Pottery & Ceramics
What is Paperclay?
Paperclay is a mixture of clay and paper pulp.This mixture has many improved qualities over normal clay:
It's also a great way for you to experiment with clay if you are a hobbyist, art lover or craft enthusiast.
At home, it can also be great, messy, fun for kids too.
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Paper clay is processed cellulose fiber or better known as beaten paper pulp added to any clay.
Mechanically recycling clay either by hand or pug mill is no longer necessary, just drop firm or dry paper clay into water to soften.
Small air bubbles in the clay body can be ignored because the fiber acts as vents, and repairs or alterations to dry work can be made and final works don't always need to be fired.
Works can be left to dry, and resumed weeks later after soaking in water.
Some have explored the unfired paperclay option.
Making paperclay for pottery and ceramics this ways makes sense.
Making objects from paperclay, dip or coat various materials with paperclay, and not fire the work.
It has improved qualities over normal clay.
When fired the paper burns away, leaving a lightweight but strong ceramic structure behind.
To make it, soak about 7 ounces of newspaper per 2 1/4 pounds of clay.
You can make some clay slip from your favorite earthenware or mid-fire clay.
Mix the two with a ratio of about 1:4 parts paper pulp and clay slip with a drill mixer attachment.
Stand up some boards on a large plaster of paris block to contain larger amounts of slip.
Pour the mixture onto the plaster of paris block or table for drying.
Store in thick plastic bags.
Shredded paper is ideal for making paperclay.
Paperclay is suitable for hand building, but not throwing.
Mold in stored paperclay will improve its workability.
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