Clay Project #1

Plaster Decanting Bowl and Clay Mixer:

You will need:

• The Large Plastic Ball at least 1 1/2 foot in diameter.
• Petroleum jelly
• Plaster
• 2’x2’ piece of particleboard ¾" of an inch thick.
• Two Five gallon buckets with lids

If you have never made a plaster mold before you might want to check out Donald Firth’s "Mold Making for Ceramics."

Please consult the Plaster Page for a fuller understanding of plaster and its effects on clay.

Remember the trick to a good ceramic mold is at least 1" in overall thickness. Over an inch is better; however, overall weight is a very important factor. Your back is the other!

Question:

What is this for?

Answer:

In order to mix batches of clay without the luxury of a Soldner, or Bluebird mixer you are going to learn how to make workable clay from a liquid clay slip. Slip is easier to mix than clay. In order to get the clay to a workable level, you must figure out how to control it as it dries.

Question:

So what! You still haven’t answered the question.

Answer:

Oh, the bowl is a liquid clay slip retainer.

Question:

What are the tee shirts for?

Answer:

The tee shirts act as a barrier between the clay and the plaster. They also help when it becomes time to remove the clay from the bowl.

Question:

Why?

Answer:

If you want to mix uncontaminated batches of clay then the tee shirt serves to stop the staining of the bowl with iron.

Question:

What are the two five gallon buckets for?

Answer:

They are your (insert your last name) ____________mixer. Old Ron Popeil would be so proud.

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