Clay

In our classroom we have airdry clay because we don't have a kiln. This puts some limitations on what we are able to create when it comes to functional food-safe vessels since we are unable to glaze our work.

There are a few important things to know about clay if you want to avoid the heartbreak of a cracked sculpture:

• Clay shrinks when it dries. This means you can't mold it around something solid because it will crack when it starts to shrink

• Clay will only adhere to other wet clay. If you try to add wet clay to dry clay, they will crack apart. (Always wrap up your in-progress sculptures with a damp paper towel in a plastic bag)

• You MUST score and slip each piece that you attach. Just squishing the clay together will not create a firm bond

Handbuilding 101