How to Make a Clay Extruder

Clay extruders--clayworking tools that force clay through a small hole--form long, consistent ribbons and streams of clay. Though commercially-made extruders are available for purchase in a number of shapes and sizes, it's easy to make your own easy, inexpensive clay extruder using materials salvaged from your recycling bin. Customize your extruder to create the precise shapes you want.

Things You'll Need

• Drink bottle
• Craft knife or razor
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash and dry the bottle and cap. Be sure to remove the lid and clean it separately. Wash the bottle's threads and inner mouth.

2. Remove the top of the bottle. Using your utility knife, carefully cut the top of the bottle. Include a bit of plastic past the neck.

3. Pry the plastic lining out of the bottle cap (the semi-opaque disc in the top of the cap). Use a thin, metal tool like a screwdriver or nut pick. If the disc is glued down, peel it off with a pair of needle-nosed pliers.

4. Create a hole in the bottle cap. Draw the shape you want in permanent marker on the top of the cap, then set it face-up on a cutting board or self-healing mat. Carefully cut out the shape using a utility knife. Attach the cap to the bottle and screw it tightly in place.

5. Extrude clay through the hole in the bottle cap. Place a lump of softened clay in the mouth of the bottle. Push the clay through the hole you've cut out using your fingers. This will create a little "well" of clay in the center of the bottle mouth. Continuously push clay back to the center of the cap as you work.

Tips & Warnings

• Cutting the shape out of the cap can take some practice to master. Practice on extra caps.