Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals
Paperclay
Chris asked "Is anyone working with Paper Clay? I've been considering experimenting with paper clay. Has anyone made large batches? What worked?"
Try it, for me it all worked.
Each batch had different qualities.
I have done some 25+pound batches and some smaller batches.
I tried TP and insulation and newspaper,
I don't like mold so with the TP I had to use it within a couple weeks.
The insulation does not mold (due to chemicals in it)
But it made my hand itch.
Now both of my clay suppliers offer paper clays in various types... high grog, fine etc.
So I pay a little more and save myself the trouble of mixing it.
The store bought stuff does not mold unless I get it sloppy wet and put it back in the bag. So instead of putting my scraps back in the bag I set them aside and let them dry out. Then when I want to use the scraps I put them in a bag with some water, wait a day and the clay is ready to use.
But I must say mixing my own was fun and I could go high on the paper (up to 50% for some tests)
Overall I love paperclay of any kind for sculpting,
It is so forgiving. I have never had an piece blow up and I don't even worry about air pockets, In fact I can sculpt with hollow parts and leave no vent.
I also love that I can do wet on dry, even wet on fired bisque.
If you want to try a micro batch you can just wedge some wet TP into a handful of clay. It takes a bit of wedging but it works.
I know a guy on my paperclay yahoo group that does real chunky paperclay on purpose for texture, some really cool stuff...
Enough already... I get too passionate on this sometimes... LOL
Let me know if you have specific questions or need help
Andy
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Robert Bruce Vail on -
Hi: I've worked with p/c extensively. Typically, I'll mix 200 to 300 pounds at a time. I make fairly large pieces with it. I also use p/c slip to join my slabs. I had a few pieces explode during the bisque firing because the paper holds moisture for so long. Since I carve the surfaces of my pieces in low relief, the paper can be a problem. It causes my tools to drag and leave an uneven surface. On the other hand, the work is lighter than with regular clay and cracks that might occur during drying are more easily repaired due to the nature of the paper clay. If you build extremely thin objects, paper clay just can't be beat.
Regards -
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