Reclay

Reclay

Normally in the process of making clay figures, some clay will inevitably dry out and become useless. Simultaneously I also learned from the manager of the school's clay workshop that a large amount of clay is directly thrown away due to drying out every year. Although clay can be recycled by adding water, it is very difficult, so few people do it.

The clay, which dried out over the years, ended up being thrown away as ordinary waste. So I thought, how to make the recycling of clay easier, or treat it in other ways that are more environmentally friendly, such as changing the nature of the clay so that it can be integrated into the soil. Considering the quality requirements for industrial and crafts, I turned my attention to clays that can be used more easily, such as the handmade clay that used by children in schools.

Following this direction, I came up with a concept: to add a certain proportion of recycled fine wood chips, fine soil, moss residues and small plant seeds based on papers. The plasticity of the clay mixed with these materials will not be affected and the water absorption is better. After this clay is air-dried and shaped without the addition of water, can you choose to add water. After a period the clay will grow plants.

The meaning of this clay has the following:

• More convenient and environmentally friendly treatment. Because it uses wood chips and recycled paper as raw materials, which make the clay absorbent and easier to recycle, and it can also be mixed directly into the soil.

• Stimulate creativity. The light weight of clay is more suitable for children or teenagers. At the same time, the clay can develop another form (plant growth) after it is air-dried into a sculpture so that the clay still has room to develop after it is air-dried.

• The moss will follow the shape of the statue. Therefore, people can make a potted plant shape that they like.

• It has a pedagogical significance. Many schools or kindergartens will use a lot of clay. I believe that the use of this modified clay allows the children to plant their own small bonsai on the clay and observe the growth process of the plants.

• Extend the continuity of another form of clay, a material that is easily wasted