Working with Clay at HomeEQUIPMENT YOU'LL NEED
A board to work on...either a piece of clean Masonite (one for each color of clay) or a piece of plywood that is covered with heavy fabric (such as canvas or heavyweight material)...preferably without a pattern or print.
Plastic trash bags to wrap your work in when you take a break before finishing it.
Slip in a container that can be closed.Slip is made by mixing a chunk of clay with water until it gets to the consistency of heavy cream. Use a utility brush to mix the clay into the water. Stick the clay to the side of the container near the bottom, put some water in (not too much at a time), and use the brush to brush the clay into the water.
A needle tool, or a darning needle stuck firmly into the end of a dowel or small piece of wood. Stick the end you would put thread into firmly into the wood and put a drop of glue on the wood to hold it in place. You can also use toothpicks (but not the super cheap thin kind).
OTHER STUFF THAT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
A rolling pin (never to be used for food again), or a large diameter dowel that has been sanded smooth.
Garlic press for making hair, trees, or anything else you can think of.
An old 8-10 watercolor brush for applying the slip.
Stamps and other items that can be used to add texture and interest to your piece.
A green 3M scrubby to sand the rough spots off of your clay when it is dry. Cut the scrubby into 1 1/2 inch squares so it is easier to handle.
GLAZES YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER GETTING:
Amaco makes a watercolor set of glazes that are easy to use, pretty tidy and make good colors. You use them just like watercolors. They can be ordered from Seattle Pottery, (587-0570), which is located at 35 South Hanford. They are kind of pricey ($17.85 per set), but really are a good solution to glazes for the beginner at home.
They come in three sets:
108: black, dark blue, dark green, light yellow, maroon, light brown, blue green, white. (recommended for the first set )
109: Turquoise, medium blue, warm gray, bright yellow, pink, mahogany brown, Irish green, lilac.
110: light blue, purple, orange, chartreuse, aqua, rose, peach, sun tan
STUFF TO REMEMBER:
Remember when you are working at home that while clay washes off of most surfaces, it is hard to get out of carpets (if it does get in the carpet, let it dry and then vacuum it up). You might try to find an out-of-the-way spot where you can set up a table and arrange your supplies and have a permanent place to work.
Clay and food do not mix, so working on the kitchen counter isn't such a great idea...especially when you are glazing your work.
Bring your finished projects to Sakai to get fired. Remember to wrap your work loosely with paper towels and transport it carefully...it is most fragile at this stage.