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How do i use a pottery kit?

How do i use a pottery kit?

How do i use a pottery kit?

I bought a pottery kit, and i cant understand the instructions. It says that the clay is supposed to be moist but it is hard as a brick. Do i have to run it under some water or something. It says to fold it so its standing up, and then to wedge it but it is hard and it still is like a brick. Can anyone give me some helpful tips on how to do it? Please help.

Hi, I'm a potter so hopefully I can help.

If the clay is hard but still moist try dropping it on a hard concrete surface a few times. This helps to soften it and starts the wedging (kneading) process. If it is still too hard (ie you can't squeeze it between finger and thumb) poke a few holes in it with a knitting needle or the end of a paintbrush and pour a little water over it and into the holes. Leave for about a week in a sealed plastic bag. The water will help to soften it.

If its dried out and rock hard you may need to add more water and wait a bit longer.

When it has softened you need to wedge it to evenly distribute the moisture in the clay and get the air bubbles out. Its like kneading dough but try not to trap air as you fold the clay over on itself.

Another method of wedging is to use the wire cutter and cut the clay in half. Throw 1 half onto a hard surface and then throw the other half down hard on top. Repeat this 20 times always cutting clay through both layers and stacking to make more layers (like pastry).

If you buy clay from a pottery supplies shop it should be ready to wedge. As you wedge clay it gets a bit softer, but it will also dry out if handled too much and crack, so do about a pound of clay at a time to start with.

I wedge my clay on a sheet of mdf board. It stops it sticking to the table. You need a slightly pourous surface to wedge on. Concrete is great too for wedging.

Hope this helps