drying clay

  • Making a Plaster Slab for Drying Clay – Step-by-Step

    Making a Plaster Slab for Drying Clay – Step-by-Step

    One way to recycle your clay is to spread the wet clay over an absorbent surface.  I’ve found that the best surface for reclaiming clay is a plaster slab.  Making a plaster slab for drying clay is very simple.  This is the process that I use, step by step. How to Make a Plaster Slab…

  • What is Leather Hard Clay?  And Why is it so Useful?

    What is Leather Hard Clay? And Why is it so Useful?

    Before it is fired, clay goes through three distinct stages.  The first stage is when it is soft, plastic, and workable.  The second stage is when it is leather hard.  And the third stage is when it is bone dry.  This article is all about leather hard clay.  So, what is leather hard clay and…

  • Firing Pots with Lids  – How to Dry and Fire Lidded Pots

    Firing Pots with Lids – How to Dry and Fire Lidded Pots

    I recently made my first pot with a lid on it.  I was at pains to make sure the lid was a perfect fit.  But I know that clay shrinks when it dries and can warp when it’s fired.  And I didn’t want my perfect lidded pot to be ruined.  So, before I let it…