How to Make Pottery With Self-Hardening Clay

Air-dry clay comes in many colors and types.

Self-hardening clay is a great way to make a piece of clay pottery without having to purchase or find a kiln. The clay can be manipulated with the same tools used with other clays, and some self-hardening clays can be used on a pottery wheel. There are three types of air-dry clay available for purchase, and others that can be made at home. Each has its own features and benefits. The homemade clay will usually be completely cured in 24 to 48 hours. The others available are epoxy clay, air-dry polymer clay and air-dry modeling clay.

Things You'll Need

• Self-hardening clay
• Clay tools (toothpicks, Popsicle sticks and cookie cutters)
• Paint (if desired)
• Paint brushes (if desired)

Instructions

1. Design your piece of pottery. The design will help you to decide the technique best suited to your piece.

2. Cut or break off a manageable amount of clay. Form it into a ball and work the clay with your hands to make it easier to shape. Knead with your hands to remove air bubbles from the clay.

3. Choose your technique.

   You can pinch, using mainly your thumb and forefinger to pinch the clay into whatever shape you desire. This method is the simplest and the most versatile.

   You can use slabs. This is similar to working with pie crust. Roll out sheets of clay in various thicknesses and cut pieces off and assemble into shapes.

   The coil method is a common way to create bowls and plates. Start with smaller balls of clay that are rolled out into "snakes." Then curl the snakes around themselves and use them to make the bottoms of bowls and build the sides of pots and bowls.

   You can also use a pottery wheel to create just about anything that you can imagine. Some of the air dry clay is to dry to throw on a wheel, also the air dry clay can disintegrate when exposed to water. Before using on a wheel, check the package for usage instructions.

4. Mold your piece using your technique. The coil method is popular and can produce wonderful results. You can leave the coils visible, or you can smooth the coils together to make one smooth piece. A very simple bowl can be created by making one coil for the base and using additional coils to build up the sides.

5. Set the piece aside when you are satisfied and allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours. When the piece is completely dry you can paint it with acrylic craft paint or leave as is.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add texture to your clay piece with almost anything you have lying around. Think about using screws, pins, toothbrushes and sponges to add texture to your piece.

• Never wash your hands in the sink after working with clay. Use a bucket with water and allow the clay to settle to the bottom.

• Air-dry clay should never be used for liquid or food. The surface of the clay is too porous and can harbor bacteria and contaminate food stored in or served from it.

References

• Sculpture House: Self-hardening Clays
• Art Place: Self Hardening Clay

Resources

• Sheffield-Pottery: Hands-on History of Pottery
• KidsRCrafty: Self-Hardening Clay