How to Make Paper Clay

Paper clay is a great medium for those who would like to learn ceramics, because it holds up well AND can be cut down or altered at any point when sculpting. The paper itself will burn off when fired, leaving behind a lighter-weight sculpture in clay. Here's how to make your own paper clay:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3.5 oz or 200 grams of newspaper
• 1 lb. or 1 kg of clay
• Mixing cage with power drill attachment
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Wedging bat
• 4 boards 1 in. x 2 in. x 12 in. (optional)

1. Shred the newspaper into strips and soak in water. Set aside. You'll need 3.5 ounces of paper for 1 pound of clay you plan to use (or 200 grams of newspaper for 1 kilogram of clay).

2. Create clay slip by combining clay with enough water to make it a batter-like consistency.

3. Add one part paper pulp to four parts clay slip in a large bowl, and mix using a mixing cage equipped with a drill attachment.

4. Arrange the 4 boards to form a rectangular plaster bat and pour the clay mixture over it to dry. Alternate: pour clay mixture directly onto table to dry instead of using a plaster bat.

5. Prior to using the clay, roll it with the wedging bat to remove air pockets.

6. Store clay in a plastic bag until ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Save dried clay remnants to use as wedging bats
• Use a sturdy table for setting the clay
• Do not use a potter's wheel with paper clay