Remove all debris from earth clay to create pottery clay.
The process of turning earth clay into potter's clay is very time consuming. All foreign debris must be removed and the clay must be turned into a powder. Reconstituted earth clay creates a clay body capable of making quality pottery items. The fine earth clay is very smooth. The addition of grog to the clay body will create a texture. The various types of earth clay require different firing temperatures. Identify the earth clay prior to processing to determine the right firing temperature.
Instructions
1. Spread a tarp on a flat sunny surface. Place the harvested earth clay on the tarp. Spread the clay over the surface of the tarp to dry. Break the clay into small pieces or chunks. Allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
2. Place several chunks or pieces of clay in the center of the 4-foot square piece of heavy plastic. Fold one edge over the top of the clay. Hit the clay chunks or pieces with a hammer or mallet to reduce to a powdery substance.
3. Place a screen over the top of a 5-gallon bucket. Pour the crushed clay on the center of the screen. Shake the screen back and forth to sift the powdered clay into the 5-gallon bucket. Pick out the rocks and place them in an empty 5-gallon bucket. Pour the remainder of the clay from the screen on the center of the 4-foot piece of heavy plastic. Fold up the ends and crush. Repeat the process one time. Throw the remaining items on the screen into the bucket with the rocks.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the remainder of the earth clay is gone. Put the tarp away. Dump the unwanted debris in the desired location.
5. Take an empty 5-gallon bucket. Fill half of the bucket with powdered clay. Add one gallon of water to the powdered clay. Mix thoroughly using a broom handle. Proper consistency of the clay is like a thick pudding. Add more water or more clay powder if needed. Set the mixture aside for 24 hours.
Clay Bat for Processing Earth Clay
6. Mix a 5-gallon bucket of plaster and water. Follow the instructions on the plaster for proper water amounts.
7. Pour the contents of the plaster into the lid from a copy paper box. Allow the plaster to dry for 24 hours. Remove the cardboard from the outside of the plaster bat. Place the plaster bat on a level working surface.
8. Take a handful of wet earth clay from the 5-gallon bucket. Place the glob on the center of the plaster bat. Pat the glob down until it is 1 1/2 to 2-inches thick. Repeat the process until the top of the plaster bat is covered.
9. Allow the clay to air dry for 24 hours. Tap your fingers on top of the clay. The clay is ready for use when it does not stick to your fingers. Repeat the process every six to eight hours until the clay is ready for use.
10. Place the processed clay in a 5-gallon bucket for storage. Put the lid on top of the bucket and secure.
