Paper clay is a versatile material used in ceramics for its added strength and flexibility. By incorporating paper fibers into regular clay, you can create lightweight and durable ceramic pieces. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own paper clay at home.
Materials Needed:
- Newspaper – Shredded into small pieces.
- 25-pound bag of clay – Any type of clay that suits your project but usually is porcelain.
- Wire tool – For cutting the clay into strips.
- Water – For soaking the newspaper and creating the clay slip.
- Drill – Used to mix the paper and clay.
- Drill attachment – A helix or mud mixer works best for blending.
- 2 buckets – One for soaking the paper, one for mixing the clay and paper.
- Kitchen sieve – To strain the newspaper from excess water.
- Plaster drying board – To help dry out the paper clay.
- Darvan 7 – A deflocculant that helps thin the clay slip if needed.
- Dishwashing soap – Helps prevent bacteria growth in the paper clay mix.
Step-by-Step Process to Make Paper Clay:
- Prepare the Clay
Start by taking the 25-pound bag of clay and using a wire tool to cut it into thin strips. Let these strips dry out completely, as the clay needs to be broken down into a slip. - Soak the Newspaper
Tear the newspaper into small pieces and place them in a bucket. Add water to fully submerge the paper and let it soak for several hours or overnight. - Add Newspaper to Water Gradually
When the paper has softened, add small amounts of newspaper to the water in the bucket. Avoid letting it clump together. Use a spatula or mixer to push each piece into the water until all the paper is submerged. - Mix the Newspaper with a Drill
Attach a helix or mud mixer to your drill and use it to blend the newspaper in the water. Mix briefly, ensuring the paper fibers are evenly distributed without over-mixing. - Check the Paper Consistency
After mixing, put a small amount of the paper slurry into a clear container. You should see fluffy, well-separated paper fibers without colored flecks. If the paper still has visible color or isn’t fluffy, continue mixing. - Strain the Newspaper
Use a kitchen sieve to drain the excess water from the paper mixture. Avoid pressing the paper too hard, as you want to retain moisture for the next step. Save the water for later use. - Create the Clay Slip
In a separate bucket, start adding the soaked newspaper mixture and some of the reserved water to your clay. If the clay becomes too thick, add a small amount of Darvan 7 to thin it out. - Combine Paper and Clay
Gradually mix 1/3 newspaper slurry with 2/3 clay. Use your drill and attachment to blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth, consistent slip. - Add Dishwashing Soap
Add a small amount of dishwashing soap to the paper clay slip. This step helps prevent bacteria growth, which could cause the clay to spoil over time. - Dry the Paper Clay
Pour the paper clay slip onto a plaster drying board to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. Once the clay reaches a workable consistency, it is ready to be used.
By following these steps, you’ll have durable and flexible paper clay that can be shaped and sculpted into various ceramic projects. This DIY paper clay is ideal for intricate designs, hand-building techniques, and adding texture to your pottery.