will restore some moisture to the clay if it begins to get too dry. If you want to save an in-progress piece for later, make sure to wrap it up between sessions.

2.  Work on a porous surface.

Materials like canvas, plywood, newspaper, and even old sheets can keep the clay from sticking to your table as you work.

3.  Keep your clay pieces no more than the thickness of your thumb.

This will allow the clay to dry and fire properly. Want to make a big sphere? Just hollow out the inside!

4.  Tools are only limited by your imagination!

Anything can be a tool! Explore your home to find interesting textures and objects that can be used as tools. Doilies, jewelry, and kitchen utensils are a great place to start! Just wash your makeshift tools in the laundry or dishwasher when you're done.

5.  Clay is non-toxic and must be fired to be made durable.

This requires extreme temperatures of over 1800° F. Unlike polymer clays (like Sculpey), putting pottery clay in the oven for a few hours won't do much. Want to keep your clay creation forever? See what studio offer firing services!

Types of Clay

There are three main types of water-based clay:

Earthenware

This is a very open clay body that is often used to make planters due to the fact that it remains porous (water can pass through it) after firing. Earthenware can be used for functional work, but must be glazed in order to hold water or be food-safe.

Stoneware

The most common choice for those wishing to make functional ware. Stoneware is durable and easy to work with, and vitrifies (becomes mostly watertight) when fired to the appropriate temperature, making it ideal for dinnerware.

Porcelain

Denser than stoneware, porcelains are made from finer base materials that contribute to a tightly-knit molecular structure that provides both durability and a smooth working surface. Porcelain is more challenging to work with than earthenware or stoneware.

Attachments

Want to put a handle on that cup or some ears on that dog you sculpted? Attaching two pieces of clay together might seem like a no-brainer, but there are a few critical details to get right if you don't want your dog's ears to fall off during the drying process.

• Moisture: Make sure both pieces are at a similar stage of wetness. Don't attach a fresh piece of clay to a piece that's already half-dry.
• Score and Slip: Before attaching the two pieces, scratch up the contact surfaces with a fork or toothpick. Dab a few drops of water or vinegar onto the scratches, then scratch again for good measure. This creates a slurry of wet clay that acts like glue.
• Press Like You Mean It: You're not adding garnish to a supper plate. Press those pieces together with gusto! A slight twisting motion helps, too.

Drying

Once the piece is finished, it needs to dry completely before it can be fired. Simple shapes like cups, bowls, and trays can usually be left out in the open to dry, however if you have any delicate attachments or uneven thickness in various parts of the piece, it is best to dry it slowly. Drape a sheet of plastic (like a trash bag) loosely overtop the piece. This allows some fresh air to reach the clay, but at a lesser rate than if you left it completely uncovered. After a few days, remove the plastic and let the piece finish drying in the open. It is best to dry clay pieces on a flat, porous surface.

Clean Up

Tools and work surfaces can be cleaned with a sponge and water, and soap if needed. Clothes that get clay on them can be washed right along with the rest of your laundry, though you'll want to knock any large clumps off first. Clay can clog drains over time, so don't put a big chunk down the kitchen sink! Scrape as much off of your tools as possible before washing. Whenever sweeping up dry clay, be sure to wear a properly-rated respirator and ventilate the space as well as possible.

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